Installing smoke detectors is a great way to protect your home and family from fire and smoke risks. There are many modern versions available that offer remote access, smartphone alerts, and other helpful features.
However, if your home also has fuel-burning appliances, you’ll need extra protection in the form of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
Quick Takeaways
- Smoke detectors don’t have sensors to detect carbon monoxide.
- A CO detector is necessary to protect the home against invisible gas exposure.
- Using a combination of both detectors provides ultimate protection.
- There are dual versions available that detect both smoke and CO.
- Always test the detectors monthly to ensure they work properly.
What a Smoke Detector Actually Detects
Smoke detectors have sensors in them that detect smoke particles. These particles come from the soot and ash that occur when something burns. The detectors can pick up on the smallest traces of smoke, even before it’s visible to the eye.
There are all kinds of versions available, including ones that use light beams or ionization. You’ll need to think about your home layout and safety needs to choose the best types for your home.
- Light beam (photoelectric): Easily detects slow, smoldering fires, making them ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Ionization: Quickly senses fast-flaming fires, making them best for kitchens or areas near furnaces.
What a Carbon Monoxide Detector Detects
CO exposure is particularly dangerous because it can lead to poisoning and even death. Carbon monoxide detectors have sensors in them that detect this colorless gas.
As soon as you hear the alarm, you’ll know to get everyone out of the home until emergency responders confirm it’s safe to return. Just like smoke detectors, CO detectors are available in many forms.
- Electrochemical: Most accurate and reliable.
- Metal oxide semiconductor: Uses electronic detection circuits.
- Biometric: Changes color when exposed.
- Digital display: Shows current CO levels.
Why Smoke Detectors Don’t Detect Carbon Monoxide
Smoke detectors don’t detect CO because their design is based on detecting particles, not gas molecules. CO, being completely smokeless and odorless, will pass right through a smoke detector unnoticed. Having both types of detectors is the only way to stay fully protected if your home uses fuel-burning appliances.
What Are Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
Dual-sensor detectors combine both technologies for full coverage. You can place them in multiple spots throughout the home to achieve the best protection possible.
Many versions connect to Wi-Fi using smart apps and provide real-time alerts for smoke or CO detection. Syncing the detectors with other home automation systems will enhance your safety and make monitoring more convenient.
Where to Install Smoke and CO Detectors in Your Home
Having a bunch of detectors installed will only provide sufficient coverage if you have them in the right places. For starters, make sure every level of your home, including the basement, has at least one smoke alarm and one CO detector. Ideally, every bedroom and hallway should have a dual detector for maximum protection.
When placing detectors in kitchens or bathrooms, keep the following in mind:
- Avoid steam areas
- Keep away from cooking smoke
- Mount on ceiling
- Stay clear of vents
How to Test and Maintain Your Detectors
Detectors, just like appliances and wiring, wear out over time. They can also experience malfunctions with their sensors and alarms.
This is why it’s so important to test them on a regular basis. Taking just a few minutes each month can be a literal lifesaver if a fire or gas leak were to occur.
- Press test button
- Replace weak batteries
- Clean sensor openings
- Check indicator lights
- Note expiration date
Common Myths About Smoke and CO Detectors
There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion floating around, especially online, regarding smoke and CO detectors. Trying to sort through it all can make it difficult to keep your home protected and safe. Here are the top myths you need to know about that simply aren’t true.
- Smoke detectors can also detect CO.
- CO is only a risk during the winter.
- New homes don’t need detectors because they already have ventilation systems.
- Hardwired units never fail, so you should never test or replace them.
- One detector covers the whole house, no matter how big or small the home is.
FAQs
How often do I need to replace my smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
The majority of smoke detectors have an average lifespan of about ten years. CO detectors don’t usually last as long because their chemical sensors degrade.
You typically need to replace them once every five to seven years. You can look at the date printed on each detector to see how old yours are.
Should I use detectors with batteries?
It’s always smart to use detectors that rely on batteries because they’ll keep operating during power outages. But you must make sure to test and replace the batteries as needed.
What can cause false alarms?
It’s quite normal for steam and cooking smoke in the kitchen to set off a smoke alarm. Remember to place the detector away from stoves and ovens to keep this from happening.
False alarms for CO detectors sometimes occur as a result of high humidity or poor placement near vents. You can simply reposition the unit to help prevent this.
Protect Your Home with Both Smoke and CO Detection
To keep your home and family safe, always install both types of detectors. Or, you can install dual-sensor types that offer combined protection. One of our electricians can make sure you have the detectors in the best spots throughout the home.
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