man on a ladder resetting a smoke detector

Safety First With Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when residential fires and carbon monoxide (CO) leaks are most prevalent. Hard-working furnaces, cozy fireplaces, and overworked extension cords are just a few of the hazards that can lead to a less-than-happy holiday season. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can help keep us safe, but only if they’re working properly. Learn more below. 

Smoke Detectors

While the number of fires and fire-related injuries has declined substantially since 2009, residential fires are still a very real problem for US homeowners. However, since they were invented in the 1970s, smoke detectors have reduced residential fire fatalities by 50%!

For optimal efficiency, smoke detectors should be placed on every level of your home—including inside each bedroom, in the hallway connecting bedrooms, and around (but not directly inside of) your kitchen. This ensures that any sleeping family members will be alerted by the smoke alarms, and your kitchen alarm will not sound with every failed pan of bacon. 

To increase the reliability of your smoke detectors—and eliminate the need for consistent battery changes—smoke detectors can be wired directly into your home. This way you can rest easy knowing that your detectors will never lose power.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Several common household appliances, such as gas stoves, water heaters, and furnaces emit negligible amounts of carbon monoxide when working properly. However, when poorly maintained or in disrepair, they can become sources of dangerous CO levels in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors can protect families from this colorless, odorless, and dangerous gas. 

Since carbon monoxide is lighter than air, CO detectors should be placed high on walls (over 5ft) or on the ceiling and not directly beside a furnace or open flame. For ideal coverage, you’ll also want to have CO detectors around sleeping areas and near your garage if it is attached to your home. 

Better Together

Since smoke and CO detectors operate most effectively in similar areas of the home, it is common to find 2-in-1 devices that will monitor both smoke and CO levels. These are great for reducing your monthly maintenance time, as well as saving your ceiling from being cluttered with devices.

Do you need new smoke or carbon monoxide detectors hardwired into your home’s electrical system? Call JDP Electric at (701) 232-1991 and invest in your peace of mind today!

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