If you started hearing these annoying little sounds in the middle of the night or throughout the day, you shouldn’t ignore them. After all, these detectors, as well as CO detectors can save your and your family’s lives. This is why you must ensure that the smoke alarm you placed is completely maintained and functional.

But, besides maintaining them, you’ll also have to replace them with new ones from time to time, which is why you may be wondering – how long do residential fire alarms last? Luckily for all people that are asking themselves the same thing, the article below will help. Let’s look at what you have to know and do:

There Are Several Models Out There

Before we take a look at some other tips that you must remember, you’ll first have to learn more about the smoke detector type or types you might have installed in your apartment or house. By doing so, you’ll learn how long they can work. Some of the models that you might have could be the following:

1. Models With 9-Volt Batteries – these are the most popular and standard models that you’ll find out there, and if you own them, you need to know that you’ll have to change the batteries annually. After the device has been in your house for more than 6 to 8 years, you should think about replacing it.
2. Models With Long-Life Batteries – these gadgets utilize batteries made from lithium, which means that they’ll be long-lasting. These are a bit different than some other choices mostly because you’ll need to rely on how long the batteries will last, not the device because you cannot replace lithium batteries. When the device has been sitting in your house for a decade, replace the entire thing.
3. Models That Are Hardwired – although these devices will be permanently fixated to your ceiling, you’ll still have to follow the basic rules as with other models, indicating that you’ll have to replace the batteries annually. After ten years pass, you must replace the entire device, however, this might require an electrician if you know nothing about wiring gadgets.

How Can You Know The Manufacturing Date?

If you moved into your home after the smoke detectors have been installed, you probably don’t know what the manufacturing date is. However, you could easily learn how old the alarm is by removing it from your wall or ceiling and take a glimpse at the back of the surface. Once you remove it, turn it around.

The production date should be on the back and if you notice that it’s older than 10 years, you should start browsing for some newer models. Keep in mind, combos of CO and fire alarms need to be replaced after 6 to 8 years, but, this is something that will depend on the model you have.

When you learn what the date is, you must ensure that you properly put the gadgets back to their place, but this should only be done if it less than a decade old. Remember, if you have a few devices placed throughout your residence, you must repeat the same process for all of them, especially since doing this will guarantee that you and your family remain safe.

You Must Test Them Regularly

Whether you’re searching for a combo of a CO and fire alarm or if you’re simply looking for a smoke detector like the ones featured on x-sense, you must guarantee that you test them regularly and properly. No matter what type, make or model you have installed, it’ll surely come with a test button.

By pressing the button, you’ll learn whether or not it’ll work, but more importantly, if the sound is weaker, you need to replace the batteries. This process must be repeated every single month, especially since it’ll help you be prepared in case there is a fire in your residence, indicating that you’ll be capable of getting yourself and the individuals living with you to safety quicker.

Maintenance is Crucial

If you wish to make sure that you get the most out of your fire alarm, you should definitely maintain it properly and frequently. After all, they’ll be hanging on your walls or from your ceilings, which is why they’ll gather a lot of dust, dead insects, and other particles, all of which can hinder it from functioning as it should.

Hence, you could use a vacuum to get all the particles and debris from the device, however, don’t forget to leave the cover on. Additionally, if it starts making weird noises throughout the day, you must purchase new batteries and replace them, even if the previous one didn’t last for a year.

You Must Have a Maintenance Schedule

There is a maintenance schedule that you must follow, mostly because it’ll make sure that the alarms in your residence function entirely and properly. The maintenance schedule you’ll have to implement and follow is:

1. Each Month – you have to examine the devices out by clicking the ‘test’ key since this will assure that the battery and gadgets run,
2. Twice a Year – you must clean it with a vacuum since it’ll eliminate any dirt or particles that might prevent it from working,
3. Annually – if they have batteries, you need to replace them annually,
4. Every decade – you must replace the whole system since it cannot function for more than a decade.

Conclusion

It isn’t only important for you to clean and maintain your smoke detector regularly. In fact, these devices can only last for approximately ten years, which is why it’s extremely important that you ensure that you replace the devices fitted in your house with new ones.

