In the speed of daily routine, it often happens that we take important things for granted and don´t stop to think about the consequences of this carelessness and what they could cause in our home, our lives, our environment. Therefore, when it comes to smoke detectors, it is vitally important to know when it is necessary to change their batteries to guarantee their correct operation and that they fulfill their function of preventing us from any incident.
The smoke alarm placed at home plays a crucial role in keeping you and your family safe by alerting you to potential dangers, of course, while it has its battery working properly!
So, how often to change smoke detector and smoke detectors batteries?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) it is recommended to change the batteries in your smoke alarm every 6 months.
But it depends on the type of smoke alarm you have since some of them offer a 10-year lasting battery, others can be bought with a backup battery so you are more protected. For the 10-year smoke alarms you don’t need to replace the battery, instead, you´ll have to replace the entire alarm once the 10 year period has finished. Nevertheless, it is important to test your alarms at least once a month to ensure they are working properly.
When it comes to changing the whole smoke detector, experts recommend replacing the entire smoke alarm every 10 years. Depending on the type, some of them can differ in durability, but a good way to know is by checking the manufacturer’s instructions.
But, of course, if your smoke alarm stopped working at all, it is time to change it!