Importance of Smoke Detectors & How to Test Them

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Article Contents
Picture of By <span>Matthew Roberts</span>
By Matthew Roberts

Updated on August 23, 2024

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Picture of By <span>Matthew Roberts</span>
By Matthew Roberts

Updated August 23, 2024

Visit author page

4 minute read

Article Contents

Smoke detectors are a critical part of any Canadian home as an early warning system that can save lives and property. With home fires being one of the most common accidents that every Canadian faces, a smoke detector isn’t just a recommended fire safety measure – it’s a necessity. 

Smoke Detectors at a Glance

  • Smoke alarms should be installed at every level of your home, including bedrooms, other sleeping areas, and your basement in compliance with the applicable Provincial or Territorial and Federal Fire and Building Codes.
  • Over 1 in 10 residential fires occur in a home without a smoke alarm, and homes without a working smoke alarm (including those without an installed alarm or with unknown status) accounted for nearly three out of four deaths. These statistics highlight the importance of having a functioning alarm to detect fires quickly and save lives.
  • Avoid testing your smoke alarms with incense or other items that may leave residue in the filters and affect accuracy.

How many smoke detectors do you need, and how long do smoke detectors last? Read on to learn how to test your smoke detector, what to do if it isn’t working, and if your home insurance provider requires smoke alarms.

How Long Should Smoke Detectors Last?

Experts recommend that you replace your smoke detectors at least every 10 years. Over time, some smoke detectors become less effective and less sensitive to smoke due to corrosion and general wear and tear. Check the manufacturing date to see if it’s time to change batteries or detectors. That will depend on the type of smoke detector you have:

Battery-operated detectors:

These detectors should have their batteries replaced every six months and have to be replaced every 10 years.

Hardwired detectors:

These are connected to your home’s electrical system and usually have a backup battery pack. They also have to be replaced every 10 years.

How to Test Your Smoke Detector

Knowing how to test your smoke detectors is important to ensuring that they are working properly. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to effectively test your detectors and how often to test them:

  • Test your detector by pressing the button: Look for your detector’s test button and press it down for a few seconds. If your detector doesn’t have a button, it’s outdated and will need replacing.
  • If the alarm sounds, it’s working correctly: If it doesn’t sound, check your detector’s power source and try again. Replace batteries for battery-operated alarms and inspect for any wiring issues if your alarms are hardwired.
  • Clean your smoke detectors: Debris and dirt can affect your detector’s functionality. Read manufacturer instructions to learn how to gently clean both the inside and outside of your detector.
  • Change your detector’s batteries: Replace your smoke detector’s batteries at least twice a year.
  • Keep an eye on the expiration date: Keep track of how old your smoke detector is. While most models function well up to ten years, some last as little as five years.

Replace your smoke detectors: If your smoke detector is already 10 years old, it’s time to get a new one.

How Often to Test Your Smoke Detector

What Do You Do if Your Smoke Detector Isn’t Working?

Is your smoke detector malfunctioning? Here are some things you can check and do before contacting a professional to have a look:

  • If you’ve been hearing chirping sounds from your detector, these are usual warning signs that it’s faulty or the batteries are already out of power.
  • Try changing the battery first. Your smoke detector might not be working properly because it doesn’t have any power. Note that every time you remove the alarm battery, you should replace it with another one ASAP.
  • If your smoke detector is hardwired, check your home’s fuses and circuit breakers. There may be an electrical problem in your house which needs help from an electrician.
  • In case none of these steps work, your detector may be defective and in need of immediate replacement.

Does Homeowners Insurance Require Smoke Detectors?

Many Canadian homeowners insurance providers require smoke detectors to be installed or offer significant discounts to homeowners if they have smoke detectors. This is because insurers recognize that properties are less likely to suffer extensive damage from fires if they have detectors, which in turn reduces the likelihood that a homeowner will file a fire insurance claim.

Check your home insurance policy to see if your smoke detector system and other fire safety measures like extinguishers are compliant with its requirements. Apart from being a building code requirement, failure to comply may result in a denied claim in the event of a fire.

Are Smart Smoke Detectors Worth It?

Smart smoke detectors are becoming increasingly popular because of their advanced features that enhance convenience and safety. Here are some reasons why you may find smart smoke detectors a worthwhile investment:

Fewer false alarms:

Many smart smoke alarms have more refined sensors that can detect the difference between smoke from a house fire and smoke from harmless triggers like a clothing steamer or boiling water. This reduces the chances of false alarms and wearing out both your detectors and your nerves.

Multi-functionality:

Some smart smoke detectors have the additional feature of carbon monoxide detection, providing an extra layer of protection to your family against this odourless and colourless deadly gas.

Instant notifications:

Smart alarms can send real-time alerts to connected devices like your smartphone so you know about smoke or any other incidents, even when you’re not at home.

Self-monitoring:

Many smart smoke detectors have self-tests and can notify you when they need maintenance or when the battery is running low. This ensures your detectors are running without having to constantly do manual checks.

Key Advice from MyChoice

  • Teach your loved ones to recognize the sound of your home’s smoke alarms so they can leave immediately if there’s an emergency. Make sure everyone can leave your house in less than two minutes and that you have a planned meeting spot at a safe distance.
  • When buying smoke alarms, check for the Canadian certification mark to ensure that they meet all of the applicable safety standards in the country.
  • Heat sources like fireplaces and portable space heaters are a leading cause of home fires in the winter. Make sure you have smoke detectors installed in rooms with these heat sources for your peace of mind. Conducting a thorough WETT inspection of your wood-burning systems at home is also recommended.

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