Why You Probably Need More Smoke Alarms

For much of human history, smoke alarms were limited to a person who saw some smoke and then went running through town yelling about it. Whew! We’re glad we’ve come such a long way since then. We have more options to choose from and installing the right smoke alarm might just prove to be invaluable. From the various types and their benefits to installation and maintenance, here’s what you should know about smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms (or smoke detectors, as they’re sometimes called) usually fall into one of two types: either detection of smoke via ionization or via photo electricity. At the most basic level, a smoke alarm that uses ionization is better at sensing fires that contain visible flames while a photoelectric smoke alarm is better at sensing smoking or smoldering fires, like from a cigarette. While ionization-style smoke detectors tend to be a bit cheaper, there are some other key differences to consider:

Ionization-style smoke detectors:

• Ionizing (creating positively and negatively-charged particles) of air molecules via a small amount of radioactive material (Americium-241).
• Monitor field of positive and negative ions.
• Sound their audible alarm when smoke enters that charged field.

Photoelectric-style smoke detectors:

• Use a light source and a photosensitive cell to detect smoke.
• The photosensitive cell notices when smoke scatters light in the chamber, leading to the alarm sounding.

Smoke alarms that utilize BOTH the above sensor methods are called dual-sensor alarms. Because they have multiple detection methods, they provide excellent protection and are typically the most recommended.

Additionally, there are alarms that utilize “intelligent” alarm systems, sometimes combining the above methods with a mathematical algorithm to best detect fires. This type might come in handy if you tend to have an alarm go off while cooking and you want to avoid the panic when you begin broiling that fatty piece of pork in the oven.

No matter your type of smoke alarm, you need it to be powered in some way. Choosing your type of power source is best considered before you install just any old alarm, as you should consider your access to the device where you plan to install it and your ability to test and monitor it.

1. Short-term battery-powered smoke alarms. These are basic alarms with a 9-volt battery or some combination of AA or even AAA batteries inside. You should expect these to need the battery changed once a year.
2. Long-term battery-powered smoke alarms. Typically seen as 10-year battery smoke alarms, these will need the whole alarm to be swapped out approximately every 10 years. They can be good if you don’t want to have to deal with the battery yearly, but you should still test that it is in working order monthly.
3. Hardwired electrical smoke alarms (with battery backup). Many people choose hardwired smoke alarm systems to provide assurance that a system is in working order because there are multiple sources of power. The smoke alarm’s battery backup ensures protection even if there is a power outage, but also requires that the battery itself is replaced yearly or per the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you already have a hardwired smoke alarm system, and you want to make changes, you should begin by looking at using a system made by the same hardwired smoke alarm manufacturer. If you change manufacturers, you should have the new system installed or at least inspected by a certified electrician after installation.

You can also consider some even more advanced types of smoke alarms, depending on your needs. These include:

• Alarms that speak "Fire" or other words to inform you about the threat. This is great for using around a young child or someone who doesn’t understand the typical alarm’s beeping.
• Alarms that also emit a visible strobe light. This type is helpful for those who are hard of hearing or in spaces where there is typically a lot of noise, like a machine shop or public space.
• Alarms that connect with your other "smart home" devices. There are now brands of smoke alarms that are smart-device compatible. These are connected to your Wi-Fi and can alert you to the type of danger detected and its location, sometimes alerting you via a remote app.

Almost anyone can install a battery-powered or plug in smoke alarm as long as you have access to the space it should go. If you have 15-foot high ceilings and only a step-ladder, even the handiest of handymen won’t have much luck installing a smoke alarm. However, in most cases all you need is access to the ceiling and some basic screwdrivers to install the typical detector.

1. Decide where to install smoke detectors. The Texas state website notes you should install smoke alarms on every level of your home as well as one in each bedroom and in the hallway.
2. You might mix and match detection types. You might decide to put a more sensitive dual-detection alarm in bedrooms, while a “smart” alarm might best near the kitchen to avoid false alerts during dinner prep. A detector with a visual strobe would work in the garage if you’re often working with machinery and wear noise-canceling ear protection. It’s all up to you and your individual needs.
3. In doubt about alarm placement? Check with your local fire department for advice or see if they could assist you picking out the right spot if you have questions.

If you choose to install a hardwired smoke alarm system, and want to undertake that project yourself, you can certainly make that choice if you have a good working understanding of electrical systems. If not, you should hire a professional. It’s advised that you have any hardwired alarm system at very least inspected by an electrician to ensure it’s all in good working order.

Follow general electrical work protocols to install your system, including shutting off the power and testing voltage before making connections. You’ll need basic tools like a 6-foot ladder, stud finder, drywall saw, cordless drill, voltage tester, and various wire and cable tools. Each hardwired smoke detector in your home will be connected to each one in a row, eventually connecting directly to the electrical cable’s wires.

No matter what type of smoke alarm you install – battery or hardwired, or some combination of both – you should test each one regularly to ensure it’s in good working order. The battery-powered (or battery-backup) types should be tested every month. The batteries themselves should be replaced yearly, or when indicated by the manufacturer. If you hear that little ‘chirp’ sound and wonder how a cricket got into your bedroom, it’s probably just the smoke alarm reminding you that its battery is getting low. You shouldn’t ignore it. Change low smoke alarm batteries quickly.

A good rule of thumb is: Test alarms on the first of the month and replace the batteries on the first of the year. Think of it as a great New Year’s resolution you can use to protect yourself and your home and family.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that kills over 400 Americans every year, and it sends more than 100,000 people to the ER annually with CO poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Accidental poisoning by CO gas can occur when “warming up the car” in the garage without ventilation, or by running possibly damaged stoves, lanterns, or kerosene heaters indoors. You should never use a device inside that’s meant for outdoor use, such as a charcoal or gas grill, portable generator, or other devices because they can fill a room quickly with carbon monoxide.

But CO gas can also come from fumes emitting from your refrigerator, stove, and furnaces which can be trapped if your ventilation isn’t appropriate – such as when your fireplace flue or chimney is blocked or your home’s ducts are clogged. Small spaces like a camper, garage, or even a small bedroom can trap enough CO gas to make you very sick or even kill you. Signs of CO poisoning can be similar to symptoms of the common flu and include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

To ensure you monitor levels of CO gas in your home, you can use either a dual smoke and carbon monoxide detector or choose a CO-detecting device to add to your home’s protection. Many CO monitors come with digital readout displays, so you can monitor CO levels in your home. You should replace CO detectors every 5 years, and check that they are in working order every month along with your smoke alarms.

Using smoke alarms is a simple but effective way you can keep your home and loved ones safe from injury, damage, or even death from smoke inhalation or fires. Come by McCoy’s and talk to our experts about what type of smoke alarms are best for your home’s layout and any occupant’s special needs. We care about keeping all of our customers safe, and we’ll be happy to help you out.