There is no doubt that you want the best for your family. This means ensuring that your home is as safe as possible. Fortunately, in modern times it’s easier to keep your family safe. As technology advances, many devices have become available to add further protection to your home. By keeping up with electrical inspections, you can stay up to date with all the modern safety devices. For instance, outdated outlets and wiring can cause fires and electrocutions in your home. What many don’t know is that faulty appliances can release carbon monoxide. Speak to an electrician about making your home safer.
You may have a smoke detector or a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If you do, we commend you, as this safety measure will serve you and your family well. Is it possible that your carbon monoxide detector needs to be replaced? Read on to find out more about keeping your co detector in working order.
The Silent Killer – Carbon Monoxide
Since carbon monoxide has no color, smell, or taste, it is difficult to know when it is present in your home. Household appliances like stoves, dryers, furnaces, fireplaces, and cars are responsible for releasing carbon monoxide.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Chest pain
If you or anyone in your home shows these symptoms, you should leave your home immediately and call for emergency assistance. If you experience these symptoms, it means the carbon monoxide has already started to poison you.
The most efficient way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is by installing carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home. You can also ensure that your homes stay well-ventilated when you use appliances that release carbon monoxide, like your generator or car.
Another way to ensure that your home stays free from carbon monoxide is to schedule regular electrical inspections. An electrician should inspect each of your devices to ensure that none of them releases carbon monoxide. They also ensure that your carbon monoxide detector is in working condition and that it is in the correct place to detect carbon monoxide. To schedule an electrical inspection, contact your nearby electrical company.
Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Expire?
You may have thought that only food can expire, but it may surprise you to know that carbon monoxide detectors have expiration dates too. This is because carbon monoxide detectors have sensors that lose their sensitivity over time. Most carbon monoxide detectors last between five and ten years. However, yours should have an expiration date on the back or a date for when it was made, so you can do the math and know when to replace them.
DIY Carbon Monoxide Detector Maintenance
To ensure that your carbon monoxide detector serves you and your family well, there are a few things you can check to ensure that it is working. It is important to test your carbon monoxide detector every month and replace the batteries at least twice a year. Even if your unit is nowhere near the expiry date, you should still test it regularly. If your carbon monoxide detector is plugged into an outlet that relies on your home’s electrical system, ensure that you have backup batteries so that the co detector can work during power outages.
Make sure that your unit is clear of dust and mold. If you would like to ensure that your carbon monoxide detector gets a thorough clean, contact Asbury Electrics. We will be able to clean your carbon monoxide detector thoroughly so that it works as it should.
Test your carbon monoxide detector by pushing the test button in front of the unit. Hold the button in for 20 seconds or until you hear two beeps. However, be sure to check the device’s manufacturer instructions for details that are specific to your model.
If you do not hear a beep, it could mean that you need to replace your carbon monoxide detector. Before throwing your detector away, contact your local fire department to ensure proper disposal of the unit.
Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
There are three main types of carbon monoxide detectors. Each one has a different sensor that may have a different expiry date and reason for expiring.
A biomimetics sensor, for example, uses gel to detect carbon monoxide levels in your home. This gel may expire over time and become ineffective. You may need to replace the gel or the entire sensor.
Metal oxide sensors rely on a processor to detect a change in the resistance of a circuit. The sensor needs an electrical connection, so it is important to ensure that you have backup batteries for power outages.
Electrochemical sensors have electrodes that are immersed in a chemical solution. Over time, this may become ineffective and expire.
How Do You Know When to Replace Your Carbon Monoxide Detector?
Most carbon monoxide detectors have an end-of-life warning notification that will alert the homeowner as soon as that advice should be replaced. The carbon monoxide detector will beep every 30 seconds or display an ERR message. An expired carbon monoxide device will beep every 30 seconds until the device is replaced; replacing the batteries won’t stop the device from beeping, as the fault is with the device and not with the batteries.
If you installed your carbon monoxide detector before 2013, it’s safe to say that you should replace it.
Professional Electrical Safety Assistance
If you’re unsure about the condition of your carbon monoxide detector, do not hesitate to call Asbury Electric. Our qualified team of electricians can inspect your home and your carbon monoxide detector to ensure that everything works as it should. Not only will our inspectors check the device, but they will also be sure to check other appliances in your home to ensure that no carbon monoxide is leaking. While there are a few tips to test your carbon monoxide detector by yourself, to get full clarity on its condition, it’s best to ask a professional electrician to inspect it.
The Importance of Electrical Maintenance
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your home inspected, there may be some potential problems with your electrical system. Your home’s wiring may be faulty, leading to fires and electrocution. Your electrical panel could be having a hard time keeping up with your modern devices. No matter the problem, electrical maintenance can prevent serious injuries and health issues. Regularly maintaining your smoke and carbon dioxide detector can save your life. Carbon monoxide poisoning affects thousands of people in the U.S.A each year. Stay up to date with all electrical safety protocols so you can take care of your loved ones.
For the most comprehensive electrical inspections, you can rely on Asbury Electric. We take pride in ensuring that our customer’s homes are safe and sound at all times!
The Best Nearby Electrician Service in Williamsburg, Hampton Roads
Asbury Electric takes your home’s electrical safety very seriously. With that being said, we offer a variety of electrical safety device installations. If you need a carbon monoxide detector or smoke detector installed, we will gladly do it. We offer 24-hour electrical services if you should need us in an emergency. All our electricians are licensed and qualified, so you know that your home and family are in the best hands. Our respectful team will provide quality services to you and your family and ensure that your home is clean after they work on it.
For more information on our carbon monoxide detectors, contact us by sending us your message conveniently online, or give us a ring! One of our friendly, local representatives would love to help.
