Alarms serve a very important role in our everyday lives, leaving us free of worry. Our homes are filled with alarms that alert us of smoke, fire, fluid levels and deadly gases. Prior to the 1980’s homes did not have smoke detectors, today virtually every home has one or more and countless lives have been saved.

CO (Carbon Monoxide) detectors will soon be required in homes with heat sources. CO is a deadly odorless gas that is the product of combustion. Many lives are lost each year primarily due to improper use of propane heaters, BBQ’s and automobiles. I recommend installing a CO detector in your home near the sleeping quarters especially if you have an older gas or oil furnace.

Here’s some information about other alarms in the home, tips for maintenance and suggestions for helpful products.

Alarms for the home

Smoke Alarms. Replace batteries every year even if they still work, the battery needs to have enough juice to sound a long and strong alarm. Install one in every bedroom and living area. When installing new alarms be sure to test them, I had new alarms installed in a rental home but it turned out the contractor did not test them. The batteries had been installed by the factory but were not connected. Fortunately we discovered this before there was a fire.

Burglar Alarms. Wireless technology has made burglar alarms cheaper and easier to install. In most cases you can save money on your homeowners insurance if you install an alarm with monitoring. Newer alarms can be controlled from your cell phone!

Water level alarms. Many homes have sump pumps in their crawl spaces or basements. After years of operation these alarms can fail. Test the alarms annually and repair as needed to set your mind at ease. For sump pumps, consider adding an alarm with a battery backup so it works during power outages.

Septic system alarms. Every septic system has a water level alarm that monitors levels in the tank, if a pump fails or too much water enters the tank too fast, the alarm will go off. I suggest locating the control box and affixing the phone number of your favorite septic contractor so you don’t have to scramble if the alarm goes off. Be sure the contractor can work on your entire system, not just a pump-out service. Sometimes an alarm will sound if a toilet is running thereby adding more water to the tank than the pump can remove. Fixing the leaking toilet can save the cost of a service call.

Water leak alarms. Also known as ‘point of use’ alarms can be installed on water heaters, washers, toilets, sinks, dishwashers, ice makers and more. You can install them in the most critical areas such as washing machines where hoses wear out or install a system that includes sensors for all appliances. Many alarms can be tied into a motorized valve that automatically shuts the water off; they can also be tied into your monitored burglar alarm system to alert you while away from home.

Freeze Alarms. If you are away from home during a freeze these alarms can automatically raise the temperature in the home and if connected to a phone line, dial you up and let you control the temperature remotely. Great for cabins and second homes.

Alarms online. A good online source for alarms, sensors and information is available at www.homesecuritystore.com

Courtesy of Linnea Jones – Windermere Real Estate / Northeast, Inc. 425-765-2211