Category: Tips and Tricks

Is Your Home Up to National Electrical Code?

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Unless you’re a professional electrician, you probably don’t have the time and energy to keep up with annual changes and updates to the National Electrical Code. But as anyone in the electrical profession knows all too well, this book is critically important when it comes to buying and selling property or building new construction projects.

Even if you aren’t planning to put your house on the market any time soon, there are a few electrical code updates you shouldn’t ignore. As the technology we use every day develops so quickly year after year, our electrical systems need updates to keep them functioning correctly.

In honor of National Electrical Safety Month this May, our team at The Happy Outlet wants to share a few useful National Electrical Code requirements. Below are a few common upgrades your older home might need.

Do you have dedicated circuits for specific rooms or appliances?

Since our appliances have developed to serve us more effectively in the last few decades, they have also started to consume more and more electricity to work. Old school circuitry doesn’t always cut it anymore for washing machines, HVAC units, refrigerators, and other large appliances.

According to the National Electrical Code, your kitchen alone will need at least seven dedicated circuits for specific appliances (your fridge, dishwasher, and microwave are all examples). Even your garage must have its own dedicated circuit for receptables that power outdoor tools.

Most modern homes will already comply with dedicated circuit requirements. But many older homes will need new circuits added to the electric panel.

Do you have GFCI outlets outdoors and in every kitchen and bathroom?

The National Electrical Code now requires Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in any space where there is a source of water. GFCI outlets are designed to detect any disruptions in the flow of electricity. If they notice a surge of power, they will disconnect from the circuit completely. This feature is designed to protect homeowners from electrocution (which happens most frequently when electronics come into contact with water).

Your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, garage, basement, and all outdoor spaces should have GFCI outlets since there is always a chance that water could interfere with your electrical appliances. This is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that is critically important for your safety.

Do you have smoke alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home?

Most people already know that smoke alarms are required in every bedroom. But in recent years, the National Electrical Code has updated its policy on smoke alarms.

You should have smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every level of your home (including the basement). This ensures that even if one smoke alarm fails, there is a safety net of other alarms to alert you to a fire immediately.

Is your home up to National Electrical Code?

In answer to the greater consumption of electricity and greater number of electronics in our homes, the National Electrical Code has created some new rules to keep homeowners safe.

If you have any questions about how to upgrade your home to meet electrical code requirements during a remodeling process, give us a call at The Happy Outlet! One of our expert electricians will be happy to help you.

For more information on electrical safety at home, check out our list of tips.

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

20 Home Electrical Safety Tips

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home electrical safety tips

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and we believe in spreading awareness at The Happy Outlet! National Electrical Safety Month serves to educate the public with tips to keep them safe while using electricity every day at home.

To kick off the education celebration this month, our team of expert electricians has compiled a list of 20 electrical safety tips for our customers to remember at home. Check them out before you plug it in!

General Electrical Safety Tips

These general electrical safety tips apply to all rooms in your house, and even your backyard. Think carefully before using electrical appliances and be sure to teach your kids these safety rules.

  • Check electrical cords for damage frequently. Frayed cords can cause electrocution or electrical fires.
  • Never yank electrical cords out of outlets. Gently pull them out by their plastic base.
  • Don’t plug too many devices into the same electrical outlet or power strip at once. This can overload your circuits and trip a breaker.
  • Only use extension cords as a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. Never cover them with blankets or rugs because the heat this generates is a fire hazard.
  • Remember that even if an appliance is turned off, it is still connected to an electrical current as long as it is plugged in.
  • Install GFCI outlets that will shut off your power if they detect a problem with the flow of electricity to an appliance. They prevent electrocution, and they are required in every room with a source of water to meet the National Electrical Code.

Kitchen Electrical Safety Tips

These electrical safety tips apply specifically to the kitchen. Since kitchens have a source of water from the sink, it is important to stay extra vigilant about electrical safety.

  • Always unplug handheld appliances before cleaning them or removing a piece of stuck food. (This includes toasters, blenders, coffee pots, and more.)
  • Plug handheld cooking appliances into GFCI outlets only.
  • Vacuum the coils of your refrigerator regularly. If dirt builds up on them, it can create a fire hazard.
  • Make sure there is some space left behind your refrigerator for air to circulate.
  • If you feel even a tiny shock from a major appliance, turn it off right away. Turn off the power to the appliance from your circuit board, and then call a professional immediately. There could be a serious problem with your wiring.

