Did you know smoke alarms expire after 10 years.

October is National Fire Safety Month, and the manufactures of  smoke alarms are reminding everyone that their alarms should be replaced every 87,000 hours, or about 10 years. In addition, carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every five years.  Just because an alarm bees positive when the test button is pressed does not mean it is not outdated and may not function property in an emergency.

Since many homeowners change the battery in their home safety products the weekend we return to standard time, Invensys Controls is now reminding consumers that with one glance at the back of the alarm, homeowners can know the real age of the unit by checking the date of manufacture.

The U.S. Fire Administration for Homeland Security, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the Red Cross agree after working for 87,000 hours, normal environmental conditions in the home can have an impact on the performance of your smoke alarm.

“We believe that over 100 million smoke alarms in the U.S. are over 10 years old, and after working for 87,000 hours, they need to be replaced,” said D.J. Crane, vice president and general manager of the Safety and Thermostat Segment, Invensys Controls.

If a homeowner is unsure of how old a fire alarm is, every alarm has a manufacture date on the back. Invensys Controls recommends replacing the smoke alarm if it was manufactured before 1997. Invensys Controls also recommends upgrading to combination smoke/carbon monoxide (CO).

Landlords need to keep this in mind, as your renters may ask for help with replacements.