Some models use removable batteries that require annual replacement, while others use sealed lithium batteries that last the life of the detector. Battery-only detectors are the simplest to install, and they work during a power failure. Hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors tie into your home’s wiring-professional installation is required-and usually have backup batteries. Also, some insurance companies offer a discount for homes with smoke detectors. Your town or state might have specific requirements (you’ll need to know, say, when you sell your home) about what to use, including types of detectors and their placement. Keep in mind that your home might need more or fewer detectors, depending on its size and number of rooms.īefore you shop, check regulations in your area. ![]() Use the illustration below as a guide to where you need detectors, and tally up the number of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors you need to buy. You should also have a carbon monoxide detector on each living level, outside each sleeping area, in the basement, and near (not inside) an attached garage. You’ll need smoke detectors that detect flaming and smoldering fires for each bedroom, one outside each sleeping area, and at least one detector installed on each floor, including in a finished attic and in the basement. Even those living in all-electric homes should install carbon monoxide detectors because CO can seep into the house from an attached garage or if a backup generator is used too close to your living quarters during a power outage. Smoke detectors are a must in all homes, and carbon monoxide detectors are needed for any home with fuel-burning appliances, such as a furnace, water heater, range, cooktop, or grill. But you may still need to install carbon monoxide detectors, if appropriate for your home. Photoelectric units are less prone to false alarms from burnt food, so they may be a better fit in kitchen areas.ĭual-sensor smoke detectors combine ionization and photoelectric technology to detect both flaming and smoldering fires, offering you the best protection and saving you the hassle of installing two separate smoke detectors. Photoelectric smoke detectors are best at detecting the large particles typical of smoky, smoldering fires but poor at detecting fast, flaming fires. Ionization units are prone to false alarms from burnt food and steam, so don’t mount them near a kitchen or bathroom. ![]() But in our tests, all tested poorly for detecting smoky, smoldering fires. ![]() Ionization smoke detectors are best at detecting the small particles typical of fast, flaming fires. You’ll find three types of smoke detectors on the market, but only one is effective against both types of fire. Fires burn differently: Some flare, some smolder.
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