Bathroom Electrical Safety Tips

Here are a few electrical safety tips for the bathroom. Between the sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub, there are lots of opportunities for water to come into contact with electronics. Stick to these rules to help you prevent a dangerous electrocution.

  • Never operate electrical appliances near a bathtub full of water or a running shower.
  • Leave unnecessary electronics such as radios or laptops outside of the bathroom. Use hair tools with caution.
  • Never use any electrical appliances while your hands are wet.
  • Never install regular recessed lighting in your shower area. Use a vapor-tight recessed light instead.
  • If you notice any electrical problems like flickering lights or dead outlets, have a professional inspect and troubleshoot them right away.

Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

Electrical safety doesn’t stop when you step out the back door. Bring these tips along with you to your next barbecue or pool party and keep your guests safe.

  • Stay away from power lines. Don’t fly kites or drones near them. If you see one on the ground after a storm, call to report it to the police.
  • Don’t touch transformer boxes, and don’t let kids play near them.
  • Keep all electronics at least 10 feet away from swimming pools.
  • Use only extension cords designed to withstand outdoor wear and tear.
  • Never run extension cords through doors or windows, even temporarily.
  • Use GFCI outlets outdoors to protect yourself and your electrical system from moisture caused by precipitation.

Now that you know some basic electrical safety tips, remember one more important lesson: never attempt any DIY electrical repairs or replacements. Always call a licensed and insured professional to handle your electrical panel, circuits, and wiring.

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

5 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

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smart ways to spend your tax refund

You’ve paid into the system all year, and now you have finally been rewarded! Your refund check has arrived in the mail and it is burning a hole in your pocket. Before you hit the nearest mall, stop to consider how you could use the money most wisely.

Here are five smart ways to spend your tax refund brainstormed by our team at The Happy Outlet.

1. Pay Off Debt

The smartest way to use your tax refund is also the least fun or exciting. But it offers you something totally priceless: financial freedom! If you have some credit card debt piled up or you financed a major home improvement project in the last year, consider paying it off early and saving yourself some money in the long run. It might not be as much fun as splurging on new shoes or an exotic vacation, but it will definitely make extra room in your budget for the years to come.

2. Make Home Repairs

If you are virtually debt-free, consider using your refund check on something else practical. Have you noticed your lights flickering or that your HVAC system is close to sputtering to a halt? Invest your refund in important home improvements or repairs that will increase your safety and comfort.

Fixing things around the house that have been on your to-do list for ages adds value to your property and prevents expensive emergency repair situations. If you need any electrical repairs such as new circuits, new outlets, more smoke detectors or a larger electrical panel, give us a call at The Happy Outlet!

3. Build Up an Emergency Fund

If your house is already in good shape and your credit cards haven’t been swiped in a while, consider using your refund to plan for the future. You never know when bad weather or bad luck might strike, but having an emergency fund helps to ease the burden when repairs are necessary.

4. Spruce Things Up

If your home doesn’t need any major repairs and you’ve already got an emergency fund set aside for a rainy day, you might want to make some cosmetic changes in your home. Is your carpet stained, or is your old light fixture a total eyesore? Use your tax refund to spruce things up! If you want to make any electrical upgrades such as new fixtures, under cabinet lighting, home security, smart thermostats, and more, The Happy Outlet is here to help you out!

5. Splurge Smart

Last but not least, if your home and finances are exactly where you need them to be, use your hard-earned money to treat yourself. Make sure to carefully consider what you want and do plenty of research before you blow your whole check on something.

Consider what would be the most fun and meaningful for you and your family. Take a much-needed vacation, get backstage passes for your favorite artist, or install a home theatre system!

Still brainstorming smart ways to spend your tax refund? Give us a call.

If you are thinking about using your tax refund for important home improvements or beautiful cosmetic upgrades, give us a call at The Happy Outlet. We will help you determine how to maximize your electrical improvements within your budget.

