Your Smoke Detector Has an Expiration Date — Do You Know It?

A working-seeming detector can still be past its safe lifespan.

The 10-year rule

Most smoke detectors have a manufacturer-recommended replacement lifespan of about 10 years from the manufacture date, after which the sensor becomes less reliable even if the unit still appears to function.

Check the manufacture date, not installation date

The relevant date is stamped on the back of the unit and reflects when it was made, which may be earlier than when it was actually installed in your home.

Battery replacement is not the same as unit replacement

Changing batteries keeps a detector powered, but doesn't reset or extend the sensor's actual lifespan — an aging unit needs full replacement, not just a new battery.

Test monthly regardless of age

Even within the recommended lifespan, monthly testing using the test button confirms the alarm and battery backup are functioning correctly.

10-year sealed battery units simplify this

Detectors with a sealed 10-year battery eliminate the annual battery-change task while still needing full unit replacement at the 10-year mark.