How Often Should a Smoke Detector Be Replaced?

Lifespan

• The typical lifespan for a smoke detector is eight to 10 years, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. There are two commonly used smoke detector types -- ion and photoelectric. The ion version uses radiation to detect smoke, and photoelectric detectors use a light beam. Both types are effective for home protection and have the same lifespan.

Batteries

• Smoke detectors can run off of battery power or be wired into a home's electrical system. Battery-operated detectors need their power source replaced regularly. The fire administration advises testing them every month and replacing the batteries if needed. Designate an annual date, like the day of the transition to daylight saving time or New Year's Day, to change all your smoke detector batteries, even if they are still working.

Selection

• Consider the benefits of each detector type when replacing old smoke detectors. Photoelectric units are best at detecting smoldering fires, and ion units respond best to open flames. Mix the two types in your home for maximum safety. The Fire Safety Council recommends photoelectric detectors for rooms with combustible furniture and ion detectors for areas with flammable items such as newspapers and cleaning supplies. Some companies sell units with ion and photoelectric detection combined in one detector, according to ConsumerReports.org.

Considerations

• Write the date of purchase inside new smoke detectors so that you know when to replace them, the fire administration recommends. Replace smoke detectors immediately if you move into a home or apartment and do not know their age. Some older models are not as reliable as current smoke detectors, and MSNBC Consumer Man columnist Herb Weisbaum advises that because ion units are cheap and are sometimes given away by fire departments, it is best to start fresh with new, effective detectors.

Number of Detectors

• Add smoke detectors to your home, even if you already have newer, functional units, if you do not have at least one detector on each level, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends. Make sure that there are detectors near the bedrooms. Test the units while other family members are asleep to ensure that they are loud enough to wake everyone up. Replace them with different detectors if the sound is ineffective.