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

How to Teach Your Kids About Electrical Safety

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how to teach your kids about electrical safety

Electricity is an amazing tool that has revolutionized modern technology, but it can definitely be hazardous when used incorrectly. As adults, it comes naturally to us to avoid electrical dangers. But curious kids can easily mistake danger for fun.

At The Happy Outlet, we always prioritize the safety of our customers. Here is our guide on how to teach your kids about electrical safety. We hope these tips and techniques protect your kids and encourage them to use electricity safely.

Watch Electrical Safety Videos Together

Kids love to watch YouTube videos, so make this safety lesson fun for them! There are tons of great resources online that teach kids how to avoid electrical hazards and better understand electricity. Here are a few of our favorites to check out:

Electrical Safety Tips for Kids by StraightTalkAlert

Kids Safety by OG&E

Kids Block Electricity Episode

Electrical Safety World by Snohomish Public Utility District

Take some time to watch the videos together to make sure your kids pay attention. Talk about them together afterward and explain some of the bad things that can happen when electricity is misused.

Use Online Games and Guides

Website and computer games can also be excellent tools for encouraging kids to learn more about electricity. Here are some of our favorite fun websites for kids:

Switched On Kids

Science Zone

Read Books About Electricity Together

One of the best ways to make sure kids follow the rules when it comes to electrical safety is to help them better understand how it actually works. Reading books about electricity together allows you to spend quality time with your kids and lay the foundation of learning that will help keep them safe. Here are some books about electricity written just for kids:

Oscar and the Bird

You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Electricity

The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip

Create Some Safety Rules

Now that your kids have a foundation of knowledge about how electricity works, set some hard and fast safety rules and talk about them together. Write them down or print them out and hang them somewhere visible, like the fridge. If your kids forget one of the rules, remind them about the list and why it is so important to take electrical safety seriously.

Here are a few suggested electrical safety rules for your home:

  1. Don’t put fingers or objects into outlets.
  2. Don’t use electronics near water or when your hands are wet.
  3. Don’t plug too many things into the same power strip or extension cord.
  4. Don’t yank cords when you unplug them.
  5. Don’t touch outdoor transformer boxes.
  6. Don’t fly kites or drones near power lines.
  7. Don’t climb trees near power lines.
  8. Ask an adult for help when using new electronics.

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

5 Steps to Childproof Your Home from Electrical Hazards

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childproof your home from electrical hazards

It’s no secret that babies and toddlers get into everything in sight. And while it might be cute with pots and pans in the kitchen, it can be dangerous when comes to electrical devices.

At The Happy Outlet, we believe in putting our customers’ safety and families first. Here are five steps to childproof your home from electrical hazards from our team of expert electricians.

1. Cover Outlets with Caps

Outlets are one of the most common dangers for babies with curious fingers. Fortunately, they are pretty easy to childproof. Insert these clear plastic caps over your outlet receptacles, or screw on these safety plates for complete coverage.

2. Secure Electrical Cords

Never leave electrical cords exposed to little hands. The temptation to yank them out of the wall is too strong! Try these LectraLock covers that keep cords in place and protect them from yanking.

3. Cover Power Strips

In spaces where you have lots of tech plugged in to a power strip, like an office or a TV area, securing only your outlets won’t cut it. Try these power strip covers. They have openings for your cords so that you can still use the power strip normally while you keep your baby safe.

4. Identify Other Dangers

Once you have covered up all of the obvious electrical dangers, keep looking for other potential hazards. Look around your home from your child’s point of view. Is there a kitchen appliance within reach that looks like fun? What about heat tools in the bathroom? Make sure you stow away all of your technology in cabinets and drawers.

Sometimes it is helpful to crouch or crawl through the house at your baby’s eye level to spot potential dangers you might have otherwise missed.

5. Start Teaching Early

The most important way you can help your children stay safe from electrical hazards is to start teaching them early. Babies and toddlers are discovering the world through sight and touch. They won’t yet understand how electricity works or why an outlet or a cord could hurt them.

Be firm and assertive about telling your kids “no” if they try to touch outlets or electronics. As soon as your child can crawl, remind them often not to touch things that might harm them.

Need some extra help to childproof your home from electrical hazards?

