Smoke alarm placement, installation, and maintenance:
Proper smoke alarm maintenance goes beyond just installing a device. To keep your home safe and reduce the risk of false alarms, make sure your fire alarms are:
- Installed correctly, and in the right locations
- Tested monthly
- Cleaned regularly
- Have the batteries replaced annually
These simple steps ensure your smoke detectors stay reliable and ready to protect your home. Below, we’ll take a closer look at how to handle each step effectively and easily, so that you can rest easy without having to worry about your fire alarms.
1. Where to put smoke detectors in your home:
Install a smoke alarm in every room and at every level of your home, including the basement. Place alarms high on walls or ceilings since smoke rises, but avoid installing near windows, doors, or air ducts where airflow could interfere with performance.
Never paint over smoke alarms, as this can block sensors and prevent them from working properly. For added protection, consider using interconnected smoke alarms so that when one smoke alarm is triggered, all units sound at once.
2. Monthly fire alarm safety check:
Take a moment each month to test every smoke alarm in your home. Press and hold the test button on your alarm for at least 5 seconds until it begins to sound.
If a unit doesn’t activate, replace the battery or, if necessary, the entire alarm. Regularly monthly testing is one of the most important steps in maintaining reliable smoke detectors and ensuring fire safety. With an Arlo Secure subscription, you’ll also receive real-time smartphone alerts when smoke alarms are triggered, even if you’re away from the house.
3. Clean the smoke alarms at least once every six months:
Dust and debris can block smoke alarm sensors, leading to nuisance alerts or even preventing the alarm from working when it’s needed most. To keep detectors reliable, clean each smoke alarm twice a year.
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, a gentle cloth, or a dry towel to remove dust buildup. Avoid using water or harsh cleaners, which can damage the sensors. Paired with Arlo Secure notifications, you’ll reduce the risk of false alarms and only ensure that you’re alerted to real emergencies, but it is still highly important that your smoke alarms work properly.
A good habit is to clean your alarms at the very start of both spring and fall, so maintenance becomes part of your seasonal home routine.
4. Replace smoke alarms batteries annually for reliable protection:
Keeping fresh batteries in your smoke detectors ensures that they’ll work when you need them the most. You’ll want to follow these guidelines depending on the type of smoke detector in your home:
- Battery-operated smoke detectors: Replace batteries once a year
- Hardwired smoke detectors: Replace the backup battery annually to stay prepared for possible power outages
- 10-year sealed smoke detectors: Replace the entire unit at the end of its lifespan (be sure to read the smoke detector manual to get the correct time frame)
Enhance your smoke alarms with a smart alarm listening security system.
Traditional smoke detectors can only alert you if you’re home to hear them. If you have the Arlo Home Security System and an Arlo Secure subscription, you gain a smarter layer of protection.
When the sound of a smoke alarm is detected, the Arlo system instantly sends a notification to your smartphone. With Rapid SOS emergency response, authorities can be dispatched faster and more effectively, even if nobody is home.
This advanced protection doesn’t just improve fire safety. A smart alarm system like the Arlo Home Security System may help you save on your home insurance premium.