--- title: "Fire Safety: What to Know About Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors" description: Ensure your home is safely equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Learn more about replacement schedules, maintenance, and electrical safety. image: https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hubfs/Fire-Safety-What-to-Know-About-Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Detectors-Wilcox-Electric-DC.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fire-safety-what-to-know-about-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors#main-content) [![Wilcox Electric Logo](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wilcox-blog.png?width=200&height=75&name=wilcox-blog.png)](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/) - [Home](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/) - [About Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/about) - [Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/electrical-services) - [Smart Home Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/smart-home) - [Blog](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric) - [Contact Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/contact-us) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/) - [About Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/about) - [Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/electrical-services) - [Smart Home Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/smart-home) - [Blog](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric) - [Contact Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/contact-us) Mar 6, 2025 7:30:00 AM # Fire Safety: What to Know About Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fire-safety-what-to-know-about-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fire-safety-what-to-know-about-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fire-safety-what-to-know-about-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fire-safety-what-to-know-about-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fire-safety-what-to-know-about-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors) *![Fire-Safety-What-to-Know-About-Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Detectors-Wilcox-Electric-DC](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fire-Safety-What-to-Know-About-Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Detectors-Wilcox-Electric-DC.jpg?width=1600&height=1067&name=Fire-Safety-What-to-Know-About-Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Detectors-Wilcox-Electric-DC.jpg)When it comes to home safety, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are your first line of defense. These tiny devices provide critical early warnings in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak, but they don’t last forever. Many homeowners don’t realize that detectors need to be replaced at least every 10 years to remain effective. Taking a proactive approach to fire safety doesn’t have to be complicated, though. You can ensure your home is well-protected with just a few relatively simple steps.* ## How Often Should You Replace Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors? Even if your detectors seem to be working, age can impact their performance. Over time, the sensors inside them become less sensitive, which means they may not detect smoke or gas as quickly as they should. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends [replacing smoke detectors every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors every 5 to 10 years](https://wilcox-electric.com/smoke-detectors-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms/), depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re not sure how old yours are, check the manufacturing date printed on the back of the device. If it’s more than a decade old, it’s definitely time for a replacement. ## Daylight Savings Time: A Simple Reminder for Safety Checks With busy schedules, it’s easy to forget small home maintenance tasks. That’s why many fire departments recommend using [Daylight Savings Time](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/why-we-spring-forward-every-year) as a built-in reminder. When you set your clocks forward or back, take a few extra minutes to: - Test each detector by pressing the button to ensure it sounds an alarm. - Replace batteries in traditional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. - Vacuum around the detector to remove dust buildup that can affect its performance. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, consider upgrading to a [smoke detector with a sealed 10-year battery](https://www.shopkidde.com/10-year-sealed-battery-alarms), eliminating the need for annual battery changes. ## Smart Smoke Detectors: A Modern Upgrade for Peace of Mind Today’s technology offers smarter safety solutions that provide even more protection. Some modern detectors connect to smart home systems and can: - Send real-time alerts to your phone if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. - [Connect with other smart devices, such as turning on lights](https://wilcox-electric.com/smart-home/) to illuminate an escape route. - Allow remote battery status checks so you never miss a low-battery warning. Smart detectors offer an added layer of [security](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/keep-an-eye-on-your-home-with-the-new-wave-of-modern-security-cameras), especially when you’re away from home. ## Are Your Detectors Installed in the Right Places? Proper placement is just as important as regular maintenance. To maximize protection, detectors should be installed: - Inside and outside every bedroom to ensure quick alerts while sleeping. - On every level of your home, including the basement. - In the [kitchen](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/switching-from-gas-cooking-to-induction-for-a-cleaner-greener-kitchen), but far enough from the stove to avoid false alarms. - Near attached garages, where carbon monoxide from [vehicles](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/electric-vehicles-and-ev-charger-installation-for-a-greener-future) can accumulate. ## Does Your Home Need a Safety Check-up?  