One of the most important and common issues that we see during our inspections are missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. We recommend having an electrician install new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all required locations according to the current electrical code. Many houses have some detectors present but not in all the required locations, or they are old and batteries are dead. By the way, all new detectors are required to be rated for a 10-year life.
We recommend getting high-quality units. It’s like anything else, you get what you pay for. In my opinion, the best protection for you and your family, as well as your home is a new top-of-the-line combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector system.
A system that I have direct experience with is Google’s Nest Protect. It’s an excellent high-quality product! But there are other systems on the market today with similar functionality.
- They can speak clearly in plain language and warn you as to what the nature of the problem is and where it is.
- They test themselves periodically and warn you clearly in plain language before their self-test.
- The units are interconnected so that if one unit detects a problem all the units tell you about the problem.
- These units are Wi-Fi connected and periodically report to your phone or another device as to what has been happening with the system over the last 30 days (for example).
- Get fast alerts on your phone or device when the system detects a problem.
- When you approach one of the detectors at night the unit automatically illuminates your pathway.
- You can “hush” the alarm with your phone.
- You can test the system with your phone
They can be hardwired to your home’s electrical system, or you can purchase them with a lithium battery that lasts at least 10 years. (Meets New York State laws.)
Of course, the system can be monitored by a central station monitoring company.
It is recommended that these units be installed on the ceiling, one unit in each bedroom, and 1 outside of the sleeping area (in the hallway), at least one detector on each level including the basement.
This may be the single most important piece of technology in your home because it has the potential to save your life and the lives of your family and friends in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide situation, which by the way are far more common than most people think.
For more related information click on this link:
https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/
