I'm at the "replace" point in time, myself, and this information is valuable.

I have always been under the impression that FIRST ALERT was the market leader, the way to go...but now I'm not feeling so confident.

Who the hell else even makes the damn things? Time to do some homework, I guess.

Seriously, though--thanks for taking the time to write that post. This is the kind of stuff that makes DU a great community!

Smoke detectors seem like such simple devices that we don't really think much could go wrong with them. I suspect most of us probably don't think about them at all unless they begin that infernal beeping when the batteries are running low. But we all really should check our detectors on a routine basis. Like everything else, the mechanisms can simply wear out over time.

I've always purchased First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detectors because that's what's available here at Lowe's (we don't have much to choose from here and I'm NOT going to Wally World). If someone has a recommendation for another brand I'd appreciate hearing about it because I would like a RELIABLE alternative. I'm still freaked out that what I had done in order to stay safe from a fire nearly started one!

If your smoke alarms are hard wired (AC powered, as well as battery backup) don't ever just replace one alarm. Replace them all at once, and all the same model and make. Don't ever mix and match.

My smoke detectors are just battery operated, but my carbon monoxide detectors are both hard wired with battery backup. I suppose the same principle would apply should I ever have to replace the monoxide detectors?

Meaning, when one goes off, they all go off. Can't be positive, but I would assume that is the case with CO detectors, as well.

Therein lays the potential problem: They need to properly "communicate" with each other. Mixing detectors (even older and newer of the same model and make) might run you into trouble.

When it comes time to replace those, I'll make sure I replace both at the same time and with the same model.

I once had a situation where I replaced only one detector (a total of three in the house) that was two years old, with another that was exactly the same model and make. After a very frustrating afternoon, I came to find out that the manufacturer made a very slight change in the circuitry and the "new" detector wasn't able to properly communicate with the two older ones.

Looking back, I should have read the instructions. It advises you to replace all, at once.

Sorry, I guess I'm getting old & dense. But I'm curious as to why that's necessary.

For the same hot problem? If not, please do. Stay safe.

It scared the crap outta me how close we came to having a house fire. I really shouldn't have purchased that repackaged unit. Then I should have thought twice when the brand new battery that came with the unit was completely drained. It was only when I tested the detector with a new battery from my own stock that the immediate overheating problem became apparent. There was something really, REALLY wrong with that detector and it should never have been repackaged for resale. I made sure that when I returned it that no one else would ever have to worry about that sucker again. I didn't just take it back to the refunds desk, I took it to the manager and got his name, along with reassurances it would be sent back to the manufacturer. It could be that this was a one in a million (I hope) but I will NEVER install another detector without thoroughly running a check first -- and that includes checking the battery compartment for at least five minutes before a final installation. Nor will I ever buy a repackaged anything ever again.

One started chirping, so I changed them in all of them.