If you are still wondering whether you’ve covered all of your bases, consult with a professional electrician. Our team at The Happy Outlet can help make recommendations on products and tips to keep your baby safe from electrocution and electrical fires.

If you notice any issues with your outlets, wiring, or circuits, remember to call a professional. Keeping your kids safe from electrical hazards starts with maintaining your whole electrical system.

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

Spark Joy with 5 Organization Tips

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organization tips

Home organization can seem totally overwhelming at first. But the trick is not necessarily to get rid of all your stuff, it is to find ways to sort your items and use space more wisely.

If you’ve been binge watching Netflix’s newest home organization show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, you know exactly what we’re talking about. When you tackle your living space one room or one category at a time, you can work slowly to create a place for everything you need.

Our team at The Happy Outlet has five organization tips that we hope will help you spark joy and get organized in 2019.

1. Start with one focus area.

If your whole home needs some major reorganization, you will feel overwhelmed and burnt out if you try to tackle everything at once. Start with one cabinet or closet and slowly work your way throughout one room.

You can also try Marie Kondo’s KonMari method and focus on one category of items at a time. Start with all of your clothes or all of your paperwork instead of trying to organize your entire bedroom or office in one go.

2. Strategize your time.

If you have several days in a row to dedicate hours just to organization, that’s awesome. But if your life is too hectic to block out a large amount of time, that’s ok too. You can take small steps toward organization each evening when you come from work or during pockets of time while kids are at school or extracurricular activities.

Know that whether you can devote an entire weekend to organization or you are stuck with a spare hour at the end of a long day, it is going to take time. Organizing your whole home from top to bottom is a process that will take several weeks. But the results are so worth it!

3. Curate your most useful or meaningful items.

If you have large collections of items that matter to you, it is perfectly ok to keep them. But before you can start finding the best organization method for your home, it helps to get rid of unwanted junk. If you have ill fitting clothes, old receipts, outdated technology, or random knick-knacks you no longer want, donate them or throw them out.

Pushing yourself to address junk that serves no purpose and has no meaning to you will help you make space for items that do matter.

4. Divide up your spaces.

Once you have removed all of your items from their storage spots and determined which ones you want to keep, maximize your remaining space by layering different organizational containers. Use boxes, baskets, plastic storage bins, and standing shelves inside your cabinets, closets, and drawers. If you use the space you have wisely, you will be able to find your items quickly and easily.

5. Focus on visibility.

With the last tip in mind, remember that visibility is key. If you store something away and you can’t see it easily, you might forget where it is or that you own it at all. Store smarter and make sure you can see all of the items available in any given cabinet, container, or drawer.

We hope these organization tips spark joy for you!

Don’t let home organization feel like a daunting monster. You can take charge of your space again if you remember to tackle your stuff section by section and use these tips to help.

We hope these organization tips help our customers have a happier 2019. If you need any electrical upgrades for your newly organized home, give us a call at The Happy Outlet!

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

How to Save Energy and Money in 2019

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How to Save Energy and Money in 2019

Fun Fact: January 10 is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day! While it might sound a little less exciting than Christmas or New Year’s Eve, this holiday can be a great turning point for saving money in the new year.

At The Happy Outlet, we love to help our customers save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprints. Here is our guide on how to save energy and money in 2019.

1. Remember to turn off your lights.

Turning off the lights might seem like an obvious way to save energy. But it can be easy to forget about closets or bathrooms as you rush out the door. Check the whole house for forgotten lights before you leave and your pocketbook will thank you later.

2. Remember to unplug your electronics.

Much like leaving lights on around the house, it can be easy to forget about electronics laying around. Phone chargers, computers, and other electronics that are plugged in have energy circulating through them even when they are powered off.

To help minimize your consumption of electricity in devices you aren’t even using, try plugging them in to a power strip. This way you can switch the power strip off or unplug it from the wall instead of having to hunt down stray electronics all over the house.

3. Use ceiling fans for temperature control.

Ceiling fans can help adjust your temperature year-round. Obviously they are an excellent source of cool air during the hot summer months. But did you know they can be useful during the winter, too?

Rotate the blades on your ceiling fans counter clockwise in the winter time. This will push warm air that rises up to your ceiling down into the room. Ceiling fans use a lot less energy than it takes to power your HVAC system.

