Time to Replace Your Alarms?

Just like the milk in your fridge, smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms have an expiration date. But it’s easy to forget about this once your alarms are installed. Between things like walking the dog, soccer practice and making spaghetti, life gets busy and your alarms tend to blend into the background. However, smoke sensors lose sensitivity over time, which means they might not respond as quickly — or sometimes, at all.

Replacing your alarms on time ensures they’re at their best when it counts. Marking the installation date on your alarms makes it easy to know when it’s time to shop again. It’s a simple way to stay a step ahead and help keep your family and home safer for years to come.

Smoke & Combination Smoke + CO Alarms

Depending on your model, smoke and combination alarms are good for 5-10 years from the date it was manufactured. You can look for this date in the User Guide or product manual — or check the back of your alarm. Remember, even if the test button works fine, the sensor inside may not be as effective.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Standalone CO alarms can have a shorter lifespan than smoke alarms. You’ll want to replace them every 7-10 years, based on the model you have. Keep in mind, CO is completely invisible and odorless, so you’re pretty much relying entirely on the alarm’s sensor. Once it ages out, your alarm may not detect dangerous levels as fast as before.

Other Signs It’s Time to Replace

Beyond the calendar date, these are clear signs your alarm may need replacing sooner:

• Failed test - Pressing the test button doesn’t trigger a loud alarm.
• End-of-life chirps - A single chirp every 30–60 seconds often signals the alarm has reached the end of its service life, not just a low battery.
• Exposure to heavy smoke or fire: - Alarms can be damaged during a fire and should be replaced immediately after service life, not just a low battery.

The Difference Updated Alarms Make at Home

Like your outdated cell phone that won’t hold a charge, when alarms are past their prime, you may not get the performance you need. Staying on top of replacement dates helps ensure consistent detection from devices that are ready to respond when you need it most.