Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is only step one.
Like any safety device, they need:
- Regular testing
- Occasional cleaning
- Timely replacement
A detector that is 12 years old, full of dust, or chirping in the hallway at 2 a.m. is not giving you reliable protection.
This guide gives you a simple maintenance schedule, explains what different beeps and chirps mean, and tells you when it is time to fully replace your units.
If you are in Northeast Ohio and would rather have someone inspect, upgrade, or replace your detectors for you, Colin Can Help offers professional smoke and CO detector services. But whether you DIY or hire a pro, this article will help you stay on top of maintenance.
How Often to Test Smoke and CO Detectors
General Rule of Thumb
Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:
- Once per month
- After replacing batteries
- After power outages
- After returning from extended trips
Monthly testing sounds excessive to some homeowners, but it only takes a few minutes and confirms that the alarm sounds properly.
How to Use the Test Button
Most detectors have a clearly marked “Test” button.
To test:
- Press and hold the button until the alarm sounds.
- Confirm that the alarm is loud and clear.
- For interconnected systems, verify that other alarms in the home activate as well.
If the alarm does not sound:
- Replace the battery (if applicable).
- Check wiring (if hardwired).
- Replace the unit if it still fails.
Keep in mind: the test button confirms that the alarm sounds. It does not fully simulate smoke or CO exposure. That is normal.
How to Clean and Visually Inspect Detectors
Dust, cobwebs, and grease can interfere with sensors.
How Often to Clean
- At least twice per year
- During seasonal maintenance (spring and fall works well)
Basic Cleaning Steps
- Safely reach the detector using a stable ladder.
- If manufacturer instructions allow, remove the outer cover.
- Vacuum vents gently with a soft brush attachment.
- Wipe exterior surfaces with a dry or lightly damp cloth.
- Check for cracks, discoloration, or moisture damage.
Do not:
- Spray cleaners directly into the unit
- Paint over detectors
- Tape or block ventilation openings
Kitchen smoke and bathroom humidity are common causes of internal contamination.
Battery Care: Regular vs 10-Year Sealed
Replaceable Battery Detectors
For units with standard batteries:
- Replace batteries at least once per year
- Replace immediately when chirping
- Use the correct battery type specified by the manufacturer
Many homeowners choose to change batteries at the same time every year to build the habit.
10-Year Sealed Battery Detectors
These units do not allow battery replacement.
When the battery reaches end of life:
- The entire detector must be replaced
Pros of sealed battery units:
- No annual battery swaps
- Reduced tampering in rentals
- Fewer low-battery chirps
If you are considering upgrading to 10-year sealed models, see our 10-year sealed battery smoke alarm guide for a deeper comparison.
When it is time for smoke detector replacement, browse the Approved Smoke Detectors at Lowe’s for a curated selection of battery and hardwired units ready to install.
Understanding Beeps, Chirps, and Alerts
This is one of the most confusing areas for homeowners.
Intermittent Chirping (Usually Every 30-60 Seconds)
Common causes:
- Low battery
- End-of-life warning
- Fault or sensor issue
If your detector is chirping:
- Replace the battery (if applicable).
- Check the manufacture date.
- If the unit is near its lifespan, replace the entire detector.
If chirping continues after a fresh battery and the unit is older, it is likely end-of-life.
Continuous Alarm Pattern
If the alarm is sounding continuously and loudly:
- Treat it as a real event.
For smoke:
- Check for visible smoke.
- Evacuate if necessary.
For CO:
- Move everyone to fresh air immediately.
- Call emergency services if symptoms are present.
Do not ignore a full alarm.
Different models use different beep patterns. Always check the label on the back of the unit or the manufacturer’s manual to confirm what a specific pattern means.
When to Fully Replace Detectors (Lifespan)
Detectors do not last forever, even if they pass the test button check.
Typical Replacement Intervals
- Smoke detectors: about 10 years
- Carbon monoxide detectors: typically 5-7 years
Always verify your model’s specific lifespan.
How to Find the Manufacture Date
Look on:
- The back of the unit
- Inside the battery compartment
- A stamped date label
If you cannot find a date:
- Assume the unit is old and replace it
Sensors degrade over time. A 12-year-old smoke detector may still beep during a test but fail to respond properly in a real emergency.
Simple Maintenance Checklist
You can screenshot or print this section.
Monthly
- Test all smoke and CO detectors using the test button
Twice Per Year
- Vacuum and clean detectors
- Inspect for physical damage
- Check battery condition (if replaceable)
Annually
- Do a full home walkthrough
- Confirm proper placement and coverage
- Verify no rooms were remodeled without updated protection
At Lifespan Thresholds
- Replace CO detectors at 5-7 years
- Replace smoke detectors at about 10 years
- Replace combo units based on the earliest expiring sensor
When DIY Is Fine vs When to Hire a Pro
DIY Is Typically Fine For:
- Monthly testing
- Cleaning detectors
- Replacing batteries
- Swapping battery-only units in accessible locations
Most homeowners can handle these tasks safely. For a full breakdown, see our guide on whether you can install a smoke detector yourself.
Hire a Pro When:
- Replacing multiple aging detectors at once
- Upgrading to interconnected or smart systems
- Dealing with hardwired alarms
- Unsure about proper placement or coverage
- Preparing for home sale or rental inspection
If you are in Northeast Ohio, Colin Can Help can inspect your detectors, recommend replacements, and handle upgrades in one visit.
Shop Replacement Detectors
Ready to replace aging units? Check out the Approved Smoke Detectors storefront at Lowe’s for battery-powered and hardwired options that are ready to install.
Next Steps
Now that you understand maintenance and lifespan:
- Review the smoke detector placement guide to confirm coverage
- Review the CO detector placement guide for full protection
- Compare options in the smoke detector types guide if you plan to upgrade
- Consider 10-year sealed units if you want lower maintenance
Pick a recurring date each year, such as the start of spring or fall, and schedule your full safety check.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are small devices with a big job. A few minutes of testing and maintenance each month can make the difference when it matters most.
For a complete overview of smoke and CO detector safety for your home, visit the Colin Can Help smoke and carbon monoxide detector guide.