General Tips for Smoke Detector Placement
Smoke detectors in the home should be installed on ceilings or high on the walls, no more than 12” from the ceiling. Smoke rises and this is the best location for effective alerts. Keep detectors away from doors, windows, ceiling fans, and HVAC vents. Drafts and airflow disrupt smoke and will affect their operation.
Best Placement in the Kitchen
The kitchen is the area of the home where the smoke detector is often absent or disabled. However, most house fires begin in the kitchen, so it’s important to have a working device in that area. To reduce the chance of false alarms while you’re cooking, install the smoke detector about 10 to 12 feet away from cooking appliances.
Bedrooms
Each bedroom should have a working smoke detector to provide an early warning should a fire start when family members are sleeping. Also, install smoke detectors in the hallway outside of the bedrooms.
Other Areas for Smoke Detector Placement
Make sure there is at least one smoke detector on each level of your home. Install devices on the ceiling at the bottom of a staircase to alert anyone above to a fire that starts downstairs. Because of the risk of a dryer fire, install a smoke detector in the laundry room. Other areas include the garage, attic, basement, and near the furnace.
Smoke Detector Maintenance
Keep detectors free of dust and debris. When remodeling, take care not to paint over the devices. Always make sure you have fresh batteries on hand and test the detectors monthly. Change the batteries twice a year, when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends.
Home Inspectors of Columbus offers home inspection services in the Chattahoochee Valley. Contact us to request an appointment.