Smoke detectors are an essential safety device for your home. These sensors notify you of a fire to keep you, your family, and your property safe. However, it’s essential to have these devices properly installed. Let’s look at a few tips for smoke detector placement in the home.

Tips for Smoke Detector Placement

Your home should have multiple smoke detectors throughout the property. When installing smoke detectors, add one on every level and inside every bedroom or sleeping area.

The ideal place to mount your smoke detectors is directly on the ceiling or high up on the walls within 12 inches of the ceiling. Don’t place smoke detectors near HVAC vents, doors, windows, or fans.

Specific Areas for Smoke Detector Placement

Smoke Detector Placement: Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most common areas for house fires. Unfortunately, homeowners often disable or remove the device if it alerts when they cook. Place the kitchen detector 10 to 12 feet away from any cooking appliances to avoid false alarms.

Smoke Detector Placement: Laundry Room

Your laundry machines produce steam and cause false alarms. However, this does not mean that you should avoid placing smoke detectors in the room. Install the device outside the laundry room door to alert family members if a dryer fire occurs.

Smoke Detector Placement: Outside Bedrooms

Because family members tend to be asleep or relaxing while in their bedroom, it is essential to have smoke detectors there. Install a detector outside the bedrooms to alert the household to a fire that starts elsewhere in the home.

Tips for Using Smoke Detectors in the Home

Don’t Paint Over the Detector

Painting over a smoke detector can prevent it from working correctly. When doing repairs or home maintenance, remove the detectors and re-install them afterward.

Interconnect the Devices

Modern smoke detectors can be connected, so they all sound if one device detects smoke. This improves fire safety by providing an earlier warning of danger.

Use Different Types of Detectors

Use both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors for extra safety within your home. Ionization smoke detectors are best for flames, while photoelectric detectors are best for smoldering fires.

Test the Smoke Detectors

Test each smoke detector once per month and replace the battery every year. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you and your family will receive an early warning in case of a fire in the home.

PRIME Home Inspections provides inspections to home buyers and sellers in western Washington state. Contact us to request our services.