Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are some of the most important safety devices in your home. They are relatively small, inexpensive, and easy to overlook—but having properly working alarms in the right locations can provide an important early warning during a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.
If your alarms are old, damaged, missing, or simply need to be replaced, upgrading them is a relatively simple way to improve your home’s safety.
Call or text (503) 549-1070 or fill out a request form to request expert smoke/CO detector installation today!
When Should You Replace a Smoke or CO Alarm?
Smoke alarms don’t last forever. The Oregon State Fire Marshal recommends replacing all smoke alarms 10 years from the date of manufacture, even if they still appear to be working. CO alarms should be replaced when they reach the manufacturer’s replacement date, give an end-of-life warning, or fail an operability test.
You may also want to replace an alarm if:
- It repeatedly gives nuisance alarms.
- It is damaged or discolored.
- The test button doesn’t work properly.
- It continues chirping after replacing the battery.
- Replacement batteries are no longer available.
- You are remodeling or updating the home.
- You want to upgrade to a combination smoke and CO alarm.
PRO Tip: If you’re unsure how old is the detector, check the manufacturing date on the back of the unit.
Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Do Different Jobs
Although combination units are available, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms detect two different hazards.
Smoke alarms are designed to detect particles associated with fires and provide an early warning so occupants can get out of the home.
Carbon monoxide alarms detect carbon monoxide, an invisible and odorless gas that can be produced by fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, wood stoves, and vehicles operating in attached garages.
For homes that need both types of protection, a combination smoke/CO alarm can provide both functions in one device.
Where Should Smoke Alarms Be Installed?
Proper placement is just as important as having working alarms.
Oregon guidance calls for smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement, and outside bedrooms within 21 feet of each bedroom door. Smoke alarms may also be required inside bedrooms depending on the building code that applied when the home was constructed or remodeled.
For additional protection, the Oregon State Fire Marshal recommends having smoke alarms inside bedrooms as well.
Smoke alarms should also be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Certain locations—such as directly in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, attics, and unheated areas—can cause nuisance alarms because of steam, cooking vapors, exhaust, or temperature extremes.
PRO Tip: Within 4 inches where walls and ceilings meet is considered a “dead air pocket”, where air does not circulate well which delays smoke alarm activation. Never install a smoke detector in this area.
Where Should CO Alarms Be Installed?
Carbon monoxide alarms have somewhat different placement requirements.
In Oregon, CO alarms are generally required on each level of a home that contains bedrooms, with an alarm inside each bedroom or within 15 feet outside each bedroom door. Bedrooms on separate floors require separate alarms.
The manufacturer’s installation instructions should always be followed.
For additional protection, the Oregon State Fire Marshal recommends placing CO alarms inside bedrooms as well as in hallways.
Hardwired vs. Battery-Powered Alarms
When replacing an existing alarm, it’s important to know what type of system you have.
Some homes use battery-powered alarms, while others have alarms connected to the home’s electrical wiring, often with battery backup.
Hardwired alarms may also be interconnected so that when one alarm detects a problem, the other alarms in the home sound as well.
If you’re replacing a hardwired smoke alarm with a different manufacturer’s model, the wiring connection may not be directly compatible. Some manufacturers use adapter plugs, and changes to the wiring may require an expert.
Combination Smoke and CO Alarms
Combination alarms can be a convenient option when replacing older devices.
Instead of having separate smoke and CO alarms, a combination unit can detect both hazards.
This can simplify the appearance of the ceiling or wall and reduce the number of devices you need to maintain.
However, it’s important to choose a combination alarm that is appropriate for your existing wiring and installation location.
Battery Replacement and Testing
Installing a new alarm is only part of keeping your home protected.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal recommends testing smoke and CO alarms regularly. Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month, and batteries should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If an alarm begins chirping to indicate a low battery, don’t ignore it. Replace the battery or the entire alarm if it has reached the end of its service life.
Smoke and CO Alarms for Rental Properties
Smoke and CO alarms are especially important for landlords and property managers.
Oregon places responsibilities on rental property owners regarding required smoke and CO alarms. For example, landlords are responsible for supplying, installing, and maintaining required smoke alarms in rental dwelling units, while tenants have responsibilities for testing alarms and replacing batteries as applicable.
If you’re preparing a rental property for a new tenant or completing a move-out inspection, checking the age, location, condition, and operation of the alarms should be part of the process.
A Simple Upgrade That Can Improve Your Home’s Safety
Smoke and CO alarms aren’t something most homeowners think about until one starts chirping in the middle of the night.
Replacing outdated alarms before they fail can give you one less thing to worry about.
Whether you’re replacing one old alarm or updating the alarms throughout your home, choosing the right devices and installing them in the appropriate locations can help ensure your system is ready when you need it.
Professional Smoke and CO Alarm Installation in Portland
At EC Handyman Solutions, we install and replace smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and combination smoke/CO alarms throughout Portland and the surrounding areas.
Our goal at is to make your life easy. We offer expert smoke/CO detector replacement and make sure:
- ✔ Electrical connections are properly wired
- ✔ Detector is correctly installed
- ✔ Devices are securely mounted
- ✔ New alarm is tested to work properly
- ✔ Installation date is clearly labeled
- ✔ Work area is cleaned up before we leave
- ✔ You are 100% satisfied with our services
By working with us, your home will be a place to enjoy life, instead of a list of to-dos for the weekends and holidays. Need other services? Check out our handyman service list.
Call or text (503) 549-1070 or fill out a request form to request expert smoke/CO detector installation today!
Resources
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms : Education – Oregon State Fire Marshal
Proper Placement for Smoke Alarms, CO Alarms and Fire Extinguishers – First Alert