Protecting Your Home: The Importance of Smoke Alarms & Carbon Dioxide Detectors

While maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors might feel like another item on your to-do list, they are critical in protecting your home, property, or workplace. With residential fires taking 2,000-3,000 lives per year (1) and carbon monoxide poisoning sending over 50,000 people to the emergency room (2), these devices provide an inexpensive way to avoid potential danger. Today’s article will cover the importance of these gadgets, when to replace them, and product recommendations that will give you peace of mind in the home.

Importance of Smoke Alarms

It’s no secret that fires have devastating effects. However, properly installed smoke alarms considerably reduce the risk of fire-related injuries. Below are some vital statistics to consider from the U.S. Fire Administration (3).

“Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.”
“More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.”
“The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.”

Importance of a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Commonly referred to as the “Invisible Killer,” carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that doesn’t emit odor or taste (2). Improper ventilation of fuel-burning appliances can lead to a leak. Because human senses can’t detect it, it is essential to have a detector in the home. It’s recommended to install at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.

When to Replace Alarms

Smoke alarms have a lifespan of 10 years (3). Homeowners should test them monthly.
The carbon monoxide detectors we install have a manufacturer-rated lifespan of 10 years.

Tired of Chirping Smoke Alarms?

Typically, smoke alarm batteries should be checked and replaced every year (3) and carbon monoxide batteries every six months (5). Unfortunately, detectors often begin chirping at the most inconvenient times, leaving homeowners scrambling for batteries and a ladder in the middle of the night.

Instead of replacing batteries frequently, our team performs hardwire installations, drawing from home electricity for power. The detectors we install also have a 10-year lithium battery backup. Your chirping days are over!

Pricing (Includes both product and installation.)

$80 per smoke alarm installed (hardwired unit with 10-year lithium battery backup)
$100 per smoke & carbon monoxide detector combo installed (also a hardwired unit with 10-year lithium battery backup).
$150-$200 per smart smoke & carbon monoxide detector combo installed (depending on the model). It will integrate to your smartphone or smart home app and notify you if a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector goes off, whether you’re home or away.

Since half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., installing an interconnected system will provide the best protection, ensuring all alarms sound at once to wake you up. Often, homes are wired on the same circuit to allow for interconnection. If not, our team can install units that use a wireless connection to trigger alarms throughout the house.

How Can We Help?

Our team of talented and trustworthy electricians can ensure your detectors are installed safely and accurately. Hardwiring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be performed by a qualified electrician. If your alarms are turning yellow, chirping often, or not responding to testing, it may be time to replace your detectors. Contact our team at (970) 449-6270 to schedule replacement installation today.

At Solar Pathways Energy & Electrical, safety is our top priority, and we aim to provide hassle-free electrical services. For more information on what we provide, visit our website at www.solarpathways.com.

Author: Brooke Banning

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