Care of Smoke Detectors

A smoke detector will do its job – detect small amounts of smoke and sound an
alarm, if the proper maintenance is taken. Follow the manufacturer instructions that come with your smoke detector. Some suggestions are listed below:

Once a Week or Once a Month –

Check the Battery
To find out how to test your smoke detector, read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Most smoke detectors have a button that you press; if the smoke detector is working, the alarm will beep. If you hear only a chirp or nothing at all, you need to replace the battery.

Dust Your Smoke Detector
Dust often collects in smoke detectors, and it can cause the smoke detector to give
a false alarm. The easiest way to remove this dust is to take the top off of the smoke detector and vacuum the inside, using the drapery-cleaning attachment of a vacuum cleaner.

Once a Year Replace the Battery
The average 9-volt battery needs to be replaced after one year of ‘service’ in your family’s smoke detector. Multi-year batteries, used in some newer smoke detectors, should be maintained as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once Every Ten Years
Replace the Whole Detector. Even with good upkeep, most smoke detectors have a
life span of ten years. Remove the smoke detector, follow the manufacturer’s
directions for disposing of the smoke detector, and replace it with a brand new smoke detector. Some newer smoke detectors have their ten-year anniversary imprinted on
the cover; if you are unsure of your smoke detector’s age, it is always better to error on the side of safety.