Alarm battery check in Exeter
Professional alarm battery check services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30-45 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
All your alarms checked and batteries changed where needed. Smoke, CO, burglar alarm - everything tested so your family's actually protected.
That Beeping At 3am
You know the one. The smoke alarm that decides its battery is dying exclusively in the middle of the night. Then you're stumbling around in the dark trying to work out which alarm it is and whether you've got a 9V battery anywhere.
Or worse - you're not sure the last time anyone checked them, and you're vaguely aware they might all be expired.
💡 Pro tip: Most people don't know smoke and CO alarms have expiry dates. A 12-year-old smoke alarm might beep when you test it, but it's not protecting your family - the sensor's degraded.
Why This Matters
Alarm batteries aren't like TV remote batteries. When these fail, people die. Bit dramatic, but it's true.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Neglected |
|---|---|
| All alarms tested and working | Beeping ignored for weeks |
| Fresh batteries installed | "I'll do it tomorrow" for 6 months |
| Expired alarms identified and replaced | 15-year-old alarm still on ceiling |
| Dated record of when checked | No idea when they were last tested |
| Family actually protected | False sense of security |
What Gets Checked
🔍 Full Alarm Audit
| Alarm Type | What I Check |
|---|---|
| Smoke alarms | Test button, expiry date, battery condition |
| CO alarms | Test function, expiry, sensor status |
| Heat detectors | Usually kitchen - test and battery |
| Burglar alarm | Panel battery, keypads, sensors |
🔋 Battery Replacement I change any weak batteries and note which type each alarm needs (so you know for future).
📅 Expiry Check Most alarms last 10 years. If yours are older, I'll advise replacement and can fit new ones while I'm there.
Common Alarm Problems
The Midnight Beep Low battery warning. Always happens at night because that's when the house is coldest and batteries test weakest.
False Alarms Often means the alarm is dying or positioned wrong (like too close to the bathroom steam).
Can't Reach Them Landing ceiling alarms are often stupidly high. I bring proper ladders and stepladders.
Burglar Alarm Panel The battery in the control box needs changing every 3-4 years or it'll start beeping warnings at you.
Pricing Guide
| Service | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic check (up to 5 alarms) | 30 mins | £60 |
| Full house check (6-10 alarms) | 45 mins | £60 |
| Plus new alarm fitting | Add 15 mins each | +£25 per alarm |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Batteries and new alarms charged at cost.
Perfect If...
✅ You've got the midnight beep - find it and fix it
✅ Not sure when alarms were last checked - peace of mind audit
✅ Just moved in - no idea how old the alarms are
✅ Alarms are ridiculously high - can't reach them safely
Why Choose Us for Alarm battery check in Exeter?
All alarms tested and working
Batteries changed where needed
Expiry dates checked
Peace of mind your family's protected
What to Expect
Step 1: Locate All Alarms
I go through the house finding every smoke alarm, CO alarm, and detector. You'd be surprised how many get forgotten.
Step 2: Test & Document
Each alarm gets tested properly (not just the button - actual function test where possible). I note make, model, expiry date, and battery type.
Step 3: Replace & Fix
Any weak batteries get changed, any expired alarms get flagged for replacement. If you want new ones fitted, I can do that while I'm there.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to maintain your alarms yourself? Here's how:
🔋 Testing schedule
- Test every alarm monthly (press and hold the button)
- Change batteries annually (good time: when clocks change)
- Replace entire alarms every 10 years
🔍 Where to check expiry date Usually printed on the back/side of the alarm. You'll need to untwist it from the ceiling mount to see. Format is often "Replace by: [year]" or a manufacture date.
🛠 Changing batteries
- Twist alarm anti-clockwise to remove from mount
- Open battery compartment (usually slide or clip)
- Note battery type before removing
- Fit new battery (check polarity!)
- Test alarm before remounting
📍 Alarm placement rules
- Smoke alarm on every floor minimum
- CO alarm within 3m of any fuel-burning appliance (boiler, gas fire)
- Not in kitchen (unless heat detector type)
- Not within 1m of bathroom (steam causes false alarms)
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Ignoring the beep ("I'll do it later")
- Removing battery and not replacing it
- Assuming mains-powered alarms don't need checking
- Not realising alarms expire
💡 Pro trick: Write the battery change date on the alarm in permanent marker. Next time you'll know when it was last done.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Landlords: You're legally required to have working smoke and CO alarms. I can do an annual check and provide documentation for your records.
New alarms needed? I fit optical smoke alarms and sealed 10-year CO alarms as standard. No battery changes needed for a decade.
Burglar alarm panel dead? If your house alarm's been beeping for weeks and you've been ignoring it, the backup battery's probably shot. Usually about £20 to replace and 10 minutes work.
Exeter's old houses? Many have alarms fitted by the previous owner decades ago. If yours are ancient Aico or BRK units, they're probably due for replacement. I can fit modern equivalents that link together properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which alarms do you check?
Everything - smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, heat detectors, burglar alarm panel, and any other battery-powered safety devices. I test each one, note expiry dates, and change batteries as needed.
Do I need to buy batteries first?
No - I carry the common types (9V, AA) with me. If you've got an unusual alarm that needs something specific, I can pick it up from Screwfix on the way. You just pay for the batteries used.
How do you know if alarms need replacing entirely?
Smoke and CO alarms have expiry dates printed on them - usually 10 years. If yours are past that, I'll let you know and can fit new ones while I'm there. Old alarms are a genuine safety risk.
Will you sort the beeping smoke alarm?
Yes - that's usually a low battery warning or the alarm telling you it's expired. I'll diagnose the beep pattern, fix it, and make sure it's actually working properly, not just silenced.
What about hard-wired alarms?
Even mains-powered alarms have backup batteries that need checking. I'll test the whole system and change backup batteries where needed.
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