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.
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:
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:
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:
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.