Why are you reading about smoke detectors, may you ask? Well, for one, they can save your life — indicating the onset of a fire at home.
According to the “Smoke Alarms in US Home Fires” report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (41%) or no working smoke alarms (16%).
Another reason, surprisingly, is that they’re not an item most people research enough before buying.
“You will be best prepared to keep your family and home safe by installing a smoke detector in every room of your home, especially in bedrooms, hallways and at the top and bottom of stairways,” Brian Shaunfield, store manager at Charlotte area Lowe’s, told the New York Post.
Additionally, it’s important to check your device’s manual for instructions on installation and where to install your device, including where you should avoid installing your device. “Your manual will outline how far to install your smoke detector from furnaces, heaters, stoves, water heaters, and other appliances and fixtures,” he adds.
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To help you stay well-equipped at home, the New York Post Shopping team did the research and consulted our expert for the best smoke detectors — including for those who are hard of hearing. Moreover, you’ll find an in-depth FAQ section — following the top smoke detectors to purchase — that details their unique features, notes on installation, and more.
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“This battery-operated device includes a 10-year lithium-ion battery that lasts for the life of the device, ensuring a longer duration of protection in your home,” Shaunfield told The Post.
The device has a slim shape that is half the size of a standard smoke alarm, meaning the device will be less noticeable in any living space. It also has a photoelectric sensor that detects threats of fire and smoke while minimizing false alarms.
“This First Alert detector features wireless technology that allows the device to connect with up to 18 other First Alert-enabled detectors, so when one sounds, they all sound,” Shaunfield says.
Impressively, the photoelectric smoke sensor is designed to reduce false alarms. “The device uses a loud 85-decibel siren and has an integrated battery backup in case of power outages and features a single button to silence false alarms and test the unit,” he highlights.
“The First Alert FG200 battery-operated smoke detector is equipped with an ionization sensor designed to detect particles from fast-flaming fires reliably,” Shaunfield says.
This easy-to-install device has a hinged cover for easy battery replacement, and its test button helps ensure your device is working properly.
“A 9-volt battery backup powers this hardwired ionization smoke detector and contains two separate silencing features,” Shaunfield notes, highlighting the First Alert BRK Hardwired Ionization Sensor Smoke Detector.
The latching alarm indicator allows you to clearly see which unit initiated an alarm and, the best part? It comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
“This is a hard-wired ionization smoke detector that will provide the earliest possible warning of a fast-flaming fire,” Shaunfield says.
What’s more, this device is optimized to detect flaming fires. It includes adapter plugs that eliminate the need for re-wiring if replacing an existing non-First Alert branded alarm. “This device can integrate with up to 12 other First Alert or BRK hardwired alarms and features a latching indicator that identifies which unit triggered the alarm,” he notes.
“This First Alert 10-year sealed tamper-resistant ionization smoke detector features a long-life 3-volt lithium battery that effectively provides a full 10 years of protection without requiring any battery change,” Shaunfield says.
A single test/silence button lets you quickly mute nuisance alarms from cooking smoke or shower steam. This smoke detector also includes an easy mounting bracket and alarm end-of-life indicator.
“This First Alert hardwired smoke detector is equipped with an ionization sensor to reliably detect smoke from fast-flaming fires and alerts you with an 85-decibel alarm,” Shaunfield says.
Additionally, the 10-year backup battery ensures the alarm works in case of a power outage, while the unit is designed to maximize accessibility and ease of use. “This hardwired smoke detector features a single button that allows you to test and silence the alarm,” he highlights.
According to a 2021 Fire Protection Research Foundation report, “Nearly 3 million Americans experience severe hearing loss, and over 41 million Americans experience hearing loss to some degree.” Grab the First Alert Hardwired Hearing Impaired Smoke Detector with LED Strobe Light to ensure you’re the most well-prepared for emergencies.
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Its top-rated design contains an integrated smoke alarm and strobe light, boasting separate flash patterns to distinguish between smoke and carbon monoxide.
Additionally, one reviewer wrote this model is “a lifesaver for the deaf and hard of hearing community.”
The Kidde Smoke Detector with Safety Light for Hearing Impaired is a budget-friendly option with a safety light to help guide your way to safety when dense smoke is present. One reviewer says, “My wife is deaf, and the light is great.”
Another reviewer says this model, in particular, is easy to install. You can’t put a price on safety, but less than $20 is not too shabby at all.
Ahead, Shaunfield gives us the 411 on what to know about smoke detectors before buying one.
First things first — let’s best explain what a smoke detector is so you know how best to shop for one.
Shaunfield states, “A smoke detector is an electronic device that monitors for the presence of smoke, which is typically an indication of fire.” That said, if smoke is detected, it will sound an alarm to warn residents in a building or house.
Smoke detectors allow for the early detection of a fire in your home. “Once a smoke detector is installed, the device will alert you if life-threatening fire or smoke is spreading in your home, allowing you the time needed to safely evacuate,” Shaunfield told The Post.
Additionally, smoke detectors go a long way toward knowing that fire-related dangers in your home will be detected so that you can keep your family safe.
A smoke detector’s functionality depends on the type of device you purchase to protect your home.
“Photoelectric smoke detectors are typically more sensitive to particles generated by fires that smolder, while ionization smoke detectors tend to be more sensitive to particles generated by flaming fires,” Shaunfield explains.
Above all else, you should reference the manual included when you purchased your smoke detector for instructions on properly testing your unique device.
“Typically, this will involve pressing and holding a button to activate a test alarm sequence,” Shaunfield notes. “Be sure to replace any unit that does not test properly.”
It’s important to note your smoke detectors will lose sensitivity over time. One way to determine if your device is losing sensitivity is discoloration of the incasement.
“If your smoke detector has yellowed, it may be too old to be effective,” Shaunfield explains. “It’s important to reference the manufacturer’s date printed on the device to be sure of its age.”
You should also regularly test the efficiency of your smoke detectors and ensure they are clean and clear of dust. Do not use water, cleaners or other chemicals on the unit, as this can lead to damage.
Smoke detectors may include a variety of features. Ahead, Shaunfield explains some of these key characteristics:
Below, Shaunfield explains easy-to-follow tips for ensuring your smoke detector is installed correctly:
- First, you should mark the installation location by using the mounting bracket of the device as a template.
- You’ll then want to drill your holes and install screw anchors in the holes. If necessary, use a hammer and gently drive the anchors into place.
- Next, secure the mounting bracket to the wall or ceiling with screws.
- Lastly, install your batteries, attach the detector to the mounting bracket, and then test your alarm to make sure it is working correctly.
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