Why Replace a Smoke Detector Every 7-10 Years?

Updated Technology

• Replacing the smoke detectors every 7 to 10 years may seem like a waste of money, especially if the old faithful ones you have still test good. However, newer battery-operated smoke detectors are more sensitive than older versions. Updates in requirements for new homes call for hardwired detectors that operate off the home's electricity and have a battery back up. A big advantage to this system is that if one detector sounds, all of them sound, alerting you earlier to problems in other areas of the home.

Cost

• New smoke detectors are inexpensive and readily available. As of 2011, you won't spend more than $10 to $20 on a battery-operated detector. For that small amount of money, don't feel bad at all about replacing seemingly fine detectors. The old ones might work at 100 percent or they might not; don't take the chance. If upon moving to a new home you don't know the age of the detectors, assume they are 10 years old and replace them.

Maintenance

• To get the full 7 to 10 years of use from a smoke detector, do some simple maintenance. The batteries should be changed on a regular schedule at least once a year. Use the vacuum cleaner to clean dust or cobwebs off the detector. Dirty smoke detectors can sound false alarms or may not work properly when they should. If for any reason during a maintenance check the detector does not seem to work, properly purchase a new one.

Disposal

• The ionization-type detector has a very minute amount of radiation in it. Don't worry about the radiation emitted from the smoke detector; on the wall it poses no hazard. Smoke detectors should not be crushed, so don't dispose of them in the trash. Manufacturers, by law, have to take them for disposal as hazardous waste. If the manufacturer requires that you send the unit for disposal, wrap it securely and put it in a sturdy box. Photoelectric-type detectors don't contain radiation and can be disposed of in the trash.