What's the right type of smoke alarm?
There are two main types of smoke alarm for use in Tasmanian houses.
If you're unsure which one best suits your needs, then drop us a line and we can not only advise you but install them correctly for you. GET A FREE QUOTE NOW: 03 61461759 (click to call) LICENSE # 15607181 There are two types of alarmsYou can choose between two different types of smoke alarms: ionisation and photoelectric.
It’s a good idea to change the batteries for all of your smoke alarms at once so you’re sure they all have fresh batteries.
If the smoke detector has the letter “I” in its model number, or if it mentions radioactive material on the back of the smoke detector, then it’s an ionization smoke detector. It’s possible for an ionization smoke detector to mistake dust for smoke. Dust can reflect the light which can look like smoke particles. Use a can of compressed air or a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust from the smoke detector’s sensor. Remove the casing and clean around the sensor. Be careful around the sensors and wiring. Keep in mind this process will move the dust around, which can be mistaken for smoke and can set off the alarm. GET A FREE QUOTE NOW: 03 61461759 (click to call) LICENSE # 15607181 |
HumidityLevels of humidity in the air can sometimes be detected as smoke. The smoke alarm doesn’t always tell the difference between dense moisture content and light smoke particles. A fan, an open window, or a dehumidifier can help reduce the moisture in the air. If there’s a lot of moisture, then you might need to use a fan along with an open window.
Steam from a hot shower or boiling water on the stove works the same as high humidity and can be detected as light smoke particles. Use an exhaust fan to pull the steam out of the room, or an open window to help dissipate it.. For smoke alarms in the kitchen, you might need a fan in the vent over the stove or a fan pulling the steam to an open window near the stove. A strong chemical odor such as from paint fumes, or cleaning chemicals such as ammonia and insect sprays, can cause the smoke alarm to sound. The fire alarm can also detect these chemicals in the air and mistake them for smoke. Be sure to use proper ventilation. 
Insects love smoke detectorsInsects, spiders, and other little buggy crawly things love the small, dark, hidden spaces in electronics that give off a little bit of heat as they operate.
Crawlies especially like smoke detectors since they’re on the ceiling where they can live out of the way and uninterrupted. They sometimes crawl into the area with the sensors and set off the alarm. Clean the smoke detector the same way you would clean for dust. You can keep them away from the detector with pest control sprays. Be careful not to spray the smoke alarm itself as sprays can damage the electronics. Keep in mind that the chemicals in bug sprays can also set off the alarm. 
Regularly check all your smoke alarmsCheck and test your smoke detector once a month.
Usually, there's a test button (as above) for you to try it. If you've replaced the battery, and it's still not operating correctly, it’s possible the smoke alarm has simply malfunctioned and it needs to be replaced. They are built with electronic components. Although electronic components can last for many years, they can degrade over time and with use, causing them to stop working or work incorrectly. Smoke alarms have a lifespan of around ten years. For an alarm that’s close to 10 years old or older, or if none of your efforts stop the alarm from going off, it might be time for a replacement. Give our company a call if you need help. We're happy to provide advice and installation. GET A FREE QUOTE NOW: 03 61461759 (click to call) LICENSE # 15607181 
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