Buying a home may be the biggest purchase you ever make. As a homeowner, you work to take care of your property and keep it in good condition. An easy way to protect your investment is by installing smoke detectors throughout the home. These devices will provide an early warning in case of a house fire. They give you time to escape safely. Here are tips for smoke detector placement in the home.
Guidelines for Smoke Detector Placement
When installing a smoke detector, mount it high on the wall or on the ceiling because smoke rises. If you choose to install the device on the wall it should be within 12 inches of the ceiling.
Don’t install smoke detectors near windows or sliding glass doors; the airflow may affect the device’s ability to detect fire. You also want to avoid installing devices in humid locations, such as the bathroom. Because airflow can interfere with the detectors’ ability to sound an early alarm, don’t mount devices near ceiling fans or HVAC vents.
Kitchen Smoke Detector Placement
The kitchen is usually the busiest room in the house. It’s where we entertain guests, prepare meals, and spend time with family. It is also the room where a fire is most likely to break out. Your kitchen smoke detector should be installed 10 to 12 feet from any cooking appliances. This will help reduce the chance of false alarms that can happen when food is being prepared.
Keep Your Family Safe
Each bedroom in your home should have its own functioning smoke detector. When family members spend time in their bedrooms they are usually relaxing, watching TV, or sleeping, meaning they are less alert.
Install a device in any room where a family member may nap, like the living room. They should also be installed in the hallways outside the sleeping areas.
Other Locations for Smoke Alarms
Place detectors on the ceiling at the bottom of any staircase to provide an early alert to family members who are upstairs. Other important areas for smoke detectors include the laundry room, attic, and garage.
Device Maintenance
For fire safety, keep all smoke detectors free of dust and dirt. They should be cleaned as part of your regular housekeeping routine. When tackling remodeling projects, do not paint over detectors, as this will interfere with their functionality. Test your smoke detectors every month and replace the batteries twice each year.
Appalachian Inspection Services offers home inspections to customers in Western North Carolina. Contact us to request our services.