Texas regulations for placement of smoke/CO2 (carbon monoxide) detectors vary based on whether the building is a residential, commercial or rental property and when it was built. If a domicile is new or renovated, detectors should be hardwired, interconnected and include a battery back-up. There should be a unit inside and right outside of each bedroom and on every level. If the unit is dirty or the battery is failing, it will begin to beep once at a regular interval (usually every 60 seconds) and will continue to beep until the battery is replaced or the detector is cleaned. Three beeps could indicate smoke or fire, and the builder should be evacuated. Four beeps indicate the presence of CO2. Generally, landlords are responsible for the installation and maintaining detectors, but this is not a hard and fast rule.
Most detectors are built to last 10 years. If it’s hardwired, the drain on the battery is minimal, so they can last up to 7 or 8 years. If the detector is not hardwired, the batteries should be changed annually. If the detector collects dust on its sensors, it could fail more quickly. Manufacturers stamp the back of most detectors with the manufactured date to show when it should be replaced.
Recommended Maintenance
Smoke and CO detectors are a home’s early-warning system. A properly working detector can literally mean the difference between life or tragedy. Over time, dust, battery depletion, and sensor degradation can compromise their performance.
Every 6 Months
- Clean the Detector
Use a soft vacuum brush or compressed air to remove dust and cobwebs from vents. Avoid sprays or cleaners. - Replace Batteries (if not hardwired or 10-year sealed)
Even if they still work, swap them on a set schedule — many people do it when clocks change for daylight savings.
Annually
- Review Placement
Smoke detectors: in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level.
CO detectors: outside sleeping areas, near fuel-burning appliances (gas stoves, ovens or dryers), and on every level. - Avoid placement near windows, vents, or fans that may affect detection.
- Check Expiration Date
If the detector is more than 7 years old, consider replacement.
After Any Alarm Event
- If actual smoke or CO trigger your alarms, clean the unit with a small vacuum brush or compressed air and re-test after conditions are safe. Wait at least 1 minute for the test. For CO alarms, identify and repair the CO source before resetting.
Replacement Guidelines
- Smoke Alarms: Replace wired units every 10 years. Replace sooner if the manufacture date indicates it’s expired. Replace battery operated units every 10 years or when the unit expires.
- CO Alarms: Replace 10 years or when the unit expires.
- Combo Units: Follow manufacturer’s recommendation (often 7–10 years).
If the existing unit is hard-wired, replace it with a hard-wired unit. They can be easily swapped out.
Quick Safety Reminders
- Never disable an alarm due to nuisance issues (like cooking smoke). Instead, improve ventilation or slightly relocate the unit.
- For battery-only detectors, keep spare batteries in the home.
- If you rent, test detectors yourself and report issues to the landlord in writing.
At My Georgetown Handyman, clients have called us more than once with chirping alarm(s). We’ve also been called by clients who’s interconnected alarms are failing and all are beeping incessantly. We treat these cases as top priority and will do our best to address them right away. Please resist the temptation to unplug the unit and set it aside or remove the battery and call us. We’re here to help.