How Often Should You Change the Batteries in Your Smoke Detector?
The smoke detectors s throughout your home help play a crucial role in keeping you and your family safe by alerting you to potential dangers. However, smoke alarms are no use if they do not have working batteries. It is important that you take the time to check and test home smoke detectors often and change the batteries to ensure they are working properly.
What Smoke Alarm Do You Have?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends changing the batteries in your smoke alarm every 6 months. At First Alert, we offer 10-year smoke alarms that have a built-in 10-year battery, which eliminates the need for battery replacements for the life of the detectors. We also offer hardwire fire alarms with a battery backup, for protection during power outages.
Testing and Changing Your Fire Alarm Battery
It is recommended you test your detectors at least once a month to ensure they are working properly. If your smoke alarms are powered by a nine-volt battery, the battery should be replaced every 6 months, while the alarm itself should be replaced once every 10 years. For 10-year lithium-powered fire detectors, you won’t need to replace the battery. Instead, the entire alarm should be replaced after 10 years have passed from the manufacture date on the back of the alarm. If your alarm is hardwired into your home’s electrical system, replace the backup battery at least every 6 months and replace the smoke alarm itself once every 10 years.
Signs You Need to Replace the Batteries In Your Smoke Detector
You’ll likely notice a high-pitched chirping noise coming from your fire alarm if the batteries need to be replaced. It is best to be proactive and change the batteries in your smoke detectors before the low battery chirp occurs. When you change the batteries in one fire alarm, make sure you change the batteries in the rest of the detectors in your home as well. A helpful reminder to check your smoke alarms and change the batteries every 6 months is Daylight Saving Time. Check your fire detectors when you change your clocks.
Installing smoke detectors will help keep you and your family safe. Browse our website to learn more about fire alarms or other fire-related equipment such as fire escape ladders, fire extinguishers, and more!