Electricity is something that is a necessity in everyday life. It’s also a dangerous utility when it’s taken care of poorly, and certain aspects of your home suffer. Electricity provides the power for necessary alarms like our smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to function properly through the night while we are asleep.

Unfortunately, there is an average of 430 deaths per year due to unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning (CDC, 2014). There is also an average of 51,000 electrical home structure fires every year (National Fire Protection Association, 2003-2007).

Many of these incidents could have been prevented if homeowners and businesses took proper precaution. There are various ways you can do this, including:

• Monitoring your smoke detectors
• Taking care of faulty or exposed wiring as soon as possible
• Checking your carbon monoxide detectors
• Getting a regular inspection of your property to address electrical concerns

Keep in mind, there are freak accidents that can occur and no amount of prep can help, but there are indeed things you can prevent. This is where we come in to help. Let’s review things that homeowners and any commercial building or business owners should keep an eye out for and how to possibly prevent any major incidents.

Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide System

Smoke Detector

Let’s start with one of the most important safety alarms to have. Your smoke detector. Colorado law requires you to place a smoke detector within 15 feet of any bedroom. If you’re installing a smoke detector, make sure it’s not installed near any open vents, windows, or doors that could interfere with the operation due to any drafts.

Keep them within 3 feet of a ceiling but four inches below any peak of a room. Make sure to also test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button on the alarm. If it’s not connected by wire, make sure you are changing out your batteries twice every year. If you are unsure about self-installing, testing, or replacing, we are here to help. We can help you address any number of smoke detector issues, including:

• New smoke detector installation
• Old smoke detector replacement
• Broken smoke detector repairs
• Commercial smoke detector services
• Smoke detector battery testing and replacement

Carbon monoxide detector

Same as your smoke detector, you should have a carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of any bedroom. These devices help alert people when colorless, odorless, carbon monoxide is present within the structure. How does it trigger the alarm? The alarm will sound when there is too much natural gas and not enough oxygen. Keep in mind; these are some of the main carbon monoxide sources:

• Water heaters
• Clothes dryers
• Furnaces or boilers
• Fireplaces, both gas and wood burning
• Gas stoves, Wood stoves, Grills, and ovens
• Motor vehicles
• Generators, power tools, lawn equipment
• Cigarette smoke

Carbon monoxide detectors will begin to fail after about five years of operation, make sure you are changing out these devices. If you’re unsure of taking on this task, our trained electricians can help you install new carbon monoxide detectors, repair broken units, replace your entire system, or assist you with any other Denver carbon monoxide detector service you may need.

Home or Business Electrical Inspections

Many people are unaware of when they really should be scheduling an electrical inspection. Scheduling an inspection will provide peace of mind for your home or your business. This way, any potentially faulty issues can be caught before it becomes a disaster.

Keep in mind before moving onto any project, no matter the size and scope, get it checked out. If you’re looking into moving and purchasing a new home, don’t get caught off guard with horrible wiring from the previous tenants. Most importantly, before remodeling or adding additional space to the home, contact your trusted Denver electricians for an inspection.

At Absolute Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air, we are here to provide Denver and the surrounding areas the best electrical service possible. With our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and staff of certified and trained technicians, we are here to make sure your electrical needs are met. Contact us today at 720-669-4188 to schedule a service.