Ever been startled by that annoying chirping sound in the middle of the night, only to realize it’s coming from your home’s smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) detector? While the instinct might be to remove the battery and go back to sleep, that sound is a crucial warning—your detector may be reaching the end of its lifespan.
Smoke & CO Detectors Expire – Here’s Why It Matters
Many homeowners don’t realize that smoke and CO detectors have a limited lifespan. Most models need to be replaced every 10 years to ensure they remain effective in detecting fires and carbon monoxide leaks. Over time, dust, dirt, and environmental factors can affect their sensors, making them unreliable.
Association Rule 2.26: Smoke & CO Alarm Requirements
In accordance with California Health and Safety Code and California Building Code, all homes must be equipped with properly installed smoke and CO alarms. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 720 specifies that:
✔ CO detectors must be installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of a dwelling.
✔ Smoke alarms must comply with state and local installation codes to ensure proper placement and function.
Additionally, the Villages Association Rules require the following:
- Annual Testing: Homeowners or renters must test alarms (or have them tested by a third party) every year to ensure functionality.
- Required Replacements: Any alarm older than 10 years should be replaced with a model featuring a permanently installed 10-year battery.
- Compliance Statement: Homeowners must submit a Statement of Compliance confirming that all alarms in their unit are in working order.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Detectors
- Not sure if your detectors are due for replacement? Here are a few signs to check:
✅ Chirping or beeping – A consistent sound (not caused by a low battery) could indicate that the unit has expired.
✅ Yellowing plastic – Many detectors discolor with age, signaling they are past their prime.
✅ No response to testing – If pressing the test button doesn’t trigger a loud alarm, it’s time for a replacement.
✅ Manufacture date older than 10 years – Check the back of the detector for a date. If it’s more than a decade old, replace it immediately.
A Simple Step for a Safer Home
- Taking a few minutes to check and replace expired detectors can be a lifesaving decision. Fires and CO leaks are silent dangers, but a working alarm can give you and your loved ones the critical seconds needed to escape safely.
- So, if you haven’t checked your detectors in a while, now’s the time! Stay safe and stay protected.