Upgrading or replacing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a small step that makes a big difference. If you’re unsure whether your home’s detectors are up to date, a [professional safety assessment](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection-what-does-it-involve) can provide peace of mind. --- Wilcox Electric offers expert installation and [inspections](https://wilcox-electric.com/electrical-safety/) to ensure your home meets modern safety standards. Whether you need new detectors installed or want to explore smart options, their team can help. [Schedule a consultation](https://wilcox-electric.com/contact-us/) to ensure your home is properly protected. [![Request an Estimate](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4867982/d34b060f-da6a-4eba-a72d-c0cf32539b9a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4867982/d34b060f-da6a-4eba-a72d-c0cf32539b9a) [Smoke detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/smoke-detectors), [Carbon monoxide detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/carbon-monoxide-detectors), [daylight savings time](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/daylight-savings-time), [Upgrading Smoke Detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/upgrading-smoke-detectors), [Lithium battery-powered smoke detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/lithium-battery-powered-smoke-detectors), [Lithium battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/lithium-battery-powered-carbon-monoxide-detectors), [Fire Safety](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/fire-safety), [Reducing Fire Risk](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/reducing-fire-risk), [Fire Prevention](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/fire-prevention) ## Related posts [![Wilcox Electric DC reminder to change batteries in smoke and CO detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Pretty-Woman-Standing-Near-Rep-456143177.jpg?height=200&name=bigstock-Pretty-Woman-Standing-Near-Rep-456143177.jpg)](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/note-to-self-its-time-to-check-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [Smoke detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/smoke-detectors), [Carbon monoxide detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/carbon-monoxide-detectors), [Upgrading Smoke Detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/upgrading-smoke-detectors), [Lithium battery-powered smoke detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/lithium-battery-powered-smoke-detectors), [Lithium battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/lithium-battery-powered-carbon-monoxide-detectors), [Upgrading Carbon Monoxide Detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/upgrading-carbon-monoxide-detectors) ## [Note to Self: It’s Time to Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors!](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/note-to-self-its-time-to-check-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Nov 2, 2023 8:00:00 AM The days are getting shorter, and the leaves are falling fast, sure signs that the end of daylight... [Read more](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/note-to-self-its-time-to-check-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [![home-equals-question-mark-pandemic-wilcox-electric-dc](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock--183652408.jpg?height=200&name=bigstock--183652408.jpg)](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/home-will-continue-to-be-life-central-in-2021) [Smoke detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/smoke-detectors), [Carbon monoxide detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/carbon-monoxide-detectors), [Installation of smart technology](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/installation-of-smart-technology), [Energy usage](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/energy-usage), [Home security](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/home-security), [pandemic living](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/pandemic-living) ## [Pandemic Living Continues in 2021](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/home-will-continue-to-be-life-central-in-2021) [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Jan 21, 2021 7:15:00 AM The COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to stay home in 2020. It looks as though home will... [Read more](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/home-will-continue-to-be-life-central-in-2021) [![Carbon Monoxide Detectors Wilcox Electric Washington DC](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Carbon-Monoxide-Detector.jpg?height=200&name=Carbon-Monoxide-Detector.jpg)](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/did-you-remember-to-check-your-smoke-and-co-detectors-when-you-set-back-the-clocks) [Smoke detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/smoke-detectors), [Carbon monoxide detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/carbon-monoxide-detectors), [Electrical safety](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-safety), [daylight savings time](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/daylight-savings-time) ## [Did You Remember to Check Smoke and CO Detectors?](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/did-you-remember-to-check-your-smoke-and-co-detectors-when-you-set-back-the-clocks) [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Nov 17, 2022 7:45:00 AM If this headline caught your attention, you should read on. It’s recommended to check your smoke... [Read more](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/did-you-remember-to-check-your-smoke-and-co-detectors-when-you-set-back-the-clocks) --- [![Wilcox Electric Footer Logo](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wilcox-blog-1.png?width=200&height=75&name=wilcox-blog-1.png "Wilcox Electric Footer Logo")](http:///) 5602 Tuxedo Road Hyattsville, MD 20781 wilcox@wilcox-electric.com 301-583-8888 // 202-546-1010       Copyright © 2023 Wilcox Electric.