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Stay protected in your Charlottesville home with these smoke detector installation tips

January 27, 2025
Man connecting a smoke detector inside a home

Did you buy an older home only to find that it doesn’t have enough smoke detectors or is missing them altogether? Even new residences may not have enough or in the proper spots. If you are getting ready to incorporate these crucial safety components, adhere to our smoke detector installation recommendations for Charlottesville homes and learn why monitored fire alarms are ideal. 

Where to put your Charlottesville smoke detectors

Since achieving common use in the late 1970s, smoke detection equipment has saved countless lives. Despite the clear benefit, some properties either don’t have enough or the components they have are non-functional. Still debating how important they really are? Consider that the probability of dying in a house fire is reduced by 60 percent when you have working smoke detectors, per the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA).

Adhere to these simple smoke detector installation recommendations when adding them to your Charlottesville home:

  • Install a fire alarm on every level of your residence, including your cellar.
  • Install them inside and on the outside of every bedroom (and other sleeping quarters).
  • Hardwired units should only be hooked up by licensed electricians.
  • For the highest level of protection, connect your smoke detectors so that if one is set off, they all go off.
  • Install them on ceilings or near the top of walls but be sure to circumvent dead air spots at the corners or near the peak of a vaulted ceiling.
  • Keep them away from kitchens and no less than 10 feet from cooktops to avoid false alarms.
  • Always adhere to the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

The majority of smoke detectors are functional for 5 years but don’t assume they’re working. Test them every 30-60 days to ensure proper performance. 

Why are monitored smoke detectors a better idea?

Why not choose smoke detectors that connect into your home’s security system for greater safety? Monitored fire alarms provide the following advantages:

  • When a fire takes place, you and your monitoring agents will get an alert. The warning will be dispatched to your cell phone via your home security app.
  • Your fire alarm can initiate other devices. For instance, you can power your heating and cooling system down to minimize the proliferation of flames and release your smart locks to assist your departure.
  • Many contemporary smoke detectors feature photoelectric sensors for improved safeguarding. They can sense climbing heat levels before smoke is even present.

Some devices are combo units that better protect your household by detecting both CO and fire. You’ll appreciate this added functionality and the benefit of having a trained monitoring team on your side. Round-the-clock monitoring agents can get emergency assistance to your house quicker.

Better protect your family with monitored smoke detector installation in Charlottesville from Vivint

Better protect your family and home with monitored smoke detectors in Charlottesville from Vivint. You’ll gain access to immediate notifications, custom home automation, photoelectric sensing, and round-the-clock assistance from trained professionals. Order smoke detectors today as part of a complete home security package. Dial (434) 404-5302 to learn more.