Routine DIY Maintenance for Your Fire and Security Systems
Just as you change the oil and rotate the tires of your vehicle, routine maintenance will keep your security and fire systems working smoothly. We’ve all experienced that occasional beeping of a smoke detector with a low battery. Easy fix – install a fresh battery. Do this twice a year and your smokes should be good to go. But did you know that smoke detectors, motion detectors and even hard-wired security systems can be compromised by dust, spiders and other vermin causing false alarms?
Sounds icky, but no home is completely free of creepy crawlers. And aside from the overall creepiness, spiders, mice and even dust can wreak havoc with your smoke alarms and security systems.
Now that the weather is cooler, spiders are quickly weaving their webs and finding neat hiding places to call home. A smoke detector fits the bill perfectly. Beeping from a device may indicate a low battery, but it could also mean a spider has found a nice warm spot to spend the winter.
So how does one remedy the situation? First, check the unit to make sure any batteries are in good working condition. If not, replace them. If the problem is not the battery, clean out any dust or spiderwebs. A vacuum or a can of air will do the trick. Do this twice a year to keep your devices working properly. It’s important to note that spider webs can also cause a smoke detector to
activate as if there is a problem. If this occurs, it is imperative to first follow proper evacuation procedures. If no smoke or fire is found, check the inside of the unit and either change the battery or clean out the debris. NEVER take out the battery and leave the unit disabled. That is a mistake that could have deadly consequences.
If at any time routine maintenance doesn’t fix the problem, contact Delco Alarm Systems. Our team of experienced professionals can pinpoint the problem and remedy the situation. Mice, squirrels and rats are also looking for places to hide out during cooler weather. These larger pests can cause significant damage to your home by chewing right through wires or even drywall to get to a warm hiding spot. Unfortunately, many homeowners have learned first-hand the damage mice, rats and even squirrels can cause.
A “trouble” indicator on your alarm panel indicating a door or window contact is open, even though both are closed tightly, may be the result of a mouse, rat or squirrel having chewed through a wire. These critters will gnaw on almost anything – insulation, car seats, wires – leaving feces and urine behind. They not only damage property, but are a significant health hazard.
If a service technician finds a chewed wire or contact disabled by vermin, a Delco Alarm technician can typically repair the problem. But the rodent issue must also be addressed to alleviate future issues. Property owners have many options to get rid of these unwanted visitors, such as setting out traps and closing up gaps and holes. In some cases a professional
exterminator is warranted to help alleviate the problem as well provide peace of mind.
Remember, routinely cleaning smoke detectors, checking your home for indications of rodent infestation and keeping up with general maintenance will keep your fire and security systems running smoothly. If you have questions or need more information, contact the professionals at Delco Alarm Systems, 610-494-9100.