You know that food, medication, and even make-up have a limited shelf life. But you might be surprised to learn that there are dozens of everyday household items that also have expiration dates. Here are 5 such items you should be prepared to toss and replace when the time comes.

1. Pillows – Replace your pillows once a year to prevent your hair and body oils from soaking into the fabric and creating a breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites. If you want to extend the life of your pillows, invest in dust-mite-proof covers.

2. Mattresses – According to the National Sleep Foundation, a good mattress should last you about 9 to 10 years. However, if you’re waking up with a stiff neck and sore back, consider upgrading sooner.

3. Smoke Detectors – Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, or sooner if necessary. Over time, the sensors become less sensitive and that could put you and your family at an even greater risk in the event of a house fire. In the meantime, don’t forget to test your smoke detectors once a month, and replace the batteries annually.

4. Fire Extinguishers – A “must have” safety staple in every home, a portable fire extinguisher can prevent a small blaze from turning into a raging inferno. But they don’t last forever. If you have a rechargeable fire extinguisher, have it serviced every 6 years or when the pressure is low. Otherwise, replace it every 10 years.

5. Water Filters – Here’s a little secret – water filters and purifiers are actually designed to last about 20% longer than their expiration dates indicate, providing you with a bit of a safety cushion just in case you don’t replace them right away.

Before you replace your battery-operated smoke detectors, first consider the added value of hard-wired replacement smoke detectors, supplied and expertly installed by Excel Electric. For starters, they can be monitored by the same company that monitors your burglar alarm system for your added protection.  Equally important, each alarm we install will contact all the others should even just one of them trigger.  That means everyone in your house will be alerted at the same time, day or night.

For more information or to request installation services, contact Excel Electric today.