Most homeowners can point to their smoke detectors, but fewer can say how old they are, when they were last tested, or whether they’d actually go off if something went wrong. Detectors are one of those things that hang quietly on the ceiling for years, easy to forget until one starts chirping at 3 a.m.
October is National Fire Prevention Month, and it lands at the right time for Minnesota homes. Furnaces are firing up, fireplaces are getting their first use of the season, and windows are closing for the winter. It’s a good moment to take a look at the devices designed to give your family an early heads-up when something isn’t right.
Smoke vs. CO Detectors: What Each One Does
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors protect against two very different problems, and most homes need both.
- Smoke detectors sense particles in the air from a fire, often before you’d notice smoke or smell anything burning. That extra time matters most at night, when everyone is asleep.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors sense a gas you can’t see, smell, or taste. CO is produced when fuel burns, which means furnaces, gas water heaters, fireplaces, gas stoves, and attached garages can all be sources.
- Combination detectors handle both in a single device, which can simplify coverage throughout the home.
Why Fall Is the Right Time to Check
Heating season is when CO awareness matters most. A furnace that’s been sitting idle all summer is starting back up, and homes are sealed tighter against the cold. That’s also why a furnace tune-up includes a heat exchanger inspection. Working CO detectors and a well-maintained furnace go hand in hand.
Where Detectors Should Be Installed
General guidelines for placement include:
- Inside every bedroom
- Outside each sleeping area, such as the hallway outside bedrooms
- On every level of the home, including the basement
- CO detectors near sleeping areas, since CO exposure is most dangerous when people are asleep
Interconnected detectors, where one alarm triggers all of them, mean that a detector going off in the basement can be heard from an upstairs bedroom.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Detectors
Detectors don’t last forever. The sensors inside wear out over time, even if the test button still beeps. Consider replacing yours if:
- They’re 10 or more years old (check the date printed on the back)
- You don’t know how old they are
- They chirp frequently, even after a battery change
- They fail to sound when you press the test button
- You have smoke detectors but no CO detectors
The Case for 10-Year Sealed Battery Detectors
Traditional detectors rely on batteries that need replacing regularly, and a low battery is what causes that familiar chirp. Newer detectors use a sealed battery designed to last the full 10-year life of the device, which means:
- No more chirping low battery warnings
- No more climbing a ladder to swap batteries in hard-to-reach spots like vaulted ceilings or stairwells
- Protection that stays on for the life of the detector
This Month’s Special
For October, we’re offering $75 off our Smoke & CO Detection Bundle for Rosemount and south metro homeowners. The bundle includes 10-year sealed battery detectors, a 10-year warranty that covers the full life expectancy of the detectors, and professional installation, including those hard-to-reach spots you’d rather not climb up to yourself.
V.I.P. Membership / Heroes Club members can use this offer in addition to their club member savings. Offer expires 10/31/26 and cannot be combined with other offers.
Simple Fire Safety Habits for the Whole Family
Whether or not your detectors need an upgrade, a few simple habits make a big difference:
- Test your detectors once a month using the test button
- Make a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room
- Pick an outdoor meeting spot and practice the plan with your family
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn
- Never ignore a CO alarm. Get everyone outside and call 911
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I test my smoke and CO detectors?
Once a month. Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t, the detector needs attention.
- How long do smoke detectors last?
Most smoke detectors are designed to last about 10 years. After that, the sensors become less reliable, even if the detector still seems to work.
- Do I really need a CO detector if I don’t have a gas furnace?
If your home has any fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage, a CO detector is recommended. Even all-electric homes can be affected by CO from a running vehicle in an attached garage.
- What’s the difference between hardwired and battery-powered detectors?
Hardwired detectors connect to your home’s electrical system and often include a backup battery. Battery-powered detectors run independently. Our technicians can help you figure out which option fits your home.
- Why is my smoke detector chirping?
A chirp usually means a low battery or a detector that has reached the end of its life. With 10-year sealed battery detectors, the low battery chirp is no longer something you have to deal with.
Make Sure Your Home Is Ready for Heating Season
If your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are outdated, missing, or simply due for an upgrade, On Time Service Pros can take care of it for you. Our technicians can install new 10-year smoke and CO detectors throughout your home, including those hard-to-reach locations. Rosemount and south metro homeowners can save $75 on our Smoke & CO Detection Bundle through October 31, 2026. Schedule your installation today and head into the heating season knowing your home’s early warning system is ready when you need it.
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