A smoke alarm swap is a small job with a clear order. Doing the steps in sequence, and writing down who did each one, keeps the work from being half finished when the next family member assumes it is done.
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Inventory what is already there
Walk through the home and list every smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm, with its room and whether it is hard wired, battery powered, or linked to others. Look at the label on the back of each unit for its manufacture information and any end of service marking. Write the list on one sheet and keep it in the same place as the other household papers.
Match the units to the rooms
Ask the store or the manufacturer which type fits each room, because different spaces can call for different sensing types. If some alarms are linked together, buy replacements that link to the same system, or plan to swap the whole set at once. Note whether you need a battery type that differs from the old units, and buy the batteries before you start.
Mount and wire with the instructions
Follow the mounting instructions that come with each unit for location, height, and distance from kitchens and bathrooms. For hard wired units, turn off the power at the breaker first and confirm it is off before touching any wire. If the wiring is unfamiliar, this is the step to hand to an electrician rather than guess. Mount each unit on its bracket and secure it fully.
Test each unit and record it
Press the test button on every alarm and confirm the sound. Test any linked units so that one alarm sounds the others. Write the date of the swap on the sheet only if your family's notes need it, and write the name of the person who did the testing. Schedule a repeat test in the calendar you already use, so the job has an owner next time.
Close the loop with the family
Post the finished inventory in the group text along with the name of the person who will repeat the test. If anyone in the family lives in the house or visits often, make sure they know where the test button is and what each alarm sounds like. A swap is finished when the list, the test, and the owner all agree.