It is important to test your smoke alarm and clean it at regular intervals so that it can function properly. A working smoke alarm can save your life in the event of a fire. Here are some tips on how to maintain your smoke alarm.
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Test your smoke detector once a month
For your safety, it is recommended that you test your smoke detector every month by pressing the "test" button. During this test, you should hear an audible alarm. If you do not hear it, the smoke detector is not working and it is time to change the batteries or replace it.
Clean it at least twice a year
Your smoke alarm can become clogged with dust, insects or smoke. It is therefore essential to clean it regularly with a soft cloth. Do not use water or aggressive cleaning agents that could damage the smoke detector. You can also use compressed air in the device. This prevents particles from accumulating in the detector and preventing it from working properly.
Change the batteries every six months
Smoke detectors are battery operated. It is therefore important to change them regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer, on average every 6 months. If there is no alarm or if you hear an intermittent audible alarm when you press the "test" button, the batteries are weak and should be replaced. In any case: never use rechargeable batteries in your smoke alarm.
Replace the smoke detector every 10 years
Smoke detectors have a limited life span. It is therefore important to replace them at regular intervals according to the manufacturer's recommendations. In general, they should be replaced every 10 years. Not sure which one to choose?
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Smoke detectors: our advice
Smoke detectors are essential to keep your home safeIt is therefore important to check it regularly and clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Taking care of your smoke detector will ensure that it is always in working order and ready to alert you in the event of a fire.
To help you make the most of your device:
- Test your smoke detector every month by pressing the test button;
- Clean your smoke detector regularly with a soft cloth to remove dust;
- change the batteries in your smoke detector at least once a year;
- do not paint your smoke detector;
- do not cover your smoke detector with paper or anything else;
- do not disable your smoke detector.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your smoke alarm will always work properly and help you detect fires in time.