Home Gas Alarms: Don’t Ignore Their “Shelf Life”

In recent years, the number of households choosing to install and use these alarms has continued to rise. However, many people may not be aware that gas alarms also have a shelf life. Check now to see if yours is due for replacement!

What is a home gas alarm?

A home gas alarm primarily consists of a sensor, an audible and visual alarm device, and a power supply module. It continuously monitors the concentration of combustible gas leaks indoors 24 hours a day. When the detected gas concentration reaches or exceeds a pre-set safety threshold, the alarm immediately triggers an audible and visual alarm to alert the user to the risk. In addition to standard models with basic functions, linked and networked models with enhanced safety features are also popular in the market.

Linked home gas alarms: In addition to emitting an audible and visual alarm, they can also control a solenoid valve or cylinder manipulator to automatically shut off the gas supply, eliminating the danger at the source and further ensuring gas safety.

Networked home gas alarms: Simultaneously with the alarm signal, real-time notifications are sent to the user via phone, text message, or a dedicated app. Even when users are away from home, they can be notified of potential gas hazards promptly. This is particularly useful for families with elderly or children, or those who travel for extended periods.

What is the service life of a home gas alarm?

The sensor inside a gas alarm is the core component that determines its lifespan, and sensors have a fixed lifespan. During daily use, the sensor is frequently exposed to impurities such as fumes and dust, gradually aging and damaging it over time. If the device continues to operate beyond its service life, it is likely to produce false alarms or even fail completely. Over-reliance on the alarm’s warning function, unaware that it is no longer functioning, can easily lead to gas leaks and serious consequences.

Daily Maintenance of Home Gas Alarms

Since home gas alarms have a service life of five years, how can we maintain them during daily use to ensure stable performance? Keep the following three key points in mind:

1. Regular Self-Test: Users should develop the habit of performing regular self-tests. This is simple: simply press the “Self-Test” button on the device. If the alarm detects a malfunction, it will flash a yellow light and sound an alarm, prompting the user to replace the device immediately. 2. Annual Cleaning: It’s recommended that users clean their gas alarms at least annually as this is crucial for ensuring proper function. While covering the alarm’s sensing area can prevent insects from entering, dust can still seep in, obstructing air circulation and affecting detection sensitivity. When cleaning, prevent moisture from entering the device.
2. Avoid Interference Sources: Avoid using pungent substances such as pesticides, paint, toilet water, and large amounts of alcohol near the gas alarm, as these substances may cause the alarm to falsely alarm.

Also, the installation location should be carefully considered. Avoid areas directly above or around stoves and range hoods to prevent fumes from directly affecting the sensor. Also, avoid humid environments and ventilation holes to prevent moisture or strong winds from interfering with the device’s detection function.