How to Check Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are a critical part of home safety. Most building codes require smoke alarms to sound when smoke or an excess of carbon monoxide are detected. It is essential that smoke alarms be kept in good working order. Test your alarms about once a month and follow recommended maintenance schedules to ensure that they are working when you need them most. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

Smoke alarm spray
Batteries
Vacuum

Instructions

- 1
  Press the test button on the smoke alarm. This will test all aspects of the system including the sensitivity (i.e. how much smoke it takes to set off the alarm). Should you be unable to reach or perform a monthly test, get your installer to use smoke alarms that are self-testing or ones that can be tested by shining a flashlight onto the test area. The detector will make a loud noise.
- 2
  Spray a can of alarm tester smoke near the alarm to ensure that it is functioning. This tester is available at hardware stores or online.
- 3
  Use your vacuum to clean dust and grime from your smoke alarm annually. Also change the alarm's batteries once a year. Alarms will chirp or beep when the battery is running low.

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Smoke Detectors