How often must smoke detectors be tested?

Smoke detectors play a crucial role in fire safety, and it's essential to ensure they are functioning properly. The recommendation to test smoke detectors at least once a year allows homeowners and businesses to maintain an effective fire safety system. Testing annually ensures that the detectors are operational, and it provides an opportunity to replace batteries if necessary. Regular testing can significantly improve the likelihood that the alarms will work effectively in the event of a fire, thereby enhancing overall safety for occupants.

While some sources suggest checking the batteries and functionality every six months, the consensus for a full test, which includes checking the alarm's ability to detect smoke, is once a year. This comprehensive annual test is considered best practice to ensure that smoke detectors provide timely alerts in emergencies.