SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

Why Both Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detection Matters

🔥 Smoke Detectors save lives by alerting you to fires—whether it’s from cooking, faulty wiring, or flammable materials.

☠️ Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms protect you from a silent killer. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can leak from furnaces, gas stoves, fireplaces, and water heaters. Without a CO detector, you’d never know it’s there until it’s too late.

Combination alarms do both jobs in one device—giving you total protection, all day and night.

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Benefits of Combination Smoke & CO Alarms

✅ Simplified Safety
One device means fewer installations, less clutter, and easier maintenance.

✅ Smart Features
Many modern combination alarms come with voice alerts, digital displays, and mobile notifications.

✅ Battery Backup
Even during a power outage, your alarm keeps working—essential for emergencies.

✅ Code Compliance
Meeting California building codes often means having both types of detectors. A combination alarm makes it easier to stay compliant.

✅ Peace of Mind
You’ll sleep better knowing your home is protected from both fire and carbon monoxide threats.

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Where Should They Be Installed?

We recommend placing combination alarms in:

• Hallways outside of bedrooms

• Inside every sleeping area

• On every level of your home

Why Every Smoke Detector Has a “Use By” Date

Most homeowners think a fresh 9-volt battery is all you need—but smoke alarms don’t last forever. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and most manufacturers agree:

• 🔄 Replace every 10 years
  After a decade, the sensing chamber inside photoelectric and ionization alarms accumulates dust and micro-contaminants, reducing sensitivity.

• 🔍 Test monthly & clean twice a year
  Press the “Test” button each month and vacuum around vents every six months to remove dust and cobwebs.

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Signs It’s Time for New Smoke Alarms

1. Date Sticker Older Than 10 Years
   Look for the manufacture date on the back of the unit—once it’s past its 10-year mark, swap it out.

2. Frequent False Alarms or No Alarms
   Erratic beeps or “dead” alarms during testing signal sensor failure.

3. Yellowing or Physical Damage
   UV exposure, cracks, or discolored plastic can let in dust and insects, compromising performance.