Critical
Working alarms are the single biggest factor in surviving a house fire.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $30
- Time
- 15 min
A dead alarm offers zero warning when it matters most.
How & when to do itHome system
Smoke & CO alarms maintenance
Detectors & batteries. Below is everything your smoke & co alarms needs to stay safe and efficient — sorted into what's critical, what saves money, and what's optional. Each task shows how often to do it, whether it's DIY, and what it typically costs.
- Tasks:
- 2
- Typical yearly cost:
- $20–$90
Money-saving
Sensors degrade; manufacturers rate alarms for about 10 years.
- How often
- Every 10 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $20–$60
- Time
- 30 min
An expired sensor may not trigger even when it appears to work.
How & when to do itSmoke & CO alarms maintenance FAQ
How often should I service my smoke & co alarms?+
It depends on the task. test smoke & co alarms every 6 months; replace alarms older than 10 years every 10 years. Your personalized manual schedules each one for you.
Can I do smoke & co alarms maintenance myself?+
Many tasks are DIY-friendly. test smoke & co alarms and replace alarms older than 10 years can be done with basic tools, while others (more technical work) are worth hiring a pro for.
What happens if I ignore smoke & co alarms maintenance?+
A dead alarm offers zero warning when it matters most.