There are many sayings about the home; it’s where the heart is, when you’re going there, the journey is never too hard. It’s said to be our castle, our sanctuary; peace and security are an important part of a happy home. The most devastating thing that can happen to a home is a house fire; our possessions are at risk, and it’s terrifying to even think of what can happen if you and your loved ones are at home asleep when a blaze starts. Your safety is the most important thing, so it’s wise to look at the different smoke detectors that can keep you safe; there are two broad categories, battery powered and hardwired smoke detectors. Battery powered smoke detectors run, as the name implies, on a battery, whereas hardwired systems are connected to your home’s power supply.
Reliability
The key factor for assessing the value of your fire detection systems is their reliability. Both system types are generally reliable, so long as you practice good maintenance. Hardwired systems do come with a built-in advantage, though; they are interconnected. This means you can have multiple alarms in a house with a few floors, and if one alarm detects smoke, all the alarms will go off. This can be a huge advantage if a fire happens on the ground floor while you’re asleep above; a system that isn’t interconnected won’t alert you to the danger until the smoke gets to your floor, at which point the fire may have grown substantially. Additionally, hardwired systems use your home power system, so you’re less likely to see faulty mechanisms due to lack of power.
Cost
Hardwired systems are definitely more expensive to install than traditional battery-powered alarms. This is because you need a professional electrician to wire the system into your home. The price point can be a bit daunting for some consumers, but it comes with peace of mind; you know that your system is being professionally installed, which mitigates the chance of user-error when installing the system.
Maintenance
Hardwired and battery-powered systems should both be replaced about every 10 years. The maintenance of a battery-powered system is a breeze; just dismount your smoke alarm, buy a new one, and install it. Hardwired systems must be maintained by professional electricians who will need access to your home’s power grid during this time, so maintenance is a bit more of a hassle.
Battery-powered systems are definitely most cost-effective and easier to maintain, but they can be less reliable for detecting fire, especially in a home with multiple floors, or in homes with large floor plans. This means that for many, the extra price and maintenance of a hardwired, interconnected smoke alarm system is worth it; there’s a reason you see hardwired alarms in most office buildings and schools. Should you decide that a hardwired system is right for you, get in touch with the team of qualified electricians at Powertec Electric; we’ll install your system for you, and go over important maintenance and upkeep tips to keep your family safe.