The chirp at 2 a.m. gets attention. A silent, outdated smoke alarm
usually doesn’t. That’s why I suggest taking a few minutes to inventory
the alarms in the house rather than waiting for one to complain.
Find each smoke alarm and record its location, type, and manufacture
date on the back. Test it using the manufacturer’s button and schedule,
and clean the exterior as instructed. Replace batteries when required by
the model; sealed-battery units have different rules. A hardwired alarm
can still have a backup battery. Never remove a battery or disable an
alarm because of nuisance cooking smoke. Check the installation
instructions and have the location or type corrected if nuisance alarms
are frequent.
The U.S.
Fire Administration recommends monthly testing and replacement of smoke
alarms every ten years, with additional guidance on placement and
interconnected alarms. The date printed on the unit helps distinguish
age from the date you moved in. Local requirements and the
manufacturer’s instructions can be more specific.
When to call an electrician
If a hardwired unit has no power, the interconnection does not work,
the alarm is damaged, or you are unsure how to replace a ceiling-mounted
model safely, use a qualified electrician. An inspection observation is
a reminder to confirm the whole setup, not proof that the button test
established every alarm will perform in a fire.
My Helpful
Resources directory can point you toward local pros. There are alarm
and household safety ideas on the Homeowner
Tools & Supplies page; choose devices listed for their intended
use and follow their instructions.