Smoke detector installation costs $70 to $150 for most homeowners, and the average cost is $115. A pro can give you more specifics based on the number of smoke detectors you need, their quality, and where they're at in your home.
The average cost is £75 - £125. This cost is per alarm. If you want a smart-enabled fire alarm, then this will cost you more. For a battery-powered alarm, you can expect to pay £80 - £100 with installation.
Some fire departments will install battery-operated smoke alarms in your home at no cost.
Hard-wired smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician. Always install smoke alarms in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
A battery-powered smoke detector installation is simple, and anyone can install one. You'll need a stepladder and drill, and typically, there are four screws to place the base plate of the smoke detector on the wall. Then you'll install the required batteries where indicated on the base, the place the cover over that.
How Many Smoke Detectors Do I Need? According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the California Building Code, at least one smoke detector needs to be placed in each of the following areas of your home: On Every Floor Level. In Every Bedroom.
What smoke detectors do firemen recommend? The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) recommends photoelectric smoke detectors over ionization options.
Professional smoke detector installation costs $50 on the low end and could cost up to $400. The average cost homeowners pay is $115. Smoke detectors are modern-day guardians ready to sound the alarm and save lives, so start your budget here. U.S.
Can I install a hardwired smoke detector myself? While it is technically possible, it is not recommended. Working with your home's electrical system can be dangerous and complex, best left to a qualified electrician.
Hard-wired systems are a more complex installation and may take a full day, depending on the number of alarms and existing wire condition of the property. Upgrading a hard-wired system takes much less time than installing one.
Yes, you can replace your fire alarm yourself if your existing alarm has an easi-fit base, which means there is no need to remove or re-wire the baseplate. Replacing fire alarms is an easy process that is safe to carry out by yourself.
Smoke detectors typically are suitable for ten years. Carbon monoxide detectors are generally good for seven years. When you change your batteries in these units, check the date and replace them before they go bad.
Calculating the Number of Detectors per Area
Per Square Footage: Generally, one smoke detector is recommended for every 500-1,000 square feet of floor space. This ratio may vary based on ceiling height and layout complexities.
£30 - £80 per alarm for the installation of a battery-powered fire alarm. £50 - £150 per smoke alarm for the installation of a mains-powered fire alarm. £80 - £100 per alarm for the installation of a battery-powered smart smoke alarm. £100 - £250 per alarm for the installation of a mains-powered smart smoke alarm.
The national average cost for installing a smoke detector is between $70 and $150, with most people paying around $112 to install a dual hardwired detector. At the low end of the spectrum, you pay around $44 for a battery-operated ionization detector.
Customers say the Kidde P3010L smoke detector is easy to install and offers the convenience of a 10-year sealed battery, eliminating the need for frequent battery changes. However, many users report issues with false alarms occurring unexpectedly, often in the middle of the night, leading to concerns about reliability.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, most alarms have a life span of 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. Most alarms have the date of manufacture inside the unit. If you cannot find the date, replace it.
Overall, we recommend the First Alert SA3210 because it combines photoelectric and ionization sensors that detect low and smoky fires as well as high flames. It's also battery-operated, so it's easy to install. If you're looking for a bargain, the Kidde I9030 is a basic smoke detector that does the job at low cost.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including the basement. Fire detectors should also be installed inside of every bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.
There are plenty of smoke detectors to choose from. Our pick for the most reliable smoke alarm is the Kidde Dual Sensor Smoke Detector PI9010, because it can detect different types of home fires, making it one of the more unusual smoke detectors out there.
Avoid near fresh air vents, ceiling fans or very drafty areas (drafts can blow the smoke away from the detector/alarm). Avoid installing closer than 4 inches from the wall or corners.
Smoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.
However, according to Consumer Reports, “Few combination detectors are effective at detecting carbon monoxide, smoldering fires, and flaming fires, which is why we recommend that consumers use a combination of detectors in their homes for complete protection.”