Key takeaways
Battery-operated detectors are the cheapest and easiest to install yourself, but require upkeep every 6 months
A 10-year sealed lithium battery can extend the life of your smoke/CO detector, reducing the need for regular maintenance
If you want to hardwire your home safety devices, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician
Renters and homeowners are all too familiar with the telltale chirp of a dying carbon monoxide alarm or smoke detector. Be honest: How often have you removed the batteries, just to silence those annoying reminders?
Fact is, disconnecting or neglecting these lifesaving devices in living and sleeping areas sends several thousand people to the emergency room each year. Here’s why:
Carbon monoxide (CO). An odorless, colorless, poisonous gas, carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” because it’s undetectable to human senses. It can leak into homes from malfunctioning gas appliances and cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and, at high doses, unconsciousness and death.
Smoke and fire. A house or building fire occurs somewhere in the US about once every 20 seconds. And it’s vital to get away from a fire as quickly as possible, because heat and flames aren’t the only danger—the most frequent cause of death is poisoning from smoke inhalation.
Required by law in most states, home carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms can protect you and your family from the dangers of both hazards. Health and safety experts recommend regular maintenance of these essential security instruments, which alert you to unsafe levels of smoke/CO within minutes.
Thankfully, new features and lithium batteries have extended the lifespan of most alarms up to 10 years. And smart devices can now connect to smartphones and home security systems that keep track for you—even flagging low battery levels with a voice message—so that annoying chirp is a thing of the past.
Whether you’re shopping for a home safety device or maintaining an existing alarm, this guide to best practices can help you keep your lungs safe—and your false alarms low—for years to come.
Dangers of fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide poisoning
The sooner you know about a house fire, the better your chances of a safe escape.
When there’s a fire in your home, it’s vital to know about it as quickly as possible, so you and your family can get to safety. Almost 3 out of 5 deaths in US house fires occur in homes that don’t have working smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
In fact, smoke inhalation can be as deadly as the fire itself. Breathing in just small amounts of smoke particles may leave homeowners with chronic health effects. Even if no one gets hurt, smoke damage to walls, ceilings, and furnishings can cost thousands of dollars to clean up.
Meanwhile, carbon monoxide hazards, typically associated with running a car inside the garage, can also be present in the home. Defects in gas-powered appliances—such as a fireplace, refrigerator, or water heater—can cause harmful fumes to leak throughout the house.
You’re at greatest risk while sleeping or intoxicated, because CO has no smell. A carbon monoxide detector warns people to evacuate the home, breathe fresh air, and call for medical assistance if necessary.
Pro tip: Early symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are similar to the flu, including headache, dizziness, and nausea. If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911 immediately.
Types of smoke and CO detectors
Smoke detectors range from simple battery-powered models to smart devices that work with your phone.
There are a wide variety of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on the market, ranging from battery-operated and combination detectors to smart smoke alarms that connect to your smart home devices. When making your choice, consider the size and layout of your space and whether you want to invest in something more effective, but also expensive. Whichever model you choose, make sure to test the device and replace batteries as directed by manufacturer, and replace the unit itself at least once per decade.
Battery-operated smoke alarms
A battery-operated smoke detector can be easy to install, but you’ll need to replace batteries regularly. Photo: Kiddie
Most renters will find at least one battery-operated smoke alarm already installed in their apartments. These small, round devices with a base and cover are typically powered by a 9-volt battery, which should be replaced every 6 months. Easy to purchase and install, battery-operated smoke alarms are ideal for people who want affordable protection they can maintain themselves.
If you have a larger home or very high ceilings, changing out the 9-volt batteries might be a hassle. Some battery-operated models provide longer lifespans; a lithium-sealed battery smoke alarm, for example, lasts up to 10 years.
The lithium battery never needs to be replaced, and many of these devices have other convenient features: a test or “hush” button that tests the alarm circuitry and temporarily silences nuisance alarms, a red LED indicator to alert you of an error or standby condition, and a green LED light to show it’s working properly.
As you browse smoke alarms, you may also notice these 3 types:
Ionization smoke alarms. Using the flow of ions to detect smoke, they’re generally more responsive to flaming fires.
Photoelectric smoke alarms. Using light beams for smoke detection, this type is more responsive to smoldering fires.
