Smoke Detector FAQs
To put it simply, smoke detectors – or smoke alarms as some call them – save lives. But don’t just take our word from it – take it from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). According to the NFPA, three out of every five home fire deaths occur in a home either without a smoke alarm or without a working smoke alarm. Furthermore, for every 1,000 reported home fires, the death rate is twice as high in households without a working smoke detector.
As you can see, smoke detectors save lives. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about them, their placement, how often they need to be replaced, and more. Here’s what you need to know:
How many smoke detectors do you need?
It’s suggested that you install a smoke detector on every level of your home and in each bedroom of the home for well-rounded, whole-house protection. It’s also suggested that smoke detectors are installed in hallways outside of sleeping areas. Remember, smoke detectors are your first line of defense against a home fire. Ensuring your home has adequate coverage can alert you and any other household residents earlier and give you more time to escape the home to safety.
How often should you replace smoke detectors?
Smoke detectors should be replaced at least once every decade. Sensors in smoke alarms tend to wear out over time – and when they do, it can be more difficult for the device to detect smoke. Don’t know how old your smoke detector is? It’s easy to find out this piece of information. Simply look on the alarm for a label with the manufacture date on it. You can typically find this on the back of the device. If the label shows that the alarm is more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace the device with a new one. If it’s not 10 years old, you’re still good to continue to use the current model. However, regardless of how old your smoke detector is, make sure to change the batteries (if you have a battery-operated model) at least once a year. All smoke detectors should be tested once a month.
Why did my smoke detector go off for no reason?
Smoke detectors may go off – seemingly without reason – for a few reasons. Here’s a look at what could be the common culprit:
- Low batteries: If your battery-powered smoke detector is letting out an occasional beeping noise, it’s likely because the batteries are low and require changing. It’s suggested that you change out the batteries on your smoke detectors at least once a year. Some newer models come with built-in batteries designed to last for 10 years. If you have one of these models, the batteries should never require changing.
- Poor position: You shouldn’t put your smoke detector within 10 feet of cooking appliances. It doesn’t take a lot of smoke to set one off, and improper detector placement can trigger frequent false alarms. Additionally, high humidity can set off a smoke detector, so refrain from placing devices in hallways near bathrooms.
- Dust accumulation: Dust can build up on your smoke detector and cause false alarms. When you change the batteries on your smoke detector, make sure to dust it as well.
- Other issues: If you have a hard-wired smoke detector, it may go off due to power surges or a depleted backup battery.
How do you stop a smoke detector from beeping?
Stopping a smoke detector from beeping will hinge on resolving why it’s beeping. For example, if it’s letting out an occasional beeping noise, change the batteries. If it’s dusty and unkempt, clean it off. If it’s installed too close to cooking appliances or bathrooms, you’ll want to move it accordingly to prevent false alarms. If you’ve debunked everything and still can’t figure out why you’re getting false alarms or beeping noises, it’s probably best to either contact a professional electrician to get to the bottom of things or invest in a new smoke detector.
