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How Often Should Smoke Detectors Be Replaced?

Published by Electrical Connections

A smoke detector on the ceiling in a hallway in front of a door

If you haven’t had your smoke detectors checked or replaced in a while, it’s time to do so. Smoke detectors lose their effectiveness over time and can’t help protect your home if they’re not working properly. The team at Electrical Connections LLC can help you check, repair, or replace your smoke detectors quickly. As reliable local electricians, we also provide emergency electrical services if needed.

Don’t wait until it’s too late; ensure that your smoke detectors are in good condition by contacting our professionals. To learn more about maintaining your smoke alarms, continue reading.

How Often Should You Change Smoke Detectors?

Unless recommended by the manufacturer, a smoke alarm should not remain in service longer than 10 years from the manufacturer’s date. It’s important to regularly check that your smoke detectors are in good working condition to protect your home.

Common Signs a Smoke Detector Is Going Bad

You can usually tell if a smoke detector needs to be replaced if it starts making strange noises or if the light is flickering. Other signs can include a malfunctioning test button, frequent false alarms, age (over 10 years old), or visible damage to the device.

If you’re unsure whether or not you need a new smoke alarm, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get it replaced. Our team at Electrical Connections LLC offers smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) detector installation, so you can have peace of mind.

How Often To Replace Smoke Alarm Batteries

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke detectors with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are intended to function effectively for 10 years. If the alarm beeps to indicate a low battery, it’s necessary to replace the whole smoke detector.

You should replace the battery in detectors that use any other type of battery at least once a year. If the alarm produces a chirping noise signaling a low battery, replace it right away.

When changing a battery, refer to the list of compatible batteries located on the back of the smoke alarm or consult the manufacturer’s guidelines. These instructions detail the specific brands and models of batteries that should be used. Using a different type of battery may result in improper functioning.

Smoke Detector Repair

If you have a smoke detector that’s not working properly, Electrical Connections LLC can help. We offer repair services for various types of smoke detectors. We’ll come to your home and look at the device, then explain the issue and discuss whether repair or replacement is the best option.

Don’t wait until an emergency happens to get your smoke detectors replaced or repaired. Instead, contact Electrical Connections LLC today. We’re always here to help when you need us, providing professional electrical solutions across Maryland. We’ve been serving customers since 2003, offering respectful service from trained, licensed electricians with 100% satisfaction guaranteed!

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

In addition to smoke detectors, it’s also important to have carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly if you’re exposed to it for too long. Sources may include furnaces, grills, stoves, generators, cars, and fireplaces. A CO detector can warn you if there’s carbon monoxide in the air.

We offer carbon monoxide detector replacement and repair services just like we do for smoke detectors. We’ll come to your home and inspect the problem. Then, we’ll give you an estimate for repairs or recommend replacement, if necessary. In most cases, we can fix the issue quickly and easily.

How Often Should CO Detectors Be Replaced?

If you’re wondering how often you should replace smoke detectors, then you should also be thinking about your CO alarms. Carbon monoxide detectors require more frequent replacement, usually every 5-7 years (based on the manufacturer’s date). You should replace the batteries in most CO alarms every 6-12 months.

Contact Electrical Connections LLC for Smoke Detector Service

Don’t risk sleeping through an emergency! Make sure that your home smoke detectors are in good condition when you contact Electrical Connections LLC. We can handle all of your smoke and CO detector needs. We’re always here to help!

If you have any questions or concerns about your current detectors, call us at (240) 257-8026 to get more information. If you need help installing a smoke alarm or CO detector, our team is ready to provide dependable service!

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