A smoke and fire alarm can save lives and keep your property safe. The law also requires you to install one in any room that has a fuel-burning appliance. However, a malfunctioning alarm unit is both a nuisance and a safety risk for emergency services rushing to your location. Moreover, having multiple false alarms will incur penalties from your municipality and could make you less responsive if a real fire occurs. Here’s how you can prevent false fire alarms.

A Guide to Preventing False Fire Alarms

1. Maintain Your System

Keeping a regular maintenance schedule will help ensure your smoke and fire alarms don’t go off unnecessarily. Dust and other contaminants hamper your system’s ability to detect smoke accurately, setting off the internal sensor. While your alarm may look clean on the outside, the inside may be filled with dust. Clean your unit every two weeks using a dusting brush or your vacuum’s soft brush attachment.

2. Move Your Detector Away From the Vents

Air conditioning vents can produce too much moisture, triggering false alarms. Thus, any smoke and fire alarm should be placed at least three feet from fans or vents. Also, ask your security company where to place the system. 

Install fire alarms about five feet away from the kitchen or bathrooms. Further, position the detectors 10 to 20 feet away from cooking appliances. Use a photoelectric smoke and fire alarm—rather than an ionization option—in areas near bathrooms and kitchens.

3. Choose a Quality Smoke Detection System

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, you should replace your fire alarms every 10 years. When choosing new ones, invest in the latest models. Newer ones have more advanced detection capabilities and are less prone to false alarms. Finally, if a detector continues to beep after replacing the batteries, install a new one, even if it hasn’t been 10 years. 

If you’re looking for a reliable electronic security provider, contact Action Security & Communications in Rochester, NY. Serving Monroe County, this top security systems company offers the latest product models and quality service. Whether you need a smoke and fire alarm, security cameras, burglar alarms, intercom systems, or medical alert devices, they have you covered. Call them today at (585) 232-1410 to schedule your installation, or visit their website to request a quote.