Proforma Safety Blog

Replace Not Only the Batteries, But the Device

Posted by proforma on September 9, 2010

We’re all aware that we need to replace batteries in smoke detectors and CO alarms in our homes periodically. But what many people don’t know is that the alarms themselves need to be replaced.

CO alarms should be replaced after five years. Stand-alone smoke detectors should be replaced after 10. The date of manufacture should be on the back of the alarm.

Cost of these alarms is not significant; a highly rated smoke alarm ranges in the $25; a CO alarm, $40. Consumer Reports recommends dual-sensor models that use both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.