If you're a homeowner, the last thing you want to worry about is fires and carbon monoxide (CO) leaks. Where fires spread rapidly and cause physical damage, injuries or fatalities, CO is a silent killer. Often, CO poisoning can occur overnight or go undetected until it's too late.
Properly installing and maintaining the right amount of smoke and CO detectors throughout your house could save your life. But how many of these devices do you need?
Why Do You Need Smoke and CO Detectors?
Imagine sleeping when an electrical fire erupts in your living room. If you have working smoke alarms, the sound will wake you up, giving you and everyone else enough time to escape before it spreads. Having smoke detectors in your home is crucial for protecting your household from these potential dangers.
In a different scenario, CO detectors will alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide. This is especially important because it's a colorless and odorless gas you wouldn't know was there otherwise. CO poisoning could give you a headache or make you dizzy, but it can also lead to death within minutes of exposure. When these devices go off, you can quickly open a window to ventilate your house and call for help.
How Many Smoke Detectors Do You Need?
The number of smoke detectors required in your home depends on your home’s layout and specific location needs. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing smoke alarms outside each bedroom or sleeping area, and one on every level, including near stairways and the living room. You should also install a device in your basement, if you have one, on the ceiling at the bottom of the staircase.
Given the kitchen's significant risk of fire, it is especially vital to have an alarm there. However, it's best to hang it at least 10 feet away from your cooking appliances to avoid setting it off unnecessarily while cooking.
There are two options for smoke detectors — ceiling-mounted and wall-mounted. Although ceiling-mounted devices are most common, you can also add a wall-mounted alarm. Detectors on walls should be positioned no more than 1 foot from the ceiling and should not be located in a corner.
How Many Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Needed?
Federal guidelines recommend having at least one CO detector in your home, preferably located in the hall near each sleeping area and level. The alarms will warn you of unusual CO accumulation in your home, which may come from fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces or idling cars in the garage.
Consider hiring a professional inspector to check fuel-burning equipment in your home for deadly leaks. If you feel headaches and dizziness at home, you should check your CO levels as soon as possible.
What Are Combination Detectors?
Combination detectors for both fire and CO merge ionization and photoelectric sensors to identify potential dangers. While traditional detectors are hardwired, the latest models come equipped with smart technology.
Innovative features send a notification to your smartphone over Wi-Fi to alert you of smoke or carbon monoxide threats. They can also notify you if your batteries are low and identify emergencies when you're not home, allowing you to maintain peace of mind and take proactive action when necessary.
Maintenance and Testing for a Safer Home
Regular testing and maintenance ensure that your smoke and CO detectors function correctly in an emergency. Test your smoke alarms each month and replace the battery annually. They will beep to indicate the batteries are running low.
You should replace smoke alarms entirely every 10 years, whether you have conventional models or those with a 10-year lithium-ion battery. Alarms hardwired to your household's electrical system require the same care.
CO detectors typically have a similar lifespan, although some may require replacement earlier. Always read the manufacturer's manual to determine the proper care and replacement procedures.
What to Check Before You Buy
Smoke and CO detectors are unique by make and model, so it's essential to check specific criteria before making a purchase. For example, you'll want to ensure that the device has undergone rigorous safety testing at a recognized testing laboratory. Also, look for the manufacturing date so you buy a newer one.
Other factors to consider include the type of power source it must be compatible with, whether you prefer individual or combination units, and whether it comes with the latest smart features. Sticking with an established, reputable brand is also a good idea to guarantee the highest-quality product.
Be sure to purchase the right product as well. A common misconception is conflating CO and CO2 — where carbon monoxide is deadly, carbon dioxide is breathable. A carbon dioxide detector can be beneficial for determining air quality, but safety and poisoning detection come from CO detectors.
Prioritizing Safety and Peace of Mind
Installing the right amount of smoke and CO detectors throughout your home could be what saves your life in an emergency. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to add these simple investments. Ensuring working detectors is about more than compliance — it’s about giving you peace of mind in a safer living space.
