Smoke & CO Detector Maintenance Guide

Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are some of the most important safety devices in your home—but they’re often overlooked until they start beeping. In New Jersey, building and fire codes require specific placement of smoke alarms and CO detectors, and newer smoke alarms must use 10-year sealed batteries. These requirements aren’t just about compliance—they’re designed to ensure early warning in life-threatening situations like fires or carbon monoxide leaks.

Proper placement is critical. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home, while CO detectors must be placed near sleeping areas and on each level to detect odorless, deadly gas. Over time, detectors can degrade due to dust, humidity, and sensor aging. Frequent false alarms or chirping noises are often signs that a unit is reaching the end of its lifespan—not just a nuisance to silence.

The best time to check your detectors is at least twice a year (many homeowners tie it to daylight saving time changes) and whenever you hear irregular alerts. Skipping maintenance can have serious consequences—non-functioning detectors may fail to alert you during a fire or CO leak, putting your family at significant risk. A few minutes of routine testing and replacement can provide critical protection when it matters most.