Just like CO detectors, smoke detector installation services are crucial. According to the U.S. Fire Association, fires cause over 3,000 deaths and nearly 15,000 injuries in the United States each year. Because of this danger, state and local laws mandate that smoke detectors be installed anywhere humans live and work. Detectors must be placed near every bedroom and, in some cases, must also be installed in stairways, hallways, and garages. But it's not enough to install a smoke detector and forget about it. The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing your smoke detector every ten years to ensure your system stays functional.

Smoke detectors come in two main varieties: ionization and photoelectric. While both serve the same purpose and must pass the same UL certification, there are clear differences in how they operate. Get the basics on these two types of smoke detectors:

• Ionization—This type of smoke detector features a continuous current that runs between two electrodes. When smoke enters the unit, the current is interrupted and triggers an alarm. However, ionization detectors can't tell the difference between steam and smoke, and they may sound false alarms when installed near a bathroom. Despite this drawback, the positives of ionization detectors include quick response times, battery failure alarms, and lower costs.
• Photoelectric—Photoelectric smoke detectors trigger when smoke enters the unit and reduces the light reaching an internal photocell. These detectors are more likely to respond quickly to a smoldering fire and send false alarms less often. Unfortunately, photoelectric detectors will not alert you when the battery dies.

Properly placing and monitoring your smoke detector is key to keeping your family safe. Take a look at some of our tips for fire safety and smoke detector installation:

• Install at least one smoke detector on each floor of the house
• Test alarms every six months to a year
• Have a battery-powered back-up in each smoke detector (NOT rechargeable batteries)
• Don't install detectors near drafty windows or doors
• Center smoke detectors on the ceiling at least six inches from the wall
• Place wall units at least a foot below the ceiling
• Prioritize putting smoke detectors near bedrooms, hallways, and staircases
• Lightly vacuum the unit annually
• Don't remove the unit from the wall to spot a false alarm
• Never remove the batteries unless you're changing them
• Store a fire blanket in your home
• Keep a fire extinguisher at the ready
• Create an emergency exit plan and ensure the whole family is on board
• Contact your local fire department about affordable smoke detectors for low-income households

Regularly testing your smoke detector is vital for keeping your Covington home safe. The team at Mr. Electric of North Shore and Metairie recommends checking your unit by pressing the test button and listening for the alarm. Next, hold a lit match or candle six inches below the unit. If the alarm doesn't trigger, blow the flame out and see if smoke sounds the alarm. If you still get no response from the smoke detector, it's time to replace the unit.

Are you wondering about the cost of installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? Perhaps you need a replacement unit placed quickly. Whatever the case for you, Mr. Electric of North Shore and Metairie is here to help. Contact us today to get your free quote.