Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: One evening recently, the smoke alarms in our home began to have false alarms, even after replacing the batteries. In looking for a solution to the ringing, we discovered that smoke alarms need to be replaced after they are 10 years old. One of the smoke alarms we had even had an expiration date on it!

We purchased four new units and included one that has a carbon-dioxide alarm. Hopefully your readers not only will replace the batteries in smoke detectors, but also will replace the smoke alarm if it is more than 10 years old. – Scott L., via e-mail

Scott, you are right on the mark! According to the U.S. Fire Administration, a smoke alarm’s life span is eight to 10 years, after which it should be replaced. To keep track, write the purchase date on the inside of the smoke alarm! – Heloise

P.S.: Folks, a smoke alarm is of no use if the batteries are dead. Take a minute right now to test your smoke alarm.