Dual-sensor smoke alarm. The NFPA recommends this type of device, which has both ionization and photoelectric sensors. Some models, however, require both sensors to be triggered before sounding off to avoid false alarms, leading to possible alert delays.
Battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors
Some CO detectors can be plugged into a wall outlet, with a battery backup.
Battery-operated CO detectors use a biometric sensor to detect carbon monoxide in the air. Outfitted with a gel that changes color in the presence of the gas, the alarm will warn you of low concentrations within an hour and higher concentrations within minutes.
While 10-year battery options are also available, most battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms use replaceable batteries, so you’ll need a fresh pack every 6 months. Priced around $80, these devices have a lifespan of 5–7 years, so be sure to check the packaging to determine when you should replace it.
You can also buy plug-in CO detectors, which are powered by a home electrical outlet. They also use batteries (typically AA size) as a backup in case your power goes out—which need to be replaced annually or according to the device’s instructions.
Hardwired home safety devices
For some extra labor and money, you can install hardwired smoke or CO detectors, which are interconnected through your home’s electrical system. That way, when carbon monoxide or smoke is detected in the basement, the alarms sound in the second-floor bedroom, too.
Compared to basic battery-powered detectors, hardwired detectors tend to be longer-lasting and more reliable. Many include a battery backup, so they’ll function during a power outage. However, they’re about twice as expensive as their battery-operated counterparts, and are typically installed in new or renovated homes. To hardwire an older home, a team of technicians must run wires through your walls and connect them to the power source.
Hardwired units are a good investment if your home is already wired for it, according to Sharon Cooksey, a spokesperson for Kidde—the largest manufacturer of home safety products. In fact, many building codes now require a hardwired unit with a backup battery.
“The benefits of hardwired over battery-operated units are a continuous power source and reduced risk of human error (forgetting to replace the battery),” Cooksey says.
Pro tip:Once, hardwiring was the only option for interconnectivity, but now other types of detectors can interconnect as well—including some wireless, battery-operated models. Look for this feature when shopping around.
Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
A combination device may be easier to maintain than separate smoke and CO detectors.
Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms unite both sensors in one simple device. More advanced models can also connect to your phone, show their status on an LED digital display, and sound an 85-decibel siren—about as loud as a lawn mower—to alert you of danger.
There aren’t as many of these devices on the market, partly because some people prefer the flexibility of placing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in different locations. But those who favor this type say they make installation easy.
Maintaining just one device on the ceiling also cuts down on battery replacement.
Kelly Krick, contractor and owner of Kelly Plumbing & Heating in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, recommends a combo unit to many homeowners. They’re priced higher (between $75 and $125), but offer convenience and long lifespan. “If you have gas appliances, a combo device is a good choice—one that has a battery backup and is guaranteed for 10 years,” Krick says.
Smart detectors
Here’s another use for your smartphone: it can be programmed to warn you about smoke or high CO levels, which is extremely important if you’re not home. Photo: Roost
Today, smart home devices do more than turn the lights on and off. In addition to providing comprehensive home security, they can also connect to smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Enabled for Google Nest Protect, Amazon’s Echo Dot, and other devices, these products use wireless technology to send warnings about smoke or CO levels to your smart devices and phone—even when you’re away. For peace of mind, many also allow you to test and silence the alarm remotely through an app.
Other devices have gotten smarter, too. The Roost Smart Battery, for example, is specifically designed to work with smoke/CO detectors that use a 9-volt battery, and have a built-in Wi-Fi transmitter that can send warnings to your smartphone.
Do your research before you decide
Home safety technology is ever-evolving. You may be interested in models that feature voice alarms, smartphone alerts, or battery backups. If you don’t have a smart home device, you can still find some of these features—such as voice warning systems—among offerings from the major sensor manufacturers, including First Alert and Kidde. Always read the manual so you understand a device’s features before making a purchase.
Pro tip:When shopping for smoke and CO detectors, choose a device with a label signifying that it’s certified by an independent testing company, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or International Approval Service (IAS). This means a trusted third party has verified that the unit is safe to use.
How to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
You’ll need an electrician to install hardwired smoke and CO detectors.
Installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms isn’t just a life-saving move—it’s a legal necessity. If you’re concerned about following local regulations, contact your local building department or ask a trusted home inspector or real-estate agent.
