Fall Maintenance Series #8: Clean and Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you’ve ever lived through the embarrassment of setting the smoke alarm off while cooking dinner, you are not alone. The loud chirping ringing in your ears as you frantically wave a dish towel underneath, laughing it off to your houseguests, all while thinking “I should have taken the batteries out of this stupid thing.”

Other than those embarrassing times, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors often go without thought, even though they play a vital role in ensuring the safety of ourselves and our family in emergency situations. Are you cleaning your smoke and CO detectors regularly enough? Are you testing these devices? How often should you be changing the batteries? Do you even have enough of these devices in your home? Read on to find out.

Smoke detectors

A standard smoke detector generally begins periodically chirping as the batteries get low. This is often a good reminder to change the batteries. As technology has progressed, there are smoke detectors now that are designed with 10-year batteries; however, if these devices are chirping, it is a good indicator that the entire device should be replaced immediately. Testing of smoke detectors is recommended on a monthly basis. In today’s busy world, we know that one more thing to remember can be a lot. No judgment here! We are here to remind you to test them as frequently as possible, but it’s a good rule of thumb to get in the habit of testing them in the fall when completing other fall maintenance tasks, such as changing your furnace filter.

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors

A standard carbon monoxide (CO) detector should have the batteries replaced at least once a year. Make it a habit to check the batteries during Daylight Savings Time if you have trouble remembering! For the newer CO detectors with 10-year batteries, you may want to consider labeling them with the date they were purchased and installed so that you can easily replace them when they’ve hit their 10-year mark. If you are using a non-digital CO detector, consider changing the batteries when the alarm begins chirping like smoke detectors do as their batteries run low, or if the LED flashes red. If you change the batteries and the device continues beeping, it’s a good sign that the device has reached the end of its useful life and should be replaced immediately. Just like with smoke detectors, we recommend getting in the habit of testing your CO detectors at least annually in the fall, especially before firing up your furnace. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is often produced by fuel-burning sources such as furnaces, dryers, fireplaces, and chimneys and can lead to serious illness or worse.

Cleaning

For both smoke detectors and CO detectors, be sure to regularly clean the devices with either an air compressor or a vacuum hose. This will remove dust and debris as well as prevent pests from creating nests inside the devices. Pests, dirt, and debris can set off a false alarm. A damp (not wet) cloth should be used to wipe down the outside of each device.

Locations

Smoke detectors should be placed in every bedroom as well as at least one on every floor of the home. Legal requirements may vary across states and regions, so if you are ever unsure, please contact your local fire department.

Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every bedroom and on every level of your home, the same as smoke detectors. Additionally, install a device near any attached garage. Remember to keep devices at least ten feet from fuel-burning appliances. It is also recommended to avoid any excessively humid areas, too much direct sunlight, or places with too much air circulation. Again, you may contact your local fire department for their recommendations.

Maintaining the safety of your home and your family is a top priority. Lake Effect Property Solutions does not specialize in fire and carbon monoxide safety, but we believe every property owner should be informed and safe. For additional questions or for a referral to a great local company that specializes in fire protection, feel free to contact us via phone (814) 460-3333, email (info@lakeeffectpropertysolutions.com), our contact form on our website, or either of our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram).

#8 - Clean and test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors