Smoke Detector Installation

About Smoke Detector Installation

Smoke detectors are the most important safety feature in your house. A smoke detector that is working properly can increase your family’s chances of surviving a house fire. Sadly, most home fire fatalities occur in homes that do not have working smoke detectors. In fact, reports show that three out of five deaths caused by home fires where due to homes that had no smoke alarms (38%) or smoke alarms that were not working (21%).

In many cases, homes have smoke detectors or smoke alarms, but they are not working properly or do not have batteries. Another problem are the detectors being put in the wrong places. An improperly placed smoke detector is just as dangerous as one that isn’t working at all.

Smoke Detector Installation

You can install battery-powered smoke detectors yourself. Just make sure you place them in effective locations. If you are opting for the detectors that are wired directly into your home’s main power, it is best to have the installation completed by a certified electrician.

Smoke Detector Installation FAQs

How can I get the best protection from my smoke detector?
What is the cost of a smoke detector?
Where should a smoke detector be placed?
My smoke detector won’t stop chirping. Can I make it stop?
What is a hard wired smoke alarm?

How can I get the best protection from my smoke detector?

You can maximize your smoke detectors by doing the following;

  • Replace batteries every 6 months or at least every 12 months
  • The smoke detectors are properly located
  • Families with somebody who is hearing impaired should have special detectors designed for those with hearing impairments
  • Replace smoke detectors every 8 to 10 years
  • If using a lithium battery, which lasts up to 10 years, replace the entire smoke detector at the 10 year mark or when the battery dies
  • Ensure hard-wired systems have backup batteries; the batteries should be replaced annually

What is the cost of a smoke detector?

The cost of a smoke detector ranges from $10 to $40 depending on the type. If you are opting for hard-wired detectors this does not include the installation cost.

Where should a smoke detector be placed?

If you are installing your own battery-powered smoke detectors, follow these guidelines.

  • A smoke detector should be installed on each level of the home
  • In each bedroom
  • Within 10 to 15 feet of each bedroom door
  • On the ceiling or high up on the walls where the smoke will rise
  • Place the detectors away from ceiling fans or windows that will blow the smoke away from the detector
  • Place the detector away from the stove or toaster where it may be set off often, this applies to the bathroom where hot showers could set it off
  • Hard-wired detectors should not be installed on a circuit that can be shut off with a switch

If you are not sure about the placement of your smoke detectors, give our office a call for a free consultation.

My smoke detector won’t stop chirping. Can I make it stop?

It’s likely your smoke detector needs a new battery. Smoke detectors usually take a 9v battery. If the chirping is still happening after the battery is changed, it may still retain some errors from the old battery. If this is the case, you must clear the errors by resetting the alarm. This is usually done by holding down the test button until the errors are cleared.

What is a hard wired smoke alarm?

A hard wired smoke alarm, usually paired with a CO detector, are tied into your home or apartment’s wiring. These types of alarms usually require the help of a electrical professional.

Purchase Smoke Detector

If you need to buy a smoke detector we recommend one of the following:

Click here for a regular Kidde i9050 Battery Operated Smoke Alarm

Click here for Hardwire Smoke Detector with battery backup

Click here for Battery-Operated Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Click here for Kidde Wireless Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm

Not sure which smoke alarm to buy? Call our in house technician or contact us.

If you are having a hard time deciding which smoke detector you need for your home, give us a call and we can recommend the best one for your situation.

Smoke Detectors Los Angeles

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Smoke Detector Installation Reviews

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