Home Safety FAQ
Expert answers on smoke detector maintenance, replacement intervals, and troubleshooting from your local Sterling Ranch firefighters.
General Maintenance Questions
Everything you need to know about keeping your home's life-safety systems in peak condition.
How often should I check my smoke detectors?
You should test your detectors monthly using the "test" button. Batteries should be changed annually (even if they aren't chirping), and the entire unit must be replaced every 10 years to ensure sensor reliability.
What type of batteries should I use?
We recommend high-quality alkaline or lithium 9V batteries. For newer 10-year sealed units, the battery is non-replaceable; the entire unit is replaced when the battery dies or the sensor expires.
How do I know if my detector is expired?
Remove the detector from its mounting bracket and check the back for a manufacture date. If the date is more than 10 years ago, the internal sensors are no longer reliable and the unit must be replaced.
Do I need Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors?
Yes. Colorado law requires CO detectors in most residential properties. They should be located within 15 feet of every sleeping room and on every level of the home. CO sensors typically expire every 5-7 years.
The Safety Lifecycle
Follow these critical milestones to ensure your home remains protected year-round.
Monthly Test
Press the test button on every unit. Listen for the full alarm sequence to verify power and circuitry.
Annual Battery
Replace all backup batteries. Clean the exterior of the units with a vacuum to remove dust and debris.
Record Keeping
Write the date of battery change or install on the unit or in a dedicated home safety log.
10-Year Reset
Full system replacement. Modernize your home with interconnected sensors and updated technology.
Troubleshooting & Alerts
Is your alarm behaving strangely? Here's how to handle common malfunctions.
Why is my alarm chirping every minute?
A single chirp every 30-60 seconds usually indicates a low battery. If you've changed the battery and it continues, it may indicate a malfunctioning unit or "End of Life" warning. Call us for a professional diagnostic.
Dealing with nuisance (false) alarms?
Steam from showers, cooking smoke, or heavy dust can trigger false alarms. Try cleaning the unit with compressed air. If it persists, the sensor may be overly sensitive due to age or contamination.
What if the CO alarm sounds?
Treat every CO alarm as an emergency. Evacuate all residents immediately and call 911 from outside the home. Do not re-enter until emergency responders have cleared the building.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Is Preventable
Don't be a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning! Sterling Residential Fire Safety offers reliable and effective carbon monoxide detector installation, inspection, replacement, and maintenance services that can help prevent CO exposure. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and
poisonous gas that can cause sudden illness or even death when
inhaled in high concentrations. It is produced whenever fossil
fuels are burned, and can be found in homes with gas appliances,
wood stoves, and fireplaces.
The Centers for Disease Control reports more than 500 Americans die from accidental exposure to carbon monoxide each year. Thousands more require emergency medical care for non-fatal carbon monoxide poisoning annually, making CO intoxication the most common cause of unintentional poisoning in the United States.
The Colorado Department of Public Safety recommends that carbon monoxide detectors be installed on every level of your home and in a central location near each sleeping area. Despite this advice, industry surveys say that only 50% of American homes have CO alarms.
Standards & Guarantees
We stand behind our work with professional-grade products and firefighter-level accountability.
NFPA 72 Compliance
All installations meet or exceed National Fire Protection Association standards for residential safety.
Workmanship Guarantee
We guarantee our labor for 1 year. If a unit we serviced chirps, we'll return to fix it at no cost.
Sensor Lifespan
Smoke sensors are rated for 10 years. We only install units with verifiable manufacture dates.
Interconnect Verification
We verify that when one alarm sounds, they all sound—critical for large floorplans.
UL Listed Products
We only use Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed devices for guaranteed reliability.
Local Expertise
Familiarity with local building codes and the specific wiring used in the Sterling Ranch community.
Ready to Secure Your Home?
Don't leave your family's safety to chance. Book a professional inspection with our firefighter-owned team today.
(720) 909-3796
sean@sterlingresidentialfiresafety.com