--- title: "Note to Self: It’s Time to Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors!" description: The batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors lose their effectiveness over time, so be sure to swap them out every time you change the clocks. image: https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hubfs/bigstock-Pretty-Woman-Standing-Near-Rep-456143177.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/note-to-self-its-time-to-check-smoke-and-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) Nov 2, 2023 8:00:00 AM # Note to Self: It’s Time to Check 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/note-to-self-its-time-to-check-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/note-to-self-its-time-to-check-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/note-to-self-its-time-to-check-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/note-to-self-its-time-to-check-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/note-to-self-its-time-to-check-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors) *![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?width=960&height=320&name=bigstock-Pretty-Woman-Standing-Near-Rep-456143177.jpg)The days are getting shorter, and the leaves are falling fast, sure signs that the end of daylight savings time is just around the corner. On November 5th, clocks will fall back to provide an extra hour of peaceful slumber. When you wake up, however, remember that there’s something else you should do when you change the clocks: change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors!* ## Why It’s So Important to Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors When you think about it, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are among the unsung heroes of [home safety](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/hidden-hazards-what-you-need-to-know-about-electrical-home-safety). They silently stand guard, ready to alert you and your family to potential dangers like fire and carbon monoxide leaks. To do their job effectively, though, they need power. Most detectors run on batteries; when those batteries weaken, so do two vital lines of defense.  [Changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/did-you-remember-to-check-your-smoke-and-co-detectors-when-you-set-back-the-clocks) isn’t just another chore on your seasonal maintenance list; it’s a vital routine. Because batteries lose their effectiveness over time, swapping them out every time you change the clocks is a great way to ensure you always remember.  ## Discover New Systems for Enhanced Safety Consider upgrading to long-life lithium battery-powered carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. These devices can last up to ten years, providing your home with continuous protection without the hassle of [yearly battery replacements](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/9-volt-vs.-10-year-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors). With these innovative detectors, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safeguarded against silent threats. No more climbing ladders and scrounging for batteries in the junk drawer! Even better, you’ll no longer have to be awoken in the middle of the night by the shrill chirping from a conventional detector whose batteries have run too low. At Wilcox Electric, we are committed to ensuring your home is a safe haven for you and your loved ones.  If you're interested in learning more about new systems, that are designed to keep you protected even if you slip up and forget to change those batteries, we can answer any questions you might have. You may want to consider [scheduling an electrical safety assessment](https://wilcox-electric.com/electrical-safety/) to help identify any [electrical issues](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/3-electrical-issues-to-notice-before-you-buy-an-old-home) in your home that need to be addressed, including those concerning old smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  ## The Importance of Regular Testing Battery replacement isn’t the only maintenance your detectors require to function correctly. Regular testing is equally vital. Ideally, you should test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly to ensure they’re working correctly. It’s also best to consider replacing these devices every ten years, as they can lose their effectiveness even with fresh batteries over time. Wilcox Electric isn’t just here to remind you to replace the batteries in your detectors; we provide advanced solutions that can make your life both safer and more comfortable. With our cutting-edge systems and expert team, you can trust us to keep your home secure.  This November 5th, as you adjust your clocks, don’t forget to adjust your safety routine. Take the time to replace the batteries in your existing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and perhaps consider making the upgrade to long-life systems, which are more effective and require less maintenance. ---   [Contact Wilcox Electric](https://wilcox-electric.com/contact-us/) for all your electrical needs, including installation of long-life lithium battery-powered carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Safety is our top priority, and we want you to know that [with the looming government shutdown, we offer some flexible payment options](https://info.wilcox-electric.com/shutdown-2023) so that you can get important electrical work done when it's needed. We’re here to keep your home functioning safely all season long, and for years to come. [![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), [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) ## Related posts [![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?height=200&name=Fire-Safety-What-to-Know-About-Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Detectors-Wilcox-Electric-DC.jpg)](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fire-safety-what-to-know-about-smoke-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), [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) ## [Fire Safety: What to Know About Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fire-safety-what-to-know-about-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Mar 6, 2025 7:30:00 AM When it comes to home safety, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are your first line of defense.... [Read more](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fire-safety-what-to-know-about-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [![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) [![awakened-by-smoke-alarm-beep-wilcox-electric-dc](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Insomnia-6628461.jpg?height=200&name=bigstock-Insomnia-6628461.jpg)](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/9-volt-vs.-10-year-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) ## [9-Volt vs. 10-year Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/9-volt-vs.-10-year-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors) [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Jan 29, 2021 11:50:38 AM We've all been there. It's two in the morning. You've been asleep for a few hours and don't expect... [Read more](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/9-volt-vs.-10-year-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors) --- [![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.