Is it true that smoke detectors have a life expectancy?

Most experts recommend you replace your smoke detector if it is ten years or older. One study conducted a few years ago found most smoke detectors do not work as reliably after ten years or so.

Show All Answers

1. Is it true that smoke detectors have a life expectancy?
2. How many smoke detectors do I need in my house? I live in a 30 by 40 single-story ranch.
3. Where should I install my smoke detector?
4. My smoke detector started sounding an alarm the other day even though there was no smoke and I had just changed the battery a few weeks before. Is my smoke detector still good?
5. Is it true that there are smoke detectors that you don’t need to change the battery every year?
6. How often should I test my smoke detector?
7. Do you really need to change the smoke detector’s batteries every time you change the clock? My smoke detector chirps when the battery needs to be replaced.
8. Are there different types of smoke detectors on the market? Are some better than others?
9. My smoke detector is always sounding a false alarm whenever I cook. I know I shouldn’t disconnect the batteries, but how about putting a plastic shower cap over it?
10. Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
11. Where should carbon monoxide detectors be placed?