How Often Should You Replace Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vital safety devices that work tirelessly to protect your home. However, many homeowners overlook the fact that these devices don’t last forever. They have a specific lifespan, and over time, their effectiveness diminishes. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of these detectors are crucial to ensure they provide the protection you need. At Arsen Electric, we understand the importance of keeping your safety systems up to date and are here to guide you through the process of replacing smoke and CO detectors before they expire.

Smoke Detectors: A 10-Year Lifespan

Most smoke detectors are designed to last for about 10 years. After a decade of service, the internal components—particularly the sensors—begin to wear down, which can lead to delays or failures in detecting smoke. While it might seem that your smoke detector is still working if it hasn’t been triggered, it’s important to realize that it could be much slower to respond to actual smoke as it ages.

To make it easier, we recommend marking the installation date on the side of each detector when it is installed, so you know exactly when it’s time to replace them. Arsen Electric can also assist in scheduling regular inspections and replacements to ensure your system is always up to date.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: 5-7 Years of Protection

Carbon monoxide detectors have a slightly shorter lifespan than smoke detectors, usually lasting between 5 and 7 years. Similar to smoke detectors, the sensors inside CO detectors degrade over time, causing them to become less sensitive to CO levels in the air. In some cases, older CO detectors may emit intermittent chirping sounds as a sign that they are nearing the end of their lifespan.

Arsen Electric can provide you with high-quality CO detectors and ensure that they are placed correctly in your home for maximum protection. We’ll also check the functionality of your current detectors and advise you on when replacements are needed.

Signs It’s Time for a Replacement

Aside from reaching the end of their lifespan, there are several signs that your smoke and CO detectors might need to be replaced sooner:

• Frequent false alarms, even when there’s no smoke or gas present.
• The detector emits a persistent chirping noise, indicating a malfunction.
• Physical damage or corrosion on the device.

Regular testing is also essential. We recommend testing your detectors at least once a month to ensure they are functioning properly. If you’re unsure how to test your detectors, Arsen Electric can assist by performing an inspection to confirm that everything is in working order.

Trust Arsen Electric for Your Home Safety Needs

Replacing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors isn’t something that should be delayed. Old or malfunctioning detectors can fail when you need them most. At Arsen Electric, our professional electricians can help you choose the most reliable detectors for your home, install them properly, and dispose of your old ones safely. Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule an appointment with us today to ensure your home’s safety systems are up to date.