Smoke Alarm Replacement: Why Timing and Quality Matter for Fire Safety
A smoke alarm is the most critical safety device in any home—but it’s not a "set-it-and-forget-it" solution. Like all mechanical and electronic tools, smoke alarms degrade over time, losing sensitivity, reliability, and the ability to detect fires early. Yet a 2024 survey by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that 67% of homeowners keep smoke alarms past their expiration dates, putting their families at risk. Smoke alarm replacement isn’t just a maintenance task—it’s a life-saving responsibility. Understanding when to replace, how to choose a new device, and why quality matters can mean the difference between surviving a fire and facing tragedy. The Hidden Danger of Outdated Smoke Alarms Smoke alarms have a finite lifespan, typically 8–10 years from the...