[crash]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

Have 5 in my old house. Only replaced 2 in the 10 years I lived there.

The smoke alarms have a small radioactive source in them that weakens over time and thus the need for replacement. Your alarm may not be beeping but it is not working effectively after the expiration date and should be replaced. The sooner it alerts you of a fire the sooner you can get out and the less damage. You are gambling you won’t have a fire and if you do the cost could be your life.

[Judy n Ron]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.

We live in Sanibel and have replaced most of the detectors. I hope you didn't pay for them because first alert will warranty them to the original home owner as long as you own your home. The same goes for the faucets and exterior door handles. They are diligent in shipping the new items pretty quickly.

[Nugent47]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.

Thanks for the very useful information

[forebubba]

Originally Posted by JoeinFL

Carbon Monoxide is a bit lighter than the air we breathe. So, it will not settle down low as many people believe. It can rise up high throughout the home. The suggested height is about 6 feet. ( It may be 4-5’) but, it can go higher so ceiling or high on walls is fine.
If you only have one it should be placed near your sleeping area so you hear it easily if there’s an issue.
I hope this helps.

Why the need for a carbon Monoxide detector in an all electric house?
Our first house built here in 2007 did not have any. Had to buy one when we sold it in 2010 prior to closing.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by forebubba

Why the need for a carbon Monoxide detector in an all electric house?
Our first house built here in 2007 did not have any. Had to buy one when we sold it in 2010 prior to closing.

The building code requires one for any house with an attached garage.

[Miekies]

Originally Posted by forebubba

Why the need for a carbon Monoxide detector in an all electric house?
Our first house built here in 2007 did not have any. Had to buy one when we sold it in 2010 prior to closing.

You don't need a carbon monoxide detector in an all electric house only ones with natural gas

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by JerryP

It’s FREE for Villagers who are disabled or unable to climb a ladder. The resident is responsible for supplying the new batteries and/or detectors.

Not sure about that. My friend lives in Fenney ( capable of climbing a ladder) and the very pleasant young lady (auxiliary, I think) who replaced her smoke detector batteries said it's a free service offered to all Villagers. You just buy the batteries. Maybe it's changed since then.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Miekies

You don't need a carbon monoxide detector in an all electric house only ones with natural gas

They are required for houses that have an attached garage.

Florida Statute 553.885 - Carbon Monoxide Alarm Required

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Driver8

Not sure about that. My friend lives in Fenney ( capable of climbing a ladder) and the very pleasant young lady (auxiliary, I think) who replaced her smoke detector batteries said it's a free service offered to all Villagers. You just buy the batteries. Maybe it's changed since then.

Correct. The free service is available to all Villages residents. You need to provide the batteries and/or the smoke detectors. Call 352-205-8280.

[Spsmith444]

As for the CO2 detectors, r they needed when the house is all electric? I guess cars in garage can be and issue but anything else?

[notme6w]

In accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Kidde recommends replacing smoke and heat alarms every ten years, and replacing carbon monoxide and combination alarms every seven to ten years (depending on your model) to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.

[MrFlorida]

Most carbon monoxide detectors only have a 7 year lifespan.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.

Fire department will only do replacements with identical model numbers. I wanted different combinations so I did them myself.

[WesMan]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.

Go to Lowes, read the replacement packages, they All have a limited live cycle.

[JOEMAN]

I had the same problem with my 2014 Michigan home after the first year. I called the manufacturer (Kidde). They asked me how many I had in the house, they sent me all new ones and said there was a factory defect with the combination units. That was 6 years ago. I guess its about time to replace them all again due to age.