Smoke and Carbon Detectors Installation, REPLACEMENT, Repair

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Smoke Detectors

There is nothing like a smoke detector going off at 3am.  Batteries should be replaced yearly and tested regularly.  All units according to the manufacturer should be replaced after 10 yrs of service.  The date of manufacturer should be printed on the back of the unit for reference.   If you buy a new one, most have a sticker you can write the install date on.  There are two types of 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.  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 my Co2 tester at the level I am going to be breathing air,  and for me, my bed is 3 ft off the floor.  When I'm standing, my nose is at 5'5",  so I would mount my tester about 4 ft above the floor level.  If it is located on the ceiling and I did have exposure, I would have way more exposure by the time it reached the ceiling detector vs one that was at my breathing level.