When the time changed recently, you should have used the occasion to remind yourself to change batteries in your smoke detectors. But new batteries might not have been enough. Perhaps it's time for an upgrade. If your detector is 10 or more years old, it's time to replace it. When you do, consider stepping up to a more dependable model -- one with a new long-life battery or, better yet, one that's hard-wired to house current with a new long-life battery for backup. Make sure you have enough protection, too. Smoke detectors should be in every bedroom and just outside bedrooms in halls and wherever fire danger might exist (from heat-generating appliances, water heaters and furnaces). This means attics, basements, laundry rooms and kitchens should be on the list. In a kitchen you'll want a model with a ?hush? button that temporarily silences the alarm when you burn the toast. Next time you check your smoke detectors, don't just replace the batteries; determine if it's time to upgrade. And that's the On The House tip for today.