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What Should I Know About Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are small devices, but they're an important part of protecting the people in your home.

The two alarms detect different hazards. Smoke alarms alert you to smoke associated with a fire, while carbon monoxide alarms detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless gas you can't reliably detect on your own.

Understanding where alarms belong, keeping them working, and knowing when they need to be replaced are simple home-safety habits worth staying on top of.

Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Aren't the Same Thing

A smoke alarm doesn't necessarily detect carbon monoxide, and a carbon monoxide alarm doesn't necessarily detect smoke.

Combination units that detect both are available, but don't assume an alarm does both simply because it's mounted on the ceiling or wall.

Check the labeling or manufacturer's information so you know what each device in your home is designed to detect.

Make Sure You Have Smoke Alarms in the Right Areas

Current fire-safety guidance generally recommends smoke alarms:

• Inside each bedroom

• Outside each separate sleeping area

• On every level of the home, including the basement

Larger homes may need additional alarms.

Placement within a room matters too, so follow the alarm manufacturer's installation instructions and any applicable local requirements.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms Are Especially Important When CO Sources Are Present

Carbon monoxide can be produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, oil, wood, or charcoal burn.

Potential sources can include fuel-burning furnaces, fireplaces, gas appliances, generators, and vehicles.

Carbon monoxide alarms are generally recommended outside sleeping areas and on each level of a home, and local requirements may vary. Follow the manufacturer's placement instructions because where a CO alarm should be installed can depend on the particular device.

Interconnected Alarms Can Provide an Extra Layer of Warning

With interconnected alarms, when one alarm detects a hazard, the other connected alarms sound as well.

That can be particularly valuable if a problem begins on the opposite side of the house or on another level while you're sleeping.

Interconnection may be hardwired or wireless depending on the alarm system.

Test Your Alarms Regularly

Use the test button according to the manufacturer's instructions to make sure the alarm is functioning.

A device attached to the ceiling isn't helpful if it no longer works.

It's also a good idea to become familiar with the sounds your alarms make so household members recognize the difference between an emergency alarm and a low-battery or trouble signal.

Don't Ignore Chirping or Trouble Signals

A chirping alarm is trying to tell you something.

Depending on the model, chirping may indicate a low battery, an end-of-life warning, a malfunction, or another condition that needs attention. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your particular alarm rather than simply removing the battery or disconnecting the unit.

If an alarm has reached the end of its service life, replacing the battery won't solve the problem—the alarm itself needs to be replaced.

Know How Old Your Alarms Are

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms don't last forever.

Check the manufacture date on the alarm and follow the manufacturer's replacement recommendations. Different types and models can have different service lives, so don't assume every alarm should be replaced on the same schedule.

If you've recently purchased a home and don't know how old the alarms are, checking their dates is a good addition to your move-in checklist.

Battery-Powered and Hardwired Alarms Both Need Attention

Some homes have battery-powered alarms, while others have alarms connected to the home's electrical system with battery backup.

A hardwired alarm isn't maintenance-free. Backup batteries may still need attention, and the alarm itself will eventually need replacement.

Never permanently disconnect an alarm because of nuisance alarms or chirping. Determine what's causing the problem and correct it.

Be Careful About Alarm Placement

Putting an alarm in the wrong location can contribute to nuisance alarms or affect how well it performs.

For example, placement too close to cooking appliances, bathrooms, ceiling fans, vents, or other areas may be discouraged depending on the device and applicable guidance.

Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and applicable local requirements rather than choosing a location based only on convenience.

Never Use a Generator Inside or Too Close to the Home

Portable generators produce carbon monoxide and should never be operated inside a home, garage, or other enclosed space.

They also need to be kept well away from doors, windows, and vents where exhaust could enter the home.

This is particularly important for Gulf Coast homeowners because generators are commonly used during hurricane-related power outages. Follow the generator manufacturer's safety instructions whenever one is used.

If an Alarm Sounds, Take It Seriously

An emergency alarm isn't something to silence first and investigate later.

If a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds, follow appropriate emergency procedures and the alarm manufacturer's instructions. Get household members to safety and contact emergency services when necessary.

With carbon monoxide in particular, remember that you cannot rely on seeing or smelling the gas to determine whether the danger is real.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Checklist

☐ Have smoke alarms inside each bedroom
☐ Have smoke alarms outside sleeping areas
☐ Have smoke alarms on every level of the home
☐ Have appropriate carbon monoxide alarms where needed
☐ Know whether each alarm detects smoke, CO, or both
☐ Test alarms according to manufacturer instructions
☐ Don't ignore chirping or trouble signals
☐ Check the manufacture date on older alarms
☐ Replace alarms according to manufacturer recommendations
☐ Replace batteries when required
☐ Keep hardwired alarms maintained too
☐ Follow placement instructions for each device
☐ Never permanently disconnect an alarm because of nuisance alarms
☐ Make sure household members recognize alarm sounds
☐ Keep generators outdoors and safely away from the home

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I test my smoke alarms?
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing smoke alarms at least once a month. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular alarms.

How often should I change the batteries?
That depends on the alarm. Some use replaceable batteries, while others have sealed long-life batteries. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and replace a low battery promptly when the alarm signals that it needs attention.

How often should smoke alarms be replaced?
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends replacing smoke alarms 10 years after their manufacture date. Check the date on the back or side of the unit.

Where should carbon monoxide alarms go?
Placement requirements can vary, but CO alarms are generally recommended on each level and outside sleeping areas. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable local requirements.

Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm if everything in my house is electric?
Your home's appliances aren't the only possible consideration. Attached garages, fireplaces, generators, and other fuel-burning equipment can also create carbon monoxide risks. Evaluate the features of your particular home and follow applicable requirements.

Can I use a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm?
Yes. Combination alarms are available. Make sure the device is designed and listed for both purposes, and follow its installation and maintenance instructions.

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Have Questions?

Homeownership comes with questions long after closing day, and you don't have to figure everything out on your own.

Whether you have a question about maintaining your home, planning an improvement, or protecting your investment, we're always happy to be a resource.

Dana & John Martin – Team Martin
Waters Edge Realty
318-504-9925 | 504-450-2714
ALGulfCoastAgents@gmail.com