Is Your Smoke Alarm Expired? What Every Surf Coast Homeowner Should Know

When was the last time you checked your smoke alarm? For most people, the answer is “I can’t remember.”  But here’s the truth: smoke alarms don’t last forever.

On the Surf Coast, where salty air and busy lifestyles often mean safety checks get overlooked, many homeowners aren’t aware that smoke alarms have a lifespan of just 10 years. Even more surprising, if your smoke alarm is expired or non-compliant, it could affect your home insurance.

Smoke alarms only have a 10-year lifespan and should be checked annually.

How Long Do Smoke Alarms Last?

According to Australian Standards and Fire Services, smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Over time, dust, insects, and everyday wear reduce their effectiveness, meaning they may not detect smoke when you need them most.

Why Annual Smoke Alarm Checks Are Essential

Even if your smoke alarm isn’t yet 10 years old, it should be tested and cleaned every year. Annual checks make sure:

• The battery is still working

• The sensor isn’t blocked by dust or insects

• The alarm is in the right position to detect smoke early

Many house fires on the Surf Coast happen at night, when everyone is asleep. A working smoke alarm is your first line of defence.

The Insurance Risk Nobody Talks About

Here’s something many homeowners don’t realise: if your smoke alarm is expired, disabled, or not compliant, your home insurance claim could be rejected after a fire.

That means you could lose not only your home and belongings but also your financial protection, simply because of an expired smoke alarm.

How to Tell If Your Smoke Alarm Needs Replacing

Not sure if your smoke alarm is still within its lifespan? Here are some quick tips:

• Check the manufacturer’s date printed on the alarm (usually on the back)

• If it’s older than 10 years, it needs replacing

• If it chirps often, even after changing the battery, it may be faulty

• If you can’t remember when it was last checked, it’s probably time for a service

Why Choose a Local Electrician for Smoke Alarm Checks

At Southern Swell Electrics, we help Surf Coast locals stay safe and compliant with:

• Annual smoke alarm testing & compliance checks

• Replacement of expired alarms (wired or wireless)

• Advice on the best alarm placement for maximum protection

• Documentation to keep your insurance company satisfied

We’re based in Torquay and service homes across Jan Juc, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Barwon Heads, Geelong, and the Bellarine region.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

An expired smoke alarm isn’t just unsafe, it could cost you everything. Protect your family, your home, and your insurance by checking your alarms today.

Contact Southern Swell Electrics for a smoke alarm inspection or replacement across Torquay and the Surf Coast.