The Coffee House

[jeffashman9]

Regarding your smoke detector batteries. I am an electrician and I am always amazed at the response I get when I suggest to people to change their smokie batteries, all of them, each year on the same day. I choose New Years day. I have it scheduled in calender on my phone to remind me. I have not had the beeping low battery alert in many, many years due to this simple habit. Most people look at me with daggers in their eyes for suggesting to them they actually be proactive about this, but it sure beats the middle of the night surprise.

That's actually a very good idea, one that I think I will implement.

 

[smoke665]

I suggest to people to change their smokie batteries, all of them, each year on the same day. I

Where's the fun in that. You dont get to play which one is it in the wee hours of the night. LOL

All of our alarms are hardwired with battery backup. About a month ago we were awakened with what we thought was a low battery. Changed out everything, it still beeped. Called the the alarm company, after testing everything, did a complete shut down on the system, still a beep. Was finally able to trace the sound to a combination gas/CO2 detector behind a chair next to our fireplace. It was an end of life warning. Disconnected till next day and installed a new one.

 

[denum116 141]

Where's the fun in that. You dont get to play which one is it in the wee hours of the night. LOL

All of our alarms are hardwired with battery backup. About a month ago we were awakened with what we thought was a low battery. Changed out everything, it still beeped. Called the the alarm company, after testing everything, did a complete shut down on the system, still a beep. Was finally able to trace the sound to a combination gas/CO2 detector behind a chair next to our fireplace. It was an end of life warning. Disconnected till next day and installed a new one.

Yes, I have seen that exact scenario multiple times. Drives people absolutely bat guano crazy.

 

[denum116 141]

That's actually a very good idea, one that I think I will implement.

Nice to know I could help.

 

[smoke665]

Looks like our season has started early this year. Small Tornado about 30 miles south of yesterday. 22 homes damaged, but fortunately no deaths or severe injuries.

 

[CherylL]

How old are your detectors? Old detectors act in strange ways sometimes. Good idea to change them every ten years or so. A low battery alert on one should not activate an audible alarm on all detectors. That, many times, is indicative of faulty alarms that need replacing.

They are less than 5 years. There is one that may be the problem. We disconnected it weeks ago and there haven't been any more issues. Will replace soon.

 

[CherylL]

Looks like a walk day with 70 degree weather.

 

[smoke665]

Looked like the rain had stopped, so out I went to work on the deck. Within 15 mins a light mist started falling, I was determined to work through it to finish. Finished a section, started on the 2nd with the finally sun out,......then the drill battery went dead. I'd forgotten to put it on the charger from the last heavy use.

 

[smoke665]

The sun is up, and shining bright, headed for a high of 68 today, life is good!

 

[snowbear115 46]

It's currently 38F (3.3C), going up to 41F (5C). Snow predicted Tuesday through Friday but the temperature is supposed to be above freezing, so it shouldn't add much. Some of the communities have posted truck weight restrictions on residential roads to try to prevent frost heave damage.

MLW's French onion soup for dinner tonight.

 

[CherylL]

How old are your detectors? Old detectors act in strange ways sometimes. Good idea to change them every ten years or so. A low battery alert on one should not activate an audible alarm on all detectors. That, many times, is indicative of faulty alarms that need replacing.

Update on the alarms. Went to get a replacement of the CO2/smoke alarms and the only available was one with a built in battery that lasts 10 years. Of course the wired in doesn't line up with the replacement, but husband rewired. When we replaced all 8 back in 2022, the wire plugs were in alignment.

So the new alarms are all 10 year built in battery?

 

[smoke665]

Judging by my screaming back, I probably pushed it a little to far but I was determined to finish today. Unfortunately now that its done I'm looking at only 32ft of original railing left. It could probably last another year but if I replace it now then I'll have new railing all the way around. Lowes here I come again.

 

[denum116 141]

Update on the alarms. Went to get a replacement of the CO2/smoke alarms and the only available was one with a built in battery that lasts 10 years. Of course the wired in doesn't line up with the replacement, but husband rewired. When we replaced all 8 back in 2022, the wire plugs were in alignment.

So the new alarms are all 10 year built in battery?

Yeah, it seems most manufacturers are swithing to the 10yr battery style. When the battery goes you replace the unit. The jury is still out on whether the batteries will last ten years. My guess would be to replace these units before the ten years is up...maybe at the 8-9 year point. And yes, it is a shame that the plastic power connectors are not universal. Not a problem for me, but not all homeowners are up to the task when it comes to making electrical connections. Glad to see your husband was up to the task. Bravo!

 

[nerwin]

I been considering purchasing my first vehicle. A car would be more practical I'm sure, but I'm a truck guy. I don't need a big truck, but living in Vermont. Having a truck is very handy. So I'm looking at a 2026 Nissan Frontier SV Dark Armor. I like everything about it, a simple truck that drives like a truck. I really don't want a vehicle with a turbo living in Vermont nor having that silly cylinder deactivation and Nissan omitted the auto stop/sart system from the newer models. But this is all depending on if I decide to go new, I may end up finding a decent used vehicle instead. But the issue, especially in Vermont is that used prices are so obnoxiously high that you might as well buy new.

But yeah, I guess it's exciting times for me. Things are changing.

 

[webestang6412 1]

I been considering purchasing my first vehicle. A car would be more practical I'm sure, but I'm a truck guy. I don't need a big truck, but living in Vermont. Having a truck is very handy. So I'm looking at a 2026 Nissan Frontier SV Dark Armor. I like everything about it, a simple truck that drives like a truck. I really don't want a vehicle with a turbo living in Vermont nor having that silly cylinder deactivation and Nissan omitted the auto stop/sart system from the newer models. But this is all depending on if I decide to go new, I may end up finding a decent used vehicle instead. But the issue, especially in Vermont is that used prices are so obnoxiously high that you might as well buy new.

But yeah, I guess it's exciting times for me. Things are changing.

I was always a fan of the little Ford Ranger from the 90's. And I like the new Ford Maverick PU but it's a 4-door with a tiny bed. I'd consider buying one if it was a 2-door with a larger bed.