There should be at least one smoke detector on every level of your home.
Make sure to put alarms inside and outside of every bedroom.
Place smoke detectors on the ceiling or high on the wall.
Don’t install them in drafty areas or within 20 feet of your stove.
Choose interconnected alarms that beep at the same time if there’s a fire.
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DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing battery-powered smoke detectors in your home is a pretty easy DIY project. Smoke alarms come with installation instructions and all of the materials you need to install them, including the alarm, the bracket, screws, and concrete anchors. If the alarms are interconnected or come with an app, it’s easy to connect them and set up a whole-home system on your own.
Most building codes for new construction require hardwired smoke detectors throughout the house. In this case, you’ll need to hire a qualified electrician to wire the smoke detectors into your home’s electrical system. You can also hire a home security pro in your area to add smoke alarms to your home or call your local fire department or Red Cross, both of which might help you with the installation at no cost.
Installing battery-powered smoke detectors in your home is a pretty easy DIY project. Smoke alarms come with installation instructions and all of the materials you need to install them, including the alarm, the bracket, screws, and concrete anchors. If the alarms are interconnected or come with an app, it’s easy to connect them and set up a whole-home system on your own.
Most building codes for new construction require hardwired smoke detectors throughout the house. In this case, you’ll need to hire a qualified electrician to wire the smoke detectors into your home’s electrical system. You can also hire a home security pro in your area to add smoke alarms to your home or call your local fire department or Red Cross, both of which might help you with the installation at no cost.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing battery-powered smoke detectors in your home is a pretty easy DIY project. Smoke alarms come with installation instructions and all of the materials you need to install them, including the alarm, the bracket, screws, and concrete anchors. If the alarms are interconnected or come with an app, it’s easy to connect them and set up a whole-home system on your own.
Most building codes for new construction require hardwired smoke detectors throughout the house. In this case, you’ll need to hire a qualified electrician to wire the smoke detectors into your home’s electrical system. You can also hire a home security pro in your area to add smoke alarms to your home or call your local fire department or Red Cross, both of which might help you with the installation at no cost.
Installing battery-powered smoke detectors in your home is a pretty easy DIY project. Smoke alarms come with installation instructions and all of the materials you need to install them, including the alarm, the bracket, screws, and concrete anchors. If the alarms are interconnected or come with an app, it’s easy to connect them and set up a whole-home system on your own.
Most building codes for new construction require hardwired smoke detectors throughout the house. In this case, you’ll need to hire a qualified electrician to wire the smoke detectors into your home’s electrical system. You can also hire a home security pro in your area to add smoke alarms to your home or call your local fire department or Red Cross, both of which might help you with the installation at no cost.
Installing battery-powered smoke detectors in your home is a pretty easy DIY project. Smoke alarms come with installation instructions and all of the materials you need to install them, including the alarm, the bracket, screws, and concrete anchors. If the alarms are interconnected or come with an app, it’s easy to connect them and set up a whole-home system on your own.
Most building codes for new construction require hardwired smoke detectors throughout the house. In this case, you’ll need to hire a qualified electrician to wire the smoke detectors into your home’s electrical system. You can also hire a home security pro in your area to add smoke alarms to your home or call your local fire department or Red Cross, both of which might help you with the installation at no cost.
Angi Tip
Don’t place smoke alarms too close to fans or air ducts when mounting them. Moving air can displace smoke from the sensor. You also don’t want your alarms right by the kitchen stovetop or bathrooms. Smoke from cooking and steam from a shower can set off an alarm.
Installing battery-powered smoke detectors in your home is a pretty easy DIY project. Smoke alarms come with installation instructions and all of the materials you need to install them, including the alarm, the bracket, screws, and concrete anchors. If the alarms are interconnected or come with an app, it’s easy to connect them and set up a whole-home system on your own.
Most building codes for new construction require hardwired smoke detectors throughout the house. In this case, you’ll need to hire a qualified electrician to wire the smoke detectors into your home’s electrical system. You can also hire a home security pro in your area to add smoke alarms to your home or call your local fire department or Red Cross, both of which might help you with the installation at no cost.
Installing battery-powered smoke detectors in your home is a pretty easy DIY project. Smoke alarms come with installation instructions and all of the materials you need to install them, including the alarm, the bracket, screws, and concrete anchors. If the alarms are interconnected or come with an app, it’s easy to connect them and set up a whole-home system on your own.
Most building codes for new construction require hardwired smoke detectors throughout the house. In this case, you’ll need to hire a qualified electrician to wire the smoke detectors into your home’s electrical system. You can also hire a home security pro in your area to add smoke alarms to your home or call your local fire department or Red Cross, both of which might help you with the installation at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t have to put smoke detectors in every room. At a minimum, though, there should be one on every level of your home, one in every bedroom, and one in the hallways outside the bedrooms. If you have a floor without bedrooms, place a smoke detector in the living room or next to any stairs that lead to an upper level. Attics and basements should also have at least one smoke alarm.
Although you can put a smoke detector on a shelf, the NFPA recommends mounting one on the ceiling or a wall (within 12 inches of the ceiling). If you place your smoke alarm on a shelf, ensure it’s away from drafty, damp, or dusty areas and not near cooking appliances, heat sources, or fluorescent lights.
Stephanie Mickelson is a freelance writer covering home improvement, real estate, design, and personal finance. Before beginning her freelance career, she worked in residential construction, specifically remodeling kitchens, installing cabinets, flooring, countertops, trim, and more.
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