Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Your Fall Maintenance To-Do

Fall is the perfect time to take care of important home safety checks, and at the top of the list should be your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. As the weather cools down, we turn on our heating systems, light fireplaces, and spend more time indoors, all of which increase the risk of fire and carbon monoxide buildup. That’s why checking your alarms before winter hits is so important.

Many house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning incidents happen because alarms don’t go off, or they weren’t working in the first place. A quick check now can save lives later. These devices are your first line of defense, and keeping them in top shape should be part of your regular fall home maintenance.

1. Test All Smoke and CO Alarms

Start your fall checklist by testing each smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Most models have a test button; press and hold it for a few seconds. If the alarm sounds loud and clear, it’s working. If it’s quiet or doesn’t go off, the battery may be dead or the unit may need to be replaced.

Test every alarm in your home, including those in the basement, hallways, and bedrooms. It only takes a minute and should be done monthly, but fall is a great time to make it part of your seasonal home safety check.

2. Change the Batteries

Even if your alarms pass the test, changing the batteries once a year is a good habit. Fall is an ideal time because it lines up with daylight saving time, a helpful reminder to swap in fresh batteries.

Use long-lasting batteries and write the date on the inside of the battery cover so you’ll know when you last changed them. If you have hardwired smoke detectors, they often still use backup batteries that need to be checked.

3. Clean Your Detectors

Over time, dust, dirt, and spider webs can block the sensors in your alarms, making them less effective. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment or a can of compressed air to gently clean around the vents and openings.

Avoid using cleaning sprays or water. Just make sure there’s no buildup that could prevent the alarm from detecting smoke or gas. Clean your detectors once in the fall and again in the spring for the best performance.

4. Check the Expiration Dates

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors don’t last forever. Most have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. After that, their sensors may not work properly even if the alarm still sounds.

Look for a manufacturer's date on the back of the device. If it’s older than 10 years, replace it. Some newer alarms will beep or display a message when it’s time to replace them. Don’t ignore those warnings; they mean your safety system is out of date.

5. Install New Detectors if Needed

If your home doesn’t have enough alarms or they’re outdated, fall is the perfect time to install new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Every level of your home should have at least one smoke detector, especially outside sleeping areas. CO detectors should be placed near bedrooms and any room with a gas appliance, furnace, or fireplace.

Look for models that are UL-listed and include both photoelectric and ionization sensors for better fire detection. Some devices also combine smoke and CO detection in one unit, making installation easier.

6. Upgrade to Smart Alarms

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are becoming more popular. They connect to your smartphone and send alerts if there’s a problem, even when you’re not home. Some models also self-test and warn you when batteries are low.

These smart alarms are a good option for busy families, landlords, or anyone who wants extra peace of mind. While they cost more upfront, they can improve safety and reduce the chance of a missed warning.

7. Create a Fire and CO Safety Plan

It’s not enough to have working detectors; you also need a plan. Sit down with your household and go over what to do if a smoke alarm or CO detector goes off. Practice how to get out of the house safely, where to meet outside, and how to call 911.

Make sure everyone knows what the alarms sound like. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, so the alarm may be the only warning you get. A solid emergency plan saves precious time during a real crisis.

8. Avoid Common Mistakes

Some homes have alarms in the wrong places or not enough of them. Don’t put smoke detectors too close to kitchens or bathrooms, steam and cooking fumes can trigger false alarms. Avoid placing carbon monoxide detectors near vents or windows, where airflow can interfere with readings.

Also, don’t remove batteries to stop nuisance alarms. If your alarm goes off often, try relocating it or replacing it with a model designed to reduce false alerts.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are some of the most important tools for keeping your home safe. Fall is the ideal time to make sure they’re working properly, with fresh batteries, clean sensors, and no signs of wear. A few simple steps, like testing alarms, replacing old units, and making a safety plan, can prevent tragedy and give you peace of mind.

Make this part of your regular fall home maintenance routine. It doesn’t take long, but the payoff is huge. Safe, smart, and prepared, that’s how you head into winter with confidence.