How often should smoke detectors be tested according to the information provided?

Testing smoke detectors monthly is essential for ensuring that they are functioning correctly and can provide timely alerts in case of a fire. Regular monthly testing helps identify any issues, such as a low battery or malfunction, allowing homeowners to address problems before they become critical. This routine check is crucial, especially since smoke detectors are a primary line of defense against fire hazards in homes.

Yearly testing, while better than infrequent checks, may allow potential malfunctions to go unnoticed for too long. Testing every five or ten years would significantly increase the risk of a unit not working properly when needed, as batteries could die or other malfunctions could occur over that lengthy period without detection. Therefore, monthly testing is widely recommended by fire safety organizations to ensure optimal performance of smoke detectors.