Here at Totally Electric, we want you to always feel safe in your home. One of the most significant safety features of your house is your smoke detector, or “smoke”. Many people aren’t aware that smokes expire. A regular smoke will last about eight to ten years, and a carbon monoxide smoke will last between five and seven years. Before you panic wondering how old your smoke detector is, almost all smokes have an expiration date on them.
You should find a small sticker or stamp on the smoke detector which will have the expiry date. It should be located near the battery.
No battery?!? You definitely need to have that smoke detector replaced!!
Smoke detectors should also be tested at least once a year. There should be a test button on the smoke. Just plug your ears and press that button to make sure your detector works. Depending on the age of your home, either all your smokes will go off at once, or just the one you tested. Both wiring methods are safe but all new homes are wired so all the detectors are connected. It’s best to have at least one smoke on each floor, and if you have an attached garage, or use an oil/propane furnace, your top floor detector should be upgraded to a carbon monoxide smoke detector. Code for wiring new homes is a smoke detector on every floor, and one in every bedroom, with the top floor being a carbon monoxide smoke detector.
Hopefully you've learned a little about smoke detectors today. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us today!
