Did you know that most household fire deaths can be attributed to either an absence of smoke alarms or working alarms with old or missing batteries?
Smoke alarms (also called smoke detectors) perch quietly above our heads, easily unnoticed for months or years. We’re only reminded of their existence when we burn something in the oven. These little units are important home safety features and need regular replacement, either of the batteries powering them or of the units themselves.
Regular Testing and Replacement
Take 15 minutes to check each smoke alarm in your house. Twist the unit off its base and check the date stamped on the back. If it’s more than 10 years old, replace the unit immediately. If it’s less than 10 years old, make a note in your calendar to remind you of when it needs replacement.
While you’re at it, test each unit. Press the marked button on the face of the unit, which will start an ear-splitting beeping. (Ear plugs, anyone?!) This will tell you if the battery and/or unit works properly. If it doesn’t beep, change the batteries (for battery-powered units) or check the wiring in a hard-wired unit. Retest. If these efforts are in vain, replace the unit.
Test each unit at least once a month!
How Are Your Alarms Powered?
Smoke alarms are either hard-wired or battery-powered. Hard-wired units are powered by electrical wires coming from your electrical breaker box. Most have battery backups that kick in during a power outage. Hard-wired units don’t require regular battery replacements.
Battery-powered smoke alarms have AA, 9V, or sealed lithium batteries. Units using AA batteries should be replaced every six months (or every time change) to ensure proper function. Check your instruction manual to see how often you should change 9V batteries.
Lithium batteries, on the other hand, can last for 10 years, or the lifespan of the smoke detector, requiring no battery changes. Illinois law requires that residents replace all old battery-operated smoke alarms over the next few years with the type that use a 10-year sealed battery.
Sensor Types – Which to Choose?
When it comes to replacement, consider what type of sensor the unit has. Smoke alarms have three types of sensors: ionization, photoelectric and dual-sensors that combine ionization/photoelectric.
An ionization smoke alarm responds best to fast, flaming fires. Photoelectric smoke alarms respond best to slow smoldering fires. Dual-sensor or combination smoke alarms feature – you guessed it! – both ionization and photoelectric sensors. For the best protection, use dual-sensor smoke alarms or use both types in your house.
Smoke Alarm Placement
Place a smoke alarm on each level of your home and outside of sleeping areas. If you close bedroom doors, place additional alarms inside the bedrooms. Since smoke rises, install alarms on the ceiling at least four inches away from the nearest wall and away from draft-causing windows or air ducts.
Don’t have time to maintain your smoke alarms? We can help check and replace smoke detectors throughout your home.
Should I Get Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Combination Alarms?
Some units combine carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. While these seem like a win-win, it’s better to have two separate units. Smoke alarms are most effective when placed on ceilings, as smoke rises. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be placed at knee level. This is because CO is roughly the same weight as the air, so it doesn’t rise as smoke does. Install stand-alone, plug-in CO detectors in a standard wall outlet.
Disposing of Old Smoke Alarms
Proper disposal of old smoke detectors is important, particularly for ionization units, which contain a tiny amount of radioactive material. If a detector contains radioactive material, law requires that a warning label be on it. Look for a label on the back of the alarm (facing the mounting base).
If yours is marked as a photoelectric unit, you can toss it in the trash. For ionization units, please see the U.S. Postal Service page on detailing smoke detector disposal for each manufacturer here.