Smoke & CO Detector Updates as Heat Turns On

Handy Geeks • October 1, 2025

Test, upgrade, and replace detectors this fall to keep your household safe all heating season.

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Step 3: Upgrade to Smart Technology (Optional)

Smart detectors provide added convenience and peace of mind:

Phone Alerts: Wi-Fi enabled alarms send notifications if smoke or CO levels rise, even when you’re away.
Self-Testing: Many smart models run automatic checks and report sensor status.
Integration: Devices can tie into existing smart-home systems, triggering lights or shutting down HVAC equipment when an alarm sounds.

Optional but Recommended:

Smart upgrades aren’t a requirement—traditional battery or hardwired detectors still provide excellent protection. If you’d rather stay with a standard model, simply replace any units that show signs of malfunction or have reached their expiration date (typically 7–10 years). Regular testing and timely replacement keep even basic alarms reliable.

Step 4: Review Placement and Coverage

The NFPA recommends:

Smoke Alarms: Inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home (including basements).
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Outside each sleeping area and on every level.
Mounting Height: Smoke rises, so ceiling placement is ideal. CO mixes with air, so detectors can be placed lower on a wall or at outlet height.

Avoid installing alarms too close to kitchens or bathrooms where steam and cooking fumes can trigger false alarms. Keep them at least 10 feet from stoves and showers.

Step 5: Create or Update Your Escape Plan

Even the best detectors are only as effective as the plan that follows the alarm.

Two Exits Per Room: Identify at least two escape routes from every bedroom.
Meeting Point: Designate a safe outdoor location where everyone will gather.

Additional Seasonal Safety Tips

Furnace Inspection: Have your furnace serviced annually to check for cracks or leaks.
Fireplace Prep: Schedule a chimney sweep before lighting the first fire of the season.
Space Heater Rules: Keep heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable and never leave them running unattended.

Common Questions

Do I really need both smoke and CO detectors if I don’t burn wood?

Yes. Any appliance that uses natural gas, propane, oil, or wood can create CO—including furnaces, water heaters, and even attached garages where cars idle.

What about plug-in CO detectors?

They’re fine as long as the outlet is at the correct height and not behind furniture that can block airflow.

Can I install detectors myself?

Most battery or plug-in models are simple DIY projects. Hardwired units require basic electrical work, and you may prefer a professional for that.

The Peace of Mind Factor

A working smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm is the simplest, most cost-effective life-saving device in your home. Testing takes minutes; replacement costs less than a family dinner out. Yet the protection it provides—especially through a long Chicago winter—is invaluable.

Key Takeaways

Test alarms monthly and change batteries at least twice a year.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO detectors every 7 years.
Place alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor.
Consider smart detectors for remote alerts and self-testing.
Pair detector maintenance with furnace and fireplace inspections for full seasonal safety.