Alarms have a service life
Smoke alarms should generally be replaced at 10 years, even when the test button still sounds. Check the date and replacement instructions on your model. Carbon monoxide sensors have model specific lifespans, often 5 to 10 years, so follow the label and replace sooner if an end of life signal or fault occurs.
First Alert’s replacement guidance and product manuals are linked below. If the age is unknown, let us check the alarms and compatibility of the existing system.
Hardwired power. No routine backup battery changes.
We offer hardwired alarms with sealed 10 year internal backup batteries. They use house power during normal operation and retain backup protection during an outage. The sealed battery is designed for the alarm’s service life, eliminating routine battery swaps.
The First Alert / BRK SMICO105 AC is one example of this type of combination alarm. We select current models based on your system and availability, and verify interconnect compatibility.
Keep testing. Keep the replacement date.
Sealed batteries do not eliminate maintenance. Test alarms monthly, keep them clean according to the manual, and replace the whole unit at its rated end of life or sooner if it fails a test. Smoke alarms and CO alarms protect against different hazards; we can help evaluate both.