Question 1

How many smoke detectors does my home need?

Accepted Answer

Code requires one inside each sleeping room, one outside each sleeping area, and at least one on every level including basements. Most DMV homes need 5–9 units.

Question 2

Do smoke alarms have to be hardwired?

Accepted Answer

In Maryland, DC, and Virginia any new or replacement alarm in a home built after roughly 1989 must be hardwired and interconnected. Older homes can use listed 10-year sealed battery units.

Question 3

How often should smoke detectors be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Every 10 years from the date of manufacture printed on the back — sensors degrade even if the unit still chirps normally.

Question 4

What's the difference between photoelectric and ionization?

Accepted Answer

Photoelectric responds faster to smoldering fires (couches, mattresses); ionization to flaming fires (paper, grease). Dual-sensor covers both and is what we install by default.

Question 5

Can you interconnect alarms without opening walls?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Kidde and First Alert make wireless interconnect models that link over RF, so a battery unit in a finished basement can trigger the hardwired alarms upstairs.

Question 6

Why does my alarm chirp at 3 a.m.?

Accepted Answer

Battery voltage drops slightly as the house cools overnight, crossing the low-battery threshold. Replace the battery or, if it's a 10-year sealed unit past date, replace the alarm.

Question 7

Where should smoke alarms not be installed?

Accepted Answer

Within 3 feet of bathroom doors, kitchen appliances, or HVAC supply vents — steam, cooking exhaust, and drafts cause nuisance alarms.

Question 8

Do you install combination smoke and CO detectors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. First Alert and Kidde combination units are our standard for hallways outside bedrooms where CO code also applies.

Question 9

Will you haul away the old alarms?

Accepted Answer

Always — we recycle old units and dispose of ionization models per state e-waste rules.

Question 10

Do you provide documentation for landlords or insurers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide a written install report listing device count, model, location, and interconnect status suitable for landlord registration or insurer requests.

Smoke Detector Installation & Replacement

What's included

Our process