4. Wash your clothes in cold water.

Not only does washing your clothes in cold water help protect the colors from bleeding, it also saves you money on your utilities. Generating heat forces your washing machine to use up extra energy that isn’t really necessary. Try washing your clothes in cold water and hanging up some of them to try to maximize efficiency (and prevent shrinking).

5. Switch to LED light bulbs.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that residential LED light bulbs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs. They are also more durable and last up to 25 times longer. Widespread use of LEDs could save massive amounts of energy and money across the United States.

Even though the price tag for LEDs is higher, they will save you money in the long term. Since they last longer, you will see utility savings for years to come.

6. Invest in Energy Star appliances.

One of the best ways to reduce your energy consumption is to buy Energy Star appliances. These appliances from a wide variety of different manufacturers have been reviewed by a third-party team of experts at Energy Star and deemed the industry leaders in energy efficiency.

If you have any major appliances to replace in 2019, consider investing in Energy Star. They are often more expensive than competitors initially, but they can cut your energy costs considerably over the years.

We hope this guide helps you discover how to save energy and money in 2019.

When you look back at the end of a calendar year, it feels great to know you have saved money and helped the environment at the same time. We hope this guide inspires you to make energy saving one of your new year’s resolutions for 2019.

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

Happy New YOU Year!

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Happy New YOU Year!

As the holiday season comes to a close many of us are already busy making our New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s to get in shape, learn a new skill, spend more time with the people who matter, or worry less – whatever your resolutions are, make sure that “happiness” is on the list.

Feeling happy is tremendously important. When we are happy we feel healthier, become more compassionate, and deal with stress more effectively. Happy people are more creative, funny, and energetic. Happiness is also essential to achieving your goals and ambitions. So don’t let another year go by without a little happiness. Make this a Happy New YOU Year!

Here are four ways to focus on your happiness and make sure you stay on track with your goals for 2019.

1. Start Early

Starting your day early may seem challenging at first. Yes, sleep is important but if you set your alarm for just 30 minutes earlier you will immediately notice a positive change in your life. For example, you may have time to go to the gym or to take a walk. You might have time to eat breakfast before rushing off to work on an empty stomach. You could even have time to reflect on your goals, and prepare for your day.

2. Get Organized

Whether it’s physical clutter or virtual junk, clean it up. Clutter causes chaos and confusion which can lead to stress. Organizing things helps you be more productive, and ultimately leads to happiness. Assign a proper place for everything. Get rid of all the things you don’t need, donate clothes that don’t fit anymore and unsubscribe from all those email newsletters that you never open.

3. Improve Your Health

The healthier you are, the happier you’ll be. So ditch the junk food, sleep properly, and exercise regularly. A balanced diet and quality sleep rejuvenate your mind and body, helping them function smoothly. A healthy lifestyle also elevates mood, boosts productivity, fights anxiety and reduces the risk of depression. Further, physical exercise stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin – chemicals in the brain that play an important part in happiness.

4. Be With the Ones You Love

This one is great! Hanging out with your friends and family reduces stress and helps you unwind. It also boosts your morale and makes you feel content. Moreover, if you’ve been having a particularly rough time, sharing your experience with someone helps you release bottled up emotions, gain a fresh perspective, and instantly makes you feel happier.

Remember, happiness starts with you. The Dalai Lama once wisely said, “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” We hope these simple steps to Inspire Happiness™ help make it easier to stick to your goals. Make 2019 a Happy New YOU Year!

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

5 Fun and Spooky Electrical Halloween Decorations

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Electrical Halloween Decorations

Halloween night is right around the corner, and homes all over Carson City are preparing for tricks, treats, and frightening fun. If you’re searching for Halloween decoration ideas to delight your neighborhood this year, we’ve got you covered.

Why settle for old-school jack-o-lanterns when you can harness the power of electricity to spook your whole street? Here are five fun and spooky electrical Halloween decorations from your friends at The Happy Outlet. Whether you like happy and tame Halloween vibes, a yard of terror, or something in between, these decoration ideas will help you have the most festive house on the block.

