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Don’t wait for the chirp. Like opening your mail or cleaning out your coffee pot, changing your smoke alarm batteries tends to land on the list of things you’ll get to one day. But it’s a pretty important task (as is opening your mail, heh heh) and it’s never too late to get in the habit. One way to remember is with the simple phrase, “change your clocks, change your batteries.” When you turn the clocks back after Daylight Saving Time ends in the fall, switch out the batteries in your smoke alarms. Yep, just once a year — not so bad, right? But it’s a good idea to test them once a month, too. It’ll give you peace of mind that they’re in good working condition. But what about your other questions, like which batteries are the best to buy, and when should you switch out the alarms themselves? Below is a brief dive into the science of maintaining smoke alarms. Which batteries do smoke detectors need?Most use 9-volt alkaline (you know, those rectangular boxes with two prongs at the end?) but some use AA. It’ll be specified in the battery compartments in your smoke alarms, so have a look to be sure. Can you use rechargeable batteries in a smoke detector?Using rechargeable batteries in something as important as a smoke alarm isn’t typically advised, since their charge levels aren’t reliable. Can you use lithium batteries in a smoke detector?Lithium batteries carry more charge than alkaline so they may last longer, but they tend to be more expensive. Plus, you can throw alkaline batteries away in the trash, but lithiums must be recycled at facilities that accept them. Do all smoke detectors need batteries?Yes, but not all can be switched out. Some smoke alarms come with 10-year tamper-free batteries, meaning the battery compartments cannot be opened and the devices can be used for a decade. Others are hardwired to your home’s electrical system and have backup batteries in case you lose power. When should you replace your smoke alarms? The alarms will have expiration dates written on the back, but every 10 years is recommended. Onto the next home maintenance project?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) came to an end on Sunday, November 6 at 2 a.m. Though we may have "gained" an hour of sleep this morning as our clocks fell back, it does mean slightly less light at the end of the day. As we look around today and see that some clocks need to be manually changed, it's also the perfect time to adjust other household items such as your smoke detector. The “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries” campaign created by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages homeowners to change their smoke detector batteries whenever they're changing their clocks for DST, equating to twice a year. Checking and changing your smoke detector batteries is easy to do—the hard part is actually remembering to do so, which is why this handy pairing with Daylight Saving Time is ideal. With DST now over, here's your friendly reminder to change those batteries, along with smoke detector tips and information to keep them properly maintained year-round. How often should I be replacing my smoke detector batteries anyway? Credit: Getty Images / Sturti Depending on the type of batteries used in your smoke detectors, you may need to replace your battery annually at the minimum. Smoke detectors with non-replaceable, 10-year batteries are designed to work for up to 10 years, according to the NFPA. Once you start hearing that dreaded "chirping" noise, signaling that the battery is low, you'll need to replace the entire smoke detector promptly. For smoke detectors that use any other type of batteries, they'll most likely need a new battery at least once a year—and for those who may need a gentle reminder to check on your smoke detector's batteries, using the beginning and end of Daylight Saving Time is a great way to remember. When in doubt about when to change the batteries or what kind of batteries to use, the NFPA recommends following the alarm manufacturer's instructions, which may end up being brand- or even model-specific. How to test your smoke detectorsCredit: Getty Images / pixinoo Take the time to test your smoke detectors regularly. Smoke detector maintenance is key to protecting you and your family from a potential house fire. Regularly testing your smoke detectors ensures that the batteries and the alarm itself are all working correctly. All smoke detectors in the home should be tested at least once a month—but don't worry, it's quick and easy to test them. Simply push the "test" button on the exterior alarm and wait for it to respond. If your detector is not responding, check the batteries to make sure they’re still good. If not, replace them as soon as possible. If this isn’t a battery issue, it may be time for a replacement. To make sure you're fully covered, you’ll need to check up on all of the detectors in your home on a regular basis. How to know when it's time to retire your smoke detectorCredit: Getty Images / AndreyPopov Some smoke detectors will simply need to be replaced, especially after their expiration date of 10 years. No matter how well an appliance or tech gadget is working, it'll have an expiration date. The same goes for smoke detectors, which the NFPA recommends replacing after 10 years regardless of their condition. Along with this information, you can check your alarm's expiration date, which makes it easier to know exactly when it's been 10 years. You can find this by removing the smoke detector from the wall or ceiling and looking for the date on the back. Our favorite combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectorCredit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser Our favorite smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector, the Nest Protect, is easy to install and comes with plenty of protective features. While smoke detectors are historically known for alerting your family of a fire emergency, combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (CO) can do even more, keeping your family safe from dangerous CO exposure. Even more, a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector can make protecting your family even easier with features like real-time notifications to your phone and voice alerts. Out of all the smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors we put to the test, the Nest Protect Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is our top choice. The fairly-priced alarm uses a split-spectrum sensor to sense both smoldering and fast-burning fires, helping to keep your family safe no matter the fire emergency. It also features intuitive features like push notifications, a night light option, and even a monthly self-test feature. $119 from Amazon The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. How long do 99-Volt Battery
The 9-volt battery smoke detectors are the standard and most common model. These detectors require you to change out your batteries once every year or so. After they hit the 8-year mark you should consider replacing it. A 9-volt battery detector can live up to 10 years if you take care of it.
How do you know when smoke alarm battery needs changing?You'll likely notice a high-pitched chirping noise coming from your smoke alarm when it is time for the batteries to be changed. It is best to be proactive and change the batteries in your smoke detectors before that noise occurs.
How do you get a smoke alarm to stop chirping?Resetting the Alarm. Turn off the power to the smoke alarm at the circuit breaker.. Remove the smoke alarm from the mounting bracket and disconnect the power.. Remove the battery.. Press and hold the test button for at least 15 seconds. ... . Reconnect the power and reinstall the battery.. How long do AA batteries last in smoke detectors?However, nowadays, it is more common to see two or three AA's in smoke detectors. AA batteries have about three times as much energy as a 9V. When using batteries like these, it's important that you check them consistently and replace your smoke alarm batteries every 6 months.
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How often should i change my smoke detector batteries
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