Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Many homeowners assume that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms last forever. Unfortunately, they do not. Over time, alarm sensors can deteriorate, become less effective, or become obstructed, reducing the level of protection they provide.
As a general guideline, smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, while carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommended service life, typically every 5–7 years. Even if an alarm sounds when you press the test button or replace the batteries, an older unit may no longer provide reliable protection.
Check the age of every alarm in your home. If your smoke alarms are more than 10 years old or your CO alarms have reached the manufacturer's recommended replacement date, they should be replaced promptly.
Smoke Alarms
When properly installed and maintained, smoke alarms provide an early audible warning that can give occupants valuable time to escape a fire. This is especially important because residential fires can occur without warning, including while occupants are sleeping.
For maximum protection:
- Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button.
- Replace batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions, or at least annually for models that use replaceable batteries.
- Keep alarms clean and free from dust and debris.
- Replace the entire alarm when it reaches the end of its recommended service life, typically 10 years.
- If an alarm does not operate properly after replacing the battery and testing it, replace the unit.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing, maintenance, installation, and replacement.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is often referred to as the "silent killer." It is an odorless, colorless, and potentially deadly gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, oil, kerosene, wood, and charcoal.
Potential sources of carbon monoxide in a home include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, generators, vehicles, and blocked or improperly maintained chimneys or vents.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and difficulty breathing. Because these symptoms can resemble the flu or other illnesses, CO poisoning may not be immediately recognized.
A properly installed and maintained CO alarm provides an important early warning of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
For the best protection:
- Install CO alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions and applicable local requirements.
- Install at least one CO alarm on each level of the home, particularly near sleeping areas, as recommended by fire-safety authorities.
- Keep CO alarms at the recommended distance from fuel-burning appliances and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
- Test CO alarms regularly using the test button.
- Replace CO alarms when they reach the end of their manufacturer's recommended service life, typically 5–7 years.
- Replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Consider models with a digital display that can provide additional information about detected CO levels.
What to Do If a CO Alarm Sounds
Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm.
If your CO alarm sounds:
- Move everyone to fresh air immediately, either outdoors or to an open door or window.
- Account for everyone in the household.
- Call 911 or your local fire department from a safe location.
- Do not re-enter the home until emergency responders have determined that it is safe.
- Have a qualified technician inspect fuel-burning appliances, chimneys, vents, and other potential sources of carbon monoxide before returning to normal occupancy.
If the alarm sounds again after the home has been cleared, leave immediately and contact emergency services again.
Protect Your Home and Your Family
Fire and carbon monoxide protection should never be overlooked or delayed. Installing the appropriate number of approved alarms, maintaining them properly, and replacing them when they reach the end of their service life can provide your family with an important layer of protection.
Don't cut corners when it comes to fire and carbon monoxide safety. Make sure your home is equipped with properly installed, approved, and functioning smoke and CO alarms.
Click here for more information: Smoke Alarm Information
Call Mapleleaf Electric Inc today for replacement of your old smoke alarms, or for installation of new combination "Smoke/CO Alarms"
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