Hence, now that you have learned how long these devices could operate, as well as what you’ll have to do to assure that they work properly, you shouldn’t waste any more of your time. Instead, use the tips mentioned in the list above, and then examine whether or not you’ll need to replace the fire alarms in your residence or apartment.

The post How Long Do Residential Smoke Alarms Last appeared first on Along the Boards.

So, in this article, we’ve decided to make things a bit easier for you by providing you with some excellent tips on how to make the optimal choice.

Here they are!

1. Consider your budget (but think long-term!)

Naturally, different materials come at different prices, depending on their quality and durability. Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing what seems the cheapest at the moment, but they fail to consider long-term costs (maintenance, potential repairs, longevity). We suggest you stretch your budget a bit if need be because getting low-quality decking materials can do you more harm than good, especially in the long haul.

Wooden decking usually has lower upfront costs, while composite is more efficient overall. Of course, different types of wooden and composite decks come with different advantages and disadvantages. So, we suggest you choose something that fits your current budget closely, while still being a viable long-term option. We’ll discuss the most popular types of decking materials (both wood and composite) a bit later, so keep on reading to find out more.

2. Check the maintenance requirements

While the stylishness and durability are quite significant when it comes to different decking types, make sure you don’t forget about maintenance. Wood takes much more time and energy to be maintained and cared for properly, but it can also be as much rewarding. However, if you’re not ready to spend too much of your free time cleaning and caring for your deck, we suggest you consider composite options instead.

With that being said, if you’d still prefer wooden decking but the maintenance requirements are putting you off, go for hardwood decking solutions such as ipe or garapa.

Overall, your choice should widely depend on your maintenance goals and capabilities. If you don’t enjoy cleaning and repairing your deck, and if you’re not prepared to spend additional money on deck care, make sure to choose low-maintenance options like composite, hardwood, or even concrete. For more information, you can visit deckstainpro.com.

3. Style it according to your home!

Everyone wants their patio to look nice and polished. It’s usually the first thing people see when they pay you a visit, so wanting to leave a good first impression is nothing unusual.

Well, different decking materials have different types of visual appeal. While composite is much more versatile in this regard, you shouldn’t underestimate wooden decking either! If your home already oozes that rustic, natural vibe, then wooden materials are a perfect choice. On the other hand, if you’re all about those modern, sleek visuals, composite materials might be your new best friends!

We suggest you seek some professional guidance from an exterior designer if you’re not sure about the styling. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, it will ensure your satisfaction and provide you with a long-lasting refreshment to your home’s visual appeal.

Lastly, remember that some materials can be modified easily (e.g painting), while others cannot. If you plan on customizing or changing how your deck looks in the future, make sure to do some research beforehand.

4. Get it installed by a professional company

No matter which material you choose, if your deck isn’t installed properly, it will all go to waste. So, make sure to find a reliable professional service such as decksforlife.ca to do it for you! Never go with the DIY or amateur options, as they can end up costing you more than paying for professional services.

Poor installations will make your decking more susceptible to damage, keeping you at risk of having to endure some costly repairs along the way. So, choose a servicer who has proven experience in the industry along with excellent customer ratings for the best possible results.

Make sure to ask for a quote right at the beginning, and don’t hesitate to seek their advice when it comes to your choice of materials. They’ll be able to give you recommendations based on factors like the local weather conditions, the type of your soil, and maintenance requirements.

5. Durability and availability

As we’ve mentioned before, the weather conditions in your local area will be a determining factor for your choice of deck material. If you live in a humid climate most times of the year, wood may not be the best choice out there. Frequent rains and moisture can lead to the formation of mold, causing your deck to slowly rot away (especially if it isn’t maintained properly). On the other hand, if you deal with extremely hot temperatures all the time, composite decking can make it worse as it acts as a heat retainer.

Besides durability, another issue you might encounter when choosing the materials is their availability. You may have limited options where you live, especially when it comes to wood. Shipping is rarely an option since it can be extremely expensive. So, local suppliers are your best bet.

Overall, check whether the type of material you’re looking for is accessible to you or not before making a definitive choice. Browse through the local shops and compare different offers to maximize your savings. Lastly, make sure the supplier is reliable and transparent before buying the materials from them. Check their online reviews and consider their competitors while you’re at it. Ask a lot of questions and never settle for less than you bargained for.

The bottom line

Choosing between decking materials can be a daunting task. The “correct” choice mostly depends on your personal goals and needs, but external factors such as the weather in your area shouldn’t be ignored either.

All in all, as long as you do your research and get a reliable service to install the deck, you’ll never go wrong. So, check which material types are available to you, make some comparisons, and you’ll get your answer right there!

The post 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Decking Materials appeared first on Along the Boards.

Whether you have the latest car model or an older and cheaper one, you definitely need to constantly spend money on its maintenance in order to keep it in running order. If you fail to do so, you may fail the test that is necessary to be able to drive a car legally. One example of this is the MOT test in the United Kingdom which is mandatory for every vehicle older than 3 years. Since you have to regularly maintain every part of your vehicle, and you also have a limited budget, you need to know what are the smart ways to reduce your car maintenance costs to make the right balance between the money spent and keeping your car in top shape.

1. Drive smart

Our first piece of advice is something that directly affects the cost of maintenance. The smarter and more responsible you drive, the longer your vehicle will last. If you drive fast, do not slow down enough when crossing holes or other types of obstacles on the roads, it is certain that various parts of your car will be damaged very quickly. This will then lead to expensive repairs, even if nothing breaks, maintenance will certainly be incomparably more expensive because you will have to change various parts such as brakes more often. Another bad thing that many drivers do is not to brake slowly but to wait for the last minute and then press too hard to break the pedal which will significantly reduce its service life. So drive smart and safe to save your life and the lives of others, and also to save money.

2. Never skip regular service

Regular service aims to reduce your maintenance costs in the long run. There they will perform an inspection of the whole car and the oil will be replaced and a few more necessary things. People are often skipping regular service, especially if they have a new car because then they feel they don’t need it. This is a big mistake, because no matter if you have a new one or an old one, you must not skip the service, it is equally important.

Then the professionals will immediately notice the first signs of a malfunction and then it will be very easy to repair it, while in a few months it would be a major breakdown, whose repair would be very expensive. What is also very important is that you choose respectable places where you will do regular service. It must be a place with a good reputation and all the necessary licenses. It would also be ideal if they are specialized for the manufacturer whose car you own. This can be crucial, as they are then able to recognize certain signs earlier than someone working on all types of cars.

3. Buy used parts

No matter how regularly you maintain your car, it is normal that you will need to replace certain parts from time to time. Sometimes it will be due to failures that are inevitable and sometimes the replacement will be part of routine maintenance, so as not to experience a breakdown in the middle of the road. In any case, new parts are always very expensive. And often you don’t need them at all, because the market for used parts is very large. You will very easily find used parts that are almost like new and are incomparably cheaper.

Especially today, in the age of the internet, you have no excuse not to buy used parts. If before you didn’t want to spend hours on a junkyard until you find what suited you, we understand you because that is really boring task. But now there are so many reliable websites like usedpart.us, where you just choose your car model and the part you need and that’s all you need to do. So take advantage of that option and save.

4. Learn a few things

Of course, our recommendation is to always go to a professional for more serious things. But one who knows how to do the basic things around his car will save significant money. No special equipment or tools are required for this. You just need to learn a few things and have the will to do it. For example, replacing engine oil, replacing spark plugs and similar jobs are not something you should spend money on by paying a professional. You can do all this yourself in less than an hour. So don’t be lazy, but include basic maintenance of your car in the DIY projects you are already working on at your house.

5. Empty your trunk

When we tell you to empty your trunk, we don’t mean it matters if you wear spare sneakers and a tennis racket constantly in your trunk. The problem is that many people keep heavy things, weighing several tens of kilograms, and even hundreds constantly in their trunk. This usually applies to people who do jobs like welding. Then they carry a welding machine with them everywhere, which is very heavy. And there are many such examples. Even if you don’t pay attention to it, it is a constant burden for your car and it will greatly affect the service life of suspension and tires above all, as well as the chassis. So empty your trunk to save on maintenance long term.

Conclusion:

All of these are smart and very simple ways to make maintaining your car much more affordable than it currently is. There are many other things you can do for the benefit of your cars, such as using quality fuel and the like.

The post 5 Smart Ways to Reduce Your Car Maintenance Costs – 2023 Guide appeared first on Along the Boards.