2007-01-23 09:16:00 · 5 answers · asked by edkurz 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Many manufacturers are claiming 10 to 12 years as a recommended replacement cycle. The new ones I installed came outfitted with reminder stickers for this purpose.
2007-01-23 09:23:07 · answer #1 · answered by KirksWorld 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some can lose their effectiveness based on their environment. A large remodeling project occuring during their tenure or a more modest paint-job can shorten their life span. Humidity fluxuations can shorten it too. Built-in smoke detectors on the second level can sometimes be subject to attic heat and/or moisture problems. If you've had one fail, and know the others were put in at the same time, I'd replace them all. Any smoke detector that's presently older than about 7 years is probably due.
If you're not sure of how old it is, you can attempt to test it by burning some paper in a candle jar below the detector. Repeat the test each time you do a battery replacement (which they recommend each time you adjust your clocks ahead or behind).
If you are on the fence, get new ones.
You should know that newer models are out with comination carbon monoxide and several different ways of detecting smoke. The best models also have a voice alert - this sounds corny to have a device yelling FIRE at you in the middle of the night. But its a lot better than sleeping through the high pitched tone and not waking up until a fireman is yelling FIRE at you. Quite a number of cases of people sleeping through the higher pitched alarm tones from perfectly functioning smoke detectors.
Some states (e.g. Illinois) have passed laws requiring CO detector(s) to be placed in the home within 15 feet of any bedroom. They are a good idea to have around since CO gas can quietly kill you -- as you probably know.
Studies have shown that people do not register their sense of smell while sleeping, so having these detectors in your home and in good working order is an absolute must. Be safe.
Good luck.
2007-01-23 17:49:20 · answer #2 · answered by firm_shake 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every 10 years.
I have smoke detectors in each room, and they all are connected to each other by wiring. They also get power by electricity, but they do use batteries. I wonder if they are going to have the same replacement ones...
2007-01-23 17:53:25 · answer #3 · answered by David 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every five years for the detector and every year for the battery.Doing this more often will only keep you more at ease and know that it has been maintained properly
2007-01-23 20:53:59 · answer #4 · answered by Billy T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Change the battery when you change your clock for daylight saving.
Or on your birthday.
2007-01-23 18:06:30 · answer #5 · answered by Rainy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