Get matched with top fire pit installation pros in Raymond, ME

Your smoke detector might be too high in some homes or circumstances to reach yourself. If you feel unsafe getting on a ladder to replace your hardwired smoke detector, call a licensed electrician or local handyman to knock this project off your to-do list. If you have a battery-operated smoke detector, your local fire department can change the batteries or help you replace the detector—just make sure you call the non-emergency number.

In any case, do not let this project go unresolved, as it could turn into a huge safety issue.

Wood-burning fireplaces typically make homeowners insurance more expensive, simply because they increase the risk for a fire in your home. Gas and electric inserts are less likely to bring up your insurance rates, but you should always speak with your agent to understand how installing any type of fireplace will affect your premiums.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning on a propane heater, make sure that your heater is suitable for indoor use. When you run the heater, it should always be in a well-ventilated area with proper air circulation. Installing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home is also essential. If you have any questions about using a heater indoors, contact a local heating and oil company for more information.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says you can place smoke detectors on either the ceiling or the wall, depending on the setup of your room. Since smoke rises, the ceiling makes sense, but if you go with a wall mounting, the alarm should be installed high up—no less than 12 inches from the ceiling.