Halloween Lights

If you’re going for a cheerful Halloween look that is friendly for all ages, Halloween string lights can be a great way to dress up your porch, patio, balcony, or windows. You can find a wide variety of string light options, from classic orange, to spooky purple, to fun shapes like ghosts or pumpkins. If you want to save some money and you like to DIY, you can also repurpose Christmas lights for temporary Halloween use by attaching simple household items like tissue paper and string. See this tutorial for creating your own ghost string lights.

Inflatables

Inflatables can be used in a playful yard or a spooky yard. You can find cute inflatables with casper the friendly ghost peeking out of a happy pumpkin. You can delight movie lovers with a larger than life Jack Skellington towering in your yard. Or you can dress up a spooky graveyard with a menacing gargoyle on each side of your front door. The inflatable possibilities are endless.

Flood Lights

You may have seen yards at Christmas time with classic warm flood lights illuminating wooden cut outs of Santa Claus. But have you ever considered using blue or green flood lights to cast an eerie glow across a graveyard full of tombstones? If you have creative decorations that lose their visibility at nightfall, flood lights offer the perfect solution.

Fog Machines

Nothing seals the deal in spooky better than some ghastly fog. Adding a fog machine to your Halloween display takes it to the next level and shows the neighborhood that you are seriously spooky! You might assume that adding a fog machine would be outrageously expensive, but you can find smaller ones for less than $40.

Animatronics

If your goal is to make your yard as frightening as possible, you might want to consider investing in some animatronics. Maybe all you need is this terrifying moving doll wandering your porch, or maybe you want to go big (and go home) with this enormous smoking dragon in your yard. Animatronics can bump your yard display up from a creepy candy stop to an actual haunted house.

Are you using any of these haunting electrical Halloween decorations in your display?

Share photos of your front yard with us on Facebook as we all get excited for Halloween night! If you need any electrical upgrades or repairs so that your Halloween decorations can work properly, give us a call any time.

If you need any electrical repairs or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

Maintaining Smoke and CO Detectors

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A peaceful night’s rest can easily turn into a real-life nightmare when something catches on fire. A rapidly spreading fire is dangerous and deadly, which is why it’s important to get loved ones out of the house quickly. A properly working smoke or carbon monoxide detector maximizes the amount of escape time and could save your life.

 

The professionals at The Happy Outlet want to ensure residents of the Carson City area remain safe. We have gathered a list of helpful, life-saving tips to maintain your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

 

Common Tips to Maintain Smoke Detectors

  • Change detector every ten years
  • Keep one in every room
  • Keep one on every floor
  • Maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions
  • Regularly clean and test
  • Change out the batteries regularly

Common Tips to Maintain CO Detectors

  • Change detector every ten years
  • Keep at least one on every floor
  • Keep one in the basement
  • Change out the batteries regularly
  • Maintain according to manufacturer’s instructions
  • Regularly clean and test

Another useful way to maintain your smoke detector is to clean it out. We have a list of the various steps to take to have a clean and properly working smoke detector. This is important to not overlook because a clean smoke detector helps avoid false alarms from dirt and dust build up.

 

Why You Should Maintain Your Smoke Detector

Safety is the number one priority in any home, however, maintaining safety of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm can often be overlooked. Don’t let the threatening smell of smoke wake you and your family up in the middle of the night. Let the fire alarm wake you with enough time to safely get out of the house.

 

For your electrical safety, it is important to become aware of the serious threats that follow a smoke detector that hasn’t been maintained. Three out of five home fire deaths are a result from a smoke alarm that didn’t work. It’s crucial to have a detector that has been maintained.

 

In most cases, a home fire will give you and your family about two minutes to safely escape the premise. Give yourself enough time to get out of the house with a properly working alarm sound on your detector.  The Happy Outlet wants to ensure your electrical safety because we care about you and your family!

 

A fire isn’t the only danger to worry about in your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that humans can’t detect, which is why it’s crucial to have a CO detector in your home. This dangerous gas is something you don’t want to mess with. By maintaining your detector, you are giving you and your loved ones a much safer home to live in.

 

Keep a safe and comfortable home by maintaining your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! Give us a call at 775-841-9473 to schedule an appointment with your trusted electrical professionals.  We are here to make sure maintaining your smoke detectors is a part of your electrical safety plan.