It’s imperative to outfit your home with smoke detectors to ensure your family can be alerted of a fire in your home. For a smoke detector to be effective, it must be placed and installed correctly. Homeowners should install smoke detectors on each level of the house, in every bedroom and hallway.
Smoke detectors typically have a lifespan of 10 years, with some models only lasting as little as five. If you need clarification on whether it’s time to replace your smoke detector, there are five signs you can look for that indicate you should replace and reinstall it.
Here are the five most common signs it’s time to replace and reinstall your smoke detector:
- Age
- Frequent false alarms
- Diminished sound
- Battery issues
- Discolouration or visible damage
First, if your smoke detector is over ten years old, it’s time to replace it. After ten years, smoke detectors can become less sensitive to smoke particles, making them unsafe to rely on in the event of a fire. Most of the time, smoke detectors past their lifespan become inoperable. It’s best to get a new one and replace it to ensure you are alerted of a fire.
Aside from age, other signs will indicate it’s time for a smoke detector replacement. If you notice your smoke detector continuously has false alarms and goes off for no reason, it could be time to replace it. As smoke detectors age, they commonly have unstable sensitivity and may even start picking up on problems that don’t exist.
When smoke or fire is detected, smoke detectors are designed to emit a loud alarm. If the alarm sounds quieter or weaker than usual or distorted, it’s time to replace it. You should be able to hear the alarm from all areas of your home. If you want to test this out, you can use the test button on a smoke detector to check the sound.
Smoke detectors rely on batteries for power. The smoke detector may intermittently chirp or beep if the battery is low. If you replace the batteries and still experience intermittent chirps or beeps, then it’s likely your smoke detector needs to be replaced. It’s not sustainable to constantly replace the batteries, and it can also be a sign that the smoke detector has reached the end of its life.
Lastly, when smoke detectors age, they usually become discoloured and turn yellow. This is a telltale sign that your smoke detector has passed its prime and is ready to be replaced. Often, people confuse the reason for discolouration. They think it is caused by years of exposure to dust and sunlight, but the real reason is that smoke detectors contain bromine. Bromine is a flame retardant that is used to ensure smoke detectors can withstand heat from a fire. Over time, bromine will cause your smoke detector to turn yellow. Aside from discolouration, if you can see any visible damage to your smoke detector, that is also a sign that it’s time to replace it.
Replacing and reinstalling smoke detectors are fairly simple. Most smoke detectors are hard wired, while some are battery operated and can be placed anywhere in your home. It’s essential to mount smoke detectors on the ceiling. If that is not possible, you can install them high on the wall, at least 4-12 inches from the ceiling.
If you notice any of these signs with a smoke detector in your home, get a new one and replace it. This can make all the difference in alerting your family of a fire and keeping you safe.
AJ’s Electrical serves customers across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, helping them with their electrical needs. Their expert team has over 60 years of combined experience. They know what it takes to ensure safety, functionality, and efficiency for your home.
