Smoke and Carbon Detectors
Smoke Detectors
Nothing like a smoke detector going off at 3am. Batteries should be replaced yearly and tested regularly. All units according to manufacturer should be replaced after ten years of service. The date of manufacturer should be printed on the back of the unit for reference. If you buy a new one some of them now have a sticker you can write the install date on.
There are two types of smoke detectors Photoelectric (more responsive to smoke) and Ionization (more responsive to flames).
Photoelectric is the one you want to look for as Ionization ones typically will give you more false alarms especially when placed closer to the kitchen area and they are also being phased out by the industry. Look closely at the packaging prior to buying to make sure you are getting what you want. I would look for the 10 year battery type as you put it up and forget about it for 10 years.
Combo Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The industry has combined these units for convenience, but I much prefer separates. The plug in carbon or a battery operated wall mounted one would be my recommendation. I want a co2 tester at the level I'm going to be breathing air, and for me...my bed is 3 ft off the floor and when I'm standing my nose is at 5'5,"
so I would mount my detector 3-4 ft off the ground. If it was on the ceiling, and I did have exposure, I'd have way more exposure by the time it reached a ceiling detector vs one that was at my breathing level.
Nothing like a smoke detector going off at 3am. Batteries should be replaced yearly and tested regularly. All units according to manufacturer should be replaced after ten years of service. The date of manufacturer should be printed on the back of the unit for reference. If you buy a new one some of them now have a sticker you can write the install date on.
There are two types of smoke detectors Photoelectric (more responsive to smoke) and Ionization (more responsive to flames).
Photoelectric is the one you want to look for as Ionization ones typically will give you more false alarms especially when placed closer to the kitchen area and they are also being phased out by the industry. Look closely at the packaging prior to buying to make sure you are getting what you want. I would look for the 10 year battery type as you put it up and forget about it for 10 years.
Combo Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The industry has combined these units for convenience, but I much prefer separates. The plug in carbon or a battery operated wall mounted one would be my recommendation. I want a co2 tester at the level I'm going to be breathing air, and for me...my bed is 3 ft off the floor and when I'm standing my nose is at 5'5,"
so I would mount my detector 3-4 ft off the ground. If it was on the ceiling, and I did have exposure, I'd have way more exposure by the time it reached a ceiling detector vs one that was at my breathing level.
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