Public safety organizations recommend that you install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas, and in common areas on every floor, including the basement. If you have a hardwired system or interconnected smart devices, when carbon monoxide or smoke is detected in one room, alarms sound in all.
Where to install smoke/CO devices
It’s important to install the devices in the correct place. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carbon monoxide detectors should go on the wall or ceiling at least 5 feet above the floor. Since the gas is lighter than air, it often rises to the top of a room.
For smoke detectors, the NFPA recommends mounting on the ceilings or high up on walls—not more than 12 inches from the ceiling. In the kitchen, place them at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms.
Installing a battery-operated smoke or CO alarm
If your device uses batteries as its power source, you can install and maintain a smoke/CO alarm yourself. Start by gathering your tools: a ladder, screwdriver, drill, and the wall anchor and screws that come with the device. Always follow the maintenance and installation instructions in the owner’s manual.
For DIY installs:
Mount the bracket with anchors on wall or ceiling
Insert new batteries in the device
Attach detector to the mounting bracket
Test the unit after installation
Keep area clean of dust and debris
If you have a 9-volt battery model, you’ll have to replace the batteries every 6 months. This process is simple enough: Remove the device’s cover, where you’ll find the base, smoke sensor, and a compartment for a 9-volt battery.
Pro tip: Test the alarm once a month or as recommended by the manufacturer, and use a biannual event, such as Daylight Saving Time, to remember to replace batteries every 6 months. The alarm itself should be replaced after 5–10 years, depending on the device, so verify its lifespan with the manual.
When to hire a professional
If you’re interested in a hardwired or interconnected smoke/CO unit, you’ll need to consult a licensed electrician for installation. Electricians are the only people equipped to hardwire your home, and they’re also knowledgeable about local regulations and best practices for home safety.
A handyperson can usually install a basic smoke/CO detector, which requires about 1 hour of work, ranging from $70–150 per hour. A contractor might charge a single fee to provide and install the device, adding an extra $50–150.
You may also need professional help if you have high ceilings or a device that keeps chirping or making false alarms.
Whatever you decide, it doesn’t pay to “cheap out” on safety devices, as Yelper William A. of San Francisco discovered. When his “quirky (ie. cheap) [wired] alarms set off false alarms, at 5 am in the morning (just as the sun was rising),” he hired John Alan Peters of Brookline Electric to replace them. The new upgraded devices have an internal computer “that checks to be sure it really is a potential fire and not just shower steam or cooking odors,” according to Peters.
What the chirps mean
Use the following to assess device issues before contacting a professional:
One chirp a minute. This usually indicates a low battery or a partially open battery compartment. Try replacing or repositioning the batteries.
Three quick chirps, repeated every minute. The device is malfunctioning and may need to be replaced, inspected, or maintained by a professional.
Five quick chirps. This is the “end of life” warning for your device, meaning it’s time to replace it.
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires
Reduce your risk of a fire by replacing damaged electrical cords.
Maintaining carbon monoxide and smoke detectors is the best way to prevent these dangerous hazards. However, some simple household guidelines can also reduce your risks. Follow these dos and don’ts to keep your home safe.
Do:
Clear the area around your smoke/CO detectors of dust and debris
Clean chimneys and flues every year; watch for a lack of upward draft or damaged bricks at the top of your chimney
Check fuel pipes and appliance jacks for excessive rust
Use vents and fans on all fuel-burning appliances
Hire a heating contractor to service your gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances once a year
Clear your car’s exhaust pipe of snow or other debris
Keep stove and oven clean
Store flammable materials away from heat sources, such as space heaters
Replace damaged electrical cords or wires as soon as possible
Clean your dryer lint trap with each load of laundry
Don’t:
Paint the smoke/CO detector, since paint seals the vents and interfere with the device’s ability to detect smoke and carbon monoxide
Use an oven to heat your home
Grill, barbecue, or use other outdoor-use appliances indoors, in garages, or on screened porches
Use an orange or yellow flame on a burner or pilot light (if the flame isn’t blue, it could be releasing CO)
Run or idle your car engine in an attached or closed garage
Leave cooking food, lit candles, or a fireplace unattended
Find an electrician in your area.
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