How long do smoke detectors last

So how long do smoke detectors last? Keep reading for a complete guide on how long you can keep a smoke detector along with a few maintenance tips to keep it going through its entire life-span.

The 9-volt battery smoke detectors are the standard and most common model. These detectors require you to change out your batteries once every year or so. After they hit the 8-year mark you should consider replacing it. A 9-volt battery detector can live up to 10 years if you take care of it.

Long-life battery smoke detectors use lithium batteries to power them. These types of alarms work a little differently than others because you have to go by how long the battery will last. Not how long the unit will. This is because you can't change the lithium battery. When your alarm hits the year mark you will have to replace the entire unit.

Hardwired alarms appear to be permanent fixtures in your home but you have to follow the same rules for it as you do other types of alarms. Like with the 9-volt battery models, you will need to change the battery once every year.

You will have to have the entire system replaced after ten years. When the time comes you can replace the alarm yourself or have an electrician or alarm service company take care of it. Home Product Support. Expand search. Search Search. Information Title. URL Name. Click here to check for expiration dates Age matters when it comes to alarms. Remove the alarm from the wall or ceiling.

Look at the back of the alarm for the date of manufacture. Smoke alarms should be replaced 10 years from the date of manufacture. Put the alarm back on the ceiling or wall if it is less than 10 years old. Put carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, as well, and near, but not inside, an attached garage. Be careful where you place them, though. Keep carbon monoxide detectors out of direct sunlight, and at least 5 feet away from appliances and 20 feet away from any fuel-burning heat source.

Also avoid areas with high humidity shower, dishwasher , extreme heat or cold attics, crawlspaces , and blowing air vents, returns, and even ceiling fans. Consider installing heat detectors in places like your garage and kitchen.

Heat detectors are designed to respond to a fire, but not smoke. Using heat detectors instead of smoke detectors should help reduce false alarms from things like cooking.

Most smoke alarms have a lifespan of eight to 10 years, and again, replace the batteries every year. A smoke detector with a lithium battery or a hard-wired smoke detector can last 10 years, at which time you would just replace the whole unit.

Carbon monoxide detectors last between five and seven years. The recommendation is to replace them every five years because their ability to detect carbon monoxide is questionable after that point. But if you want to get even more protection, with monitoring and automatic notifications to the fire department and other first responders, a home security system is a great option.

The fire department will also be dispatched in the event of an alarm, even if you are not home to report the incident. A custom-designed fire system will monitor and alert you to any potential dangers and create time for everyone in your home to get away from the danger.