House fires are devastating, especially when many could be prevented. In 2022 alone, homeowners reported 382,500 house fires.
Taking the proper steps can help you prevent a home fire.
One of these steps is having good-working smoke detectors.
You must buy these and install them in the important areas of your home.
Then, you must maintain or replace the units.
You might wonder, “How often should smoke detectors be replaced?”
In this guide, we cover the answer to this question and more.
Continue reading to learn more about smoke detectors and the maintenance they require.
The Proper Location of Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors all work the same way: they have sensors designed to detect smoke, and they alert you after detection by producing a loud beeping sound.
This sound is generally loud enough to hear throughout an entire home.
Therefore, smoke detectors are vital for every house, but how many do you need?
The answer varies: smaller homes need only one or two, while larger homes might need a dozen.
Your home should have a smoke detector on every level, and you should place one in every hallway and every bedroom.
You can hire a fire safety company to help you determine how many to have and where to place them.
You may also need to choose alternate types of smoke alarms if anyone in your home has hearing problems.
Some types light up instead of beeping, alerting people with hearing issues about a fire.
Smoke Detector Maintenance
You can feel safer in your home once you have smoke detectors in the proper places.
However, your smoke detectors require some maintenance.
Replace Batteries
The primary maintenance they require is replacing the batteries.
It would help if you replaced the batteries in your detectors routinely.
Some companies recommend doing this annually, while others recommend doing it every six months.
You can determine the schedule, and you should mark your calendar.
For example, you could change the batteries every year on the first of January.
Many people choose to change theirs in the spring and fall on time-change days.
Test the Devices
Another form of maintenance is testing the devices.
Most smoke detectors have a test button.
You can press this to ensure the alarm goes off when pressed.
Most smoke detectors have sensors to alert you of weak batteries.
You’ll hear a chirping sound from the devices, indicating a weak battery.
If you hear this sound, change the battery.
Hard-Wire Them
Newer homes generally hard-wire smoke detectors.
This means they run a wire to the detectors, making them run on electricity.
These types still have batteries as a backup, but they’re wired in to make sure they always work.
You can hire an electrician to install these for you if your home needs them.
How Often Should Smoke Detectors Be Replaced?
Proper installation is the first step.
Maintaining the detectors is another step, but there is one more thing to do.
You must occasionally replace your smoke detectors.
Most experts suggest replacing detectors every ten years.
An average smoke detector will last this long, and some will last longer.
As a smoke detector ages, it loses its sensitivity.
As a result, an older smoke detector might not be able to detect smoke as quickly as a newer one.
However, detecting a fire quickly is vital for your safety.
You might need to replace yours sooner than the 10-year mark.
For example, inspect your detectors each time you replace the batteries.
You’ll know it’s time to replace them if they turn yellow.
Another indication it’s time to replace them is if your alarms go off for no reason.
If your detector beeps when there is no smoke, the sensors might be worn out, which is a problem.
You should also purchase replacement smoke detectors if you inadvertently painted or splattered paint on them.
Worn-out detectors will not work when you need them.
Your smoke detectors are there to alert you of a home fire.
They protect your family and belongings, so investing in new smoke detectors is critical for your safety and well-being.
Other Ways to Fire-Proof Your Home
Smoke detector maintenance and replacement is the first step to protecting your home.
However, you can also perform other fire safety steps for protection.
The first one is purchasing reliable fire extinguishers.
A fire extinguisher is a device used to put out a fire once started.
You’ll need to check and replace your fire extinguishers routinely to ensure they are in good working condition.
You should consider having a fire extinguisher in several rooms.
This includes your kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms.
Learning how to use one would be helpful before an emergency occurs.
Next, consider purchasing other types of fire alarm systems.
For example, you could install sensors around your home to alert you of smoke or carbon monoxide.
Talk to a fire safety company to learn about your options.
You can also learn and implement other home fire safety tips.
An example is to create an emergency evacuation plan with your family.
Once you create it, practice with your family.
If you live in an older home, get an electrical inspection every two or three years.
Many home fires start from electrical issues.
You can prevent this by maintaining your electrical system.
Stay Safe: Perform Necessary Smoke Detector Maintenance
How often should smoke detectors be replaced?
As you see, you should replace them every ten years, but you need to also perform routine maintenance to protect your home.
Your home is your safe place, but staying safe requires some precautions.
Take the right steps listed here to stay safe, and hire a fire safety company for help.
Certizona Fire & Safety has over 30 years of experience helping homeowners and businesses protect their property.
We are rated #1 in the fire protection industry in Phoenix, AZ, and can help you protect your home.
We serve Maricopa County, Yavapai County, and the White Mountain Lake Area.
Reach out to learn more about our fire safety services.
Seeking fire protection service? Look no further! Certizona Fire & Safety offers top-notch solutions in Phoenix, AZ. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
