Ensuring your home is safe for you and your loved ones should be a top priority. One danger to look out for in every household is carbon monoxide, which can be fatal when not detected early enough. Installing several reliable carbon monoxide detectors around the home is essential but you must also ensure these are well-maintained and working properly.
This article from Senior Helpers Dunn will provide information on how to ensure that your carbon monoxide detectors at home are always ready and functioning so that you and everyone else in your home can remain safe.
How to Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
One of the most important things to do with your carbon monoxide detectors is to test them regularly. Most detectors have a button, switch, or another mechanism that allows you to self-test it. Usually, it is as simple as pressing and holding a button until you hear it beep. You can also research how to test your specific model online, with many video instructions readily available on sites such as YouTube. If in doubt, consult the user manual or reach out for professional help.
Reach Out for Help if Needed
If you are still unsure whether your detectors are working properly, it is best to seek professional help. Reach out to certified experts like handymen or home repair experts who can perform a maintenance check or troubleshoot any issue with the detectors that you may have in your home. If you have family and friends nearby, you can also ask if they will be willing to stop by your home to check on your carbon monoxide detectors for you.
Change Batteries Regularly
Just as regularly testing your detectors is essential, changing their batteries is too. It's recommended that you change the batteries at least once a year even if they are still working so you can be sure of their optimal functioning. When in doubt, do a test! It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your safety at home.
How Many Carbon Monoxide Detectors Should Your Home Have?
It's recommended to have at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home – and preferably more. Place detectors on each level of the house, outside sleeping areas, and close to all combustible materials such as stoves or heaters. Many older homes don't have the recommended number of carbon monoxide detectors, so if you do live in an older home, keep that in mind.
Senior Helpers Offers Maintenance Assistance
With the help of this quick guide and with the support of experts like Senior Helpers Dunn, you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure. Make sure to test, troubleshoot, and do routine maintenance on all your carbon monoxide detectors regularly!
If you are in search of expert senior care services in and around the Dunn, Fayetteville, Elizabethtown, Cumberland County, Robeson County, and Johnston County areas, reach out to Senior Helpers today. Contact us to learn about our services!