Smoke detectors are absolutely vital when it comes to saving lives.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately every three out of five fire-related deaths occur in homes without a smoke detector or a working smoke detector in place.
So, how long are smoke detectors good for and how do you maintain them?
Read on to learn more about these crucial detectors including their average lifespan and some maintenance tips for this fire safety device.
How Long Are Smoke Detectors Good For?
We’ll start off with the main question: how long are smoke detectors good for? Even if you purchase the newest, most state-of-the-art smoke detector available on the market today, experts say it should be replaced every 10 years.
That means if your smoke detector is in great shape, it should last around a decade before it should be removed and replaced with a new one.
After the 10-year smoke detector lifespan has passed, the smoke detector will lose its sensitivity and ability to detect the presence of smoke.
That means if a fire were to occur, it might not alert you in time to get out safely.
If you have a smoke detector with built-in CO (or carbon monoxide) detection, you may need to have a professional replace it before the 10-year mark.
Most CO detectors have a five to seven-year warranty, so it’s a good idea to replace your smoke detector/CO detector combo around that time.
Many smoke detectors use batteries to operate.
If you have a battery-operated smoke detector, you may notice that it emits a repetitive chirping sound.
This annoying sound usually indicates that it’s time to replace the batteries since they’re almost “dead.”
Never remove the battery completely just to get the chirping to stop, since you won’t have any protection without batteries.
A good rule of thumb is to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year.
You can remember to do this by picking a special date like a holiday or a birthday so you always remember to replace them year after year.
Smoke Detector Maintenance
Now that you know how long your smoke detector should last, it’s time to talk about maintenance.
Here are some smoke detector maintenance tips to ensure that this vital fire safety device is operating as it should.
Test it Monthly
One of the best smoke detector maintenance tips is to test every unit in your home monthly.
All you need to do is use a broom handle or your finger and press the “test” button.
If you hear the alarm sound, then your smoke detector is working correctly.
This is the only way to truly know whether or not your smoke detector is working, so doing this once a month is highly recommended for your safety.
Keep a Replacement Schedule
Even if your smoke detector is marketed as having a long life, you should still replace it every 10 years.
Make a note of when you first installed or purchased a new detector.
Aside from replacing the detector every ten years, remember to replace the batteries every year.
Look for Discoloration
You may think that an older smoke detector is turning yellow because of age or exposure to cigarette smoke.
However, a yellowing smoke detector is a sign that it needs to be replaced.
Most of these devices contain a substance called bromine, which is used as a flame retardant so the smoke detector can continue to operate during a fire.
However, this substance can turn the smoke detector yellow when it gets exposed to UV light, oxygen, or heat and is a clear indicator of an old unit.
Listen for Noises
While a chirping sound usually indicates that your smoke detector needs new batteries, it may suddenly go off for no apparent reason.
If this happens, it typically means that the detector is getting old or has faulty parts.
You can replace the batteries to see if that helps, but if it still turns on suddenly, you may want to replace it instead.
Replacing the unit is the only way to guarantee that your smoke detector will do its job reliably.
The Best Location for Fire Safety
Now that you know more about smoke detector maintenance and replacement, let’s discuss the best place to put these units in your home.
You might only need two smoke detectors if you live in a small space.
However, larger homes may need up to 12 or more, depending on the size and how many bedrooms it has.
There should be at least one smoke detector on every level of the home.
One should be installed in every hallway and every bedroom, too.
It’s also good to have one in or near the kitchen.
If someone in your family has difficulty hearing, you may also need to install a special device that flashes so they receive the alert.
Light-up smoke detectors work well to alert those with hearing difficulties in the event of a fire.
It’s also a good idea to consider adding fire extinguishers to your home.
Keep at least one in an easily accessible area in the event of a small fire.
If you’re worried about maintaining the batteries in your smoke detector, consider getting one that’s hard-wired.
These units are directly wired to your home’s electrical system, eliminating the need for batteries.
They still have a battery backup just in case the electricity goes out to keep you safe.
Protect Your Home with Smoke Detectors
Now that you know the answer to how long are smoke detectors good for, you can be aware of when to replace them in your home.
Remember to test the units monthly, change the batteries annually, and have a professional fire protection service replace them every 10 years.
With over 30 years of experience helping homeowners and businesses protect their property, Certizona Fire & Safety is rated number one in the fire protection industry in Phoenix, AZ.
If you live in Maricopa County, Yavapai County, or the White Mountain Lake area, contact us today to find out how we can help you.
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