I've read various reasons. I can't say how accurate they are. But I find it believable that an old alarm may not function at all, or not as quickly as a new one. (I can't even remember the last time any of mine went off except for chirping to tell me their batteries are low). And I can believe that a difference of a few minutes can be the difference between life and death if there is an actual fire. So I'd rather err on the side of safety. If you think your old one works better than a new one, you could always keep it and add another.
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/04/when-to-replace-an-older-smoke-alarm/index.htm The life expectancy of smoke alarms is generally 10 years, after which point their sensors can begin to lose sensitivity. The test button only confirms that the battery, electronics, and alert system are working; it doesn't mean that the smoke sensor is working. To test the sensor, use an aerosol can of smoke alarm test spray that simulates smoke
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/what-to-know-about-the-new-smoke-alarm-standards/ Next-generation smoke alarms are expected to minimize that annoying screeching when you over-crisp the veggies. They’ll also warn you more quickly about actual fires in your home, thanks to new Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Solutions standards set to take effect on June 30, 2024.
The most notable improvements include better detection of smoldering and burning polyurethane foam (found in mattresses and upholstered furniture) and reducing false alarms from cooking.
“Ultimately, the goal is to prevent people from taking the batteries out of their alarms or removing them as a result of nuisance alarms caused by cooking,” says Susan McKelvey, communications manager for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
“Doing that presents a serious risk, as smoke alarms play a critical role in home fire safety, reducing the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half.”
no subject
And I can believe that a difference of a few minutes can be the difference between life and death if there is an actual fire.
So I'd rather err on the side of safety. If you think your old one works better than a new one, you could always keep it and add another.
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/04/when-to-replace-an-older-smoke-alarm/index.htm
The life expectancy of smoke alarms is generally 10 years, after which point their sensors can begin to lose sensitivity. The test button only confirms that the battery, electronics, and alert system are working; it doesn't mean that the smoke sensor is working. To test the sensor, use an aerosol can of smoke alarm test spray that simulates smoke
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/what-to-know-about-the-new-smoke-alarm-standards/
Next-generation smoke alarms are expected to minimize that annoying screeching when you over-crisp the veggies. They’ll also warn you more quickly about actual fires in your home, thanks to new Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Solutions standards set to take effect on June 30, 2024.
The most notable improvements include better detection of smoldering and burning polyurethane foam (found in mattresses and upholstered furniture) and reducing false alarms from cooking.
“Ultimately, the goal is to prevent people from taking the batteries out of their alarms or removing them as a result of nuisance alarms caused by cooking,” says Susan McKelvey, communications manager for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
“Doing that presents a serious risk, as smoke alarms play a critical role in home fire safety, reducing the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half.”