Benefits of Smoke Alarms
While often confused, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors serve distinct purposes. Smoke detectors are designed to alert you to the presence of smoke, which typically indicates a fire. In residential settings, these alarms often activate during the night, when most fires occur while families are asleep.
In commercial environments, they play a critical role in alerting employees immediately when smoke is detected, ensuring quick evacuation.
Carbon monoxide detectors, on the other hand, monitor for carbon monoxide — a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal if undetected. These detectors are crucial as carbon monoxide can be produced by burning fuels such as gas, wood, propane, or oil.
While each type of detector usually responds to its specific trigger, both alarms can sound simultaneously in situations where a fire produces significant amounts of both smoke and carbon monoxide. This dual response enhances safety by ensuring that both immediate fire threats and the presence of toxic gas are promptly addressed.
The most common type of carbon monoxide detector uses electrochemical sensors with electrodes submerged in an electrically conductive solution.
When carbon monoxide enters the compartment housing the sensor, a chemical reaction occurs, telling the sensor the concentration of carbon monoxide molecules in the air and sounding an alarm. Gas appliances, furnaces, and tight building envelopes can result in high levels of carbon monoxide.
Both device types require little maintenance, but homeowners and business owners should test each monthly to ensure they still work correctly. You should also change batteries at least every six months to ensure proper operation.
The placement of each device also matters. You’ll find smoke alarms on ceilings because smoke rises during fires. On the other hand, the optimal placement for a carbon monoxide detector installation is on a wall, but it can be installed on a ceiling if necessary. Buildings with multiple floors should have both devices on all levels.
Being proactive in the placement and regular testing of these devices ensures the safety of everyone in your home or business. As with other warning devices, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors will eventually wear out and require replacement.
Reach out for carbon monoxide or smoke detector installation when you notice the following:
- Device is yellow with age
- Chirps almost constantly
- Doesn’t respond well when tested
- Goes off for no reason
- Has faulty parts leading to a recall
