How to understand your coverage and responsibilities for your smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors are vital safety features in your home, designed to alert you to the presence of smoke or fire. To help you understand your coverage and responsibilities, here’s a breakdown of what’s covered under your warranty, what to expect, how Van Metre Homes will support you, and how you can maintain these devices to ensure safety and reliability.
Warranty Expectations
What Is Covered: Manufacturer defects during the coverage period. Wiring issues (for hardwired detectors), provided no homeowner modifications have been made.
What You Can Expect: Ensure all smoke detectors are functional and working as designed.
How We Will Help: We will inspect the smoke detector and determine if the issue is due to a covered defect or system error. If the detector is deemed defective within the covered period, we’ll coordinate a replacement. [Van Metre Life]
How You Can Help: Regular Maintenance
- Test monthly using the test button.
- Change batteries annually, or when chirping starts.
- Clean with a vacuum or compressed air to remove dust or insects.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Chirping Sound Every 30–60 Seconds
- Replace the battery (check if it’s a 9V, AA, or lithium).
- Check manufacture date – replace if older than 10 years.
- Clean to remove dust or debris.
- Relocate away from high humidity or heat.
- False Alarms
- Move detectors away from cooking appliances or showers.
- Clean to remove bugs or dust.
- Reset if hardwired (turn off circuit breaker for a few minutes).
- Alarm Won’t Stop
- Confirm there's no smoke/fire.
- Use the “Hush” button.
- Reset the unit by removing the battery, holding the test button for 15 seconds, and reinstalling.
- Hardwired Detector Keeps Sounding
- Reset power via the circuit breaker. [Understanding Your Circuit Breakers]
- Replace the backup battery.