Is Your Home Ready for Winter? Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors!

As temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, it’s important to make sure our homes are ready for the winter months. Heating systems, fireplaces, space heaters, and increased use of appliances can introduce additional fire and carbon monoxide (CO) risks. One of the simplest and most important ways to protect your family is to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

Before winter arrives, take a few minutes to inspect these important safety devices throughout your home.

1. Test Every Detector

Don’t assume your detectors are working just because they aren’t making noise. Press the test button on each smoke and CO detector to make sure the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t respond, replace the batteries or the entire unit if necessary.

Make testing your detectors a regular monthly habit.

2. Check the Batteries

Even if your detectors appear to be working, weak batteries can prevent them from operating when you need them most. Replace standard batteries at least once a year, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If your detector uses sealed 10-year batteries, follow the manufacturer’s replacement instructions.

Never ignore a low-battery warning or remove batteries to silence an alarm without replacing them.

3. Know the Age of Your Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors don’t last forever. Check the manufacturing or expiration date on each device.

• Smoke detectors: Generally, need replacement every 10 years.
• Carbon monoxide detectors: Typically need replacement every 5–10 years, depending on the manufacturer.

If you cannot determine the age of a detector, consider replacing it. A detector past its recommended service life may not provide reliable protection.

4. Make Sure You Have Them in the Right Places

Having working detectors is important, but placement matters too.

• Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
• Install CO detectors on every level and outside sleeping areas.
• Follow manufacturer recommendations for placement and mounting.
• Avoid placing detectors near windows, vents, or other areas where airflow could interfere with their operation.

5. Keep Them Clean

Dust, dirt, and insects can interfere with detector operation. Gently vacuum around the openings using a soft brush attachment. Avoid using cleaning chemicals or painting over detectors.

6. Don’t Forget Your Heating Equipment

Winter is a good time to have your furnace inspected and serviced by a qualified HVAC professional. If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure your chimney and venting systems are properly maintained. Never use a gas oven or outdoor grill to heat your home.

Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, making it especially dangerous. If your CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside into fresh air immediately and call 911 or your local emergency services. Do not re-enter until authorities say it is safe.

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are among the most important safety devices in your home. Taking 15–20 minutes to test them, check their batteries, inspect their expiration dates, and confirm proper placement can make a tremendous difference.