Protecting your home with smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors is crucial and inexpensive. Here’s everything you need to know before buying.

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Why Install Smoke and CO Detectors?

• Affordable Life Savers: Smoke detectors start at $10, CO detectors at $20.
• Interconnected Systems: Advanced models communicate with each other for whole-house alerts.

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Types of Detectors

Smoke Detectors:
- Ionization Detectors: Best for detecting fast, flaming fires. Prone to false alarms near kitchens.
- Photoelectric Detectors: Better at catching smoky, smoldering fires. Suitable near cooking areas.
- Dual-Sensor Detectors: Combine ionization and photoelectric technology for comprehensive fire detection.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
- Detect dangerous CO levels but don’t sense smoke or explosive gases.
- Features include digital displays and audio announcements for CO levels.

Combination Detectors:
- Detect both smoke (ionization/photoelectric) and CO.
- Available in smart and conventional models.

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Smart Features to Consider

• Remote Alerts: Get smoke or CO warnings on your phone.
• Battery Status: Notifications for low batteries, avoiding the dreaded chirping.
• Hush Alarms: Silence false alarms via a smartphone app or remote.
• Interconnectivity: Connect multiple detectors wirelessly for unified alerts.

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How Many Detectors Do You Need?

Smoke Detectors:
- Place in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor (including attics and basements).
- Use dual-sensor models for comprehensive fire protection.

CO Detectors:
- Install near sleeping areas, on every living level, in basements, and near garages.

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Shopping Tips

Check Local Regulations:
- Verify state or town requirements, especially when selling a home. Some insurance companies offer discounts for detectors.

Choose a Power Source:
- Battery-Only Models: Simple installation; ideal during power outages.
- Hardwired Models: Connect to home wiring, often with battery backup.
- Plug-In Models: Convenient but may not be optimal for ceilings.

Smart or Conventional Detectors:
- Smart Detectors: Great for remote alerts but pricier. Ensure they meet safety standards.
- UL Certification: Ensure the detector passes stringent testing.

Interconnected Units:
- Hardwired or wireless options alert you to danger throughout your home.
- Verify compatibility when mixing brands or models.

Voice Alerts for Kids:
- Consider models with voice commands to wake deeply sleeping children.

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Features to Look For

• Battery Backup: Essential for hardwired detectors during power outages.
• CO Level Display: Shows concentration in parts per million (ppm), alerting to rising levels.
• Hush Button: Quickly silence nuisance alarms.
• Strobe Lights or Illumination: Helpful in dark or for hearing-impaired individuals.

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Installation & Maintenance Tips

Placement:
- Smoke detectors: Ceiling or 12 inches below it on walls.
- CO detectors: Near bedrooms but away from fuel-burning appliances.

Testing:
- Test detectors weekly and vacuum monthly.
- Replace batteries annually unless sealed lithium batteries are used.

Replacement Schedule:
- Smoke detectors: Every 10 years.
- CO detectors: Every 5 years.

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Recommended Brands

• First Alert: Reliable dual-sensor and combination detectors.
• Kidde: Known for affordable, feature-packed models.
• Nest (Google): Smart detectors with advanced features.

By investing in the right combination of detectors, you can enhance your family’s safety and peace of mind.

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