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Stay protected in your Evanston home with these smoke detector installation guidelines

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

Did you purchase an older home only to discover that it doesn’t have enough smoke detectors or is missing them altogether? Even new residences may not have enough or in the proper places. If you are planning to incorporate these essential safety elements, adhere to our smoke detector installation guidelines for Evanston homes and learn why monitored fire alarms are ideal. 

Where to put your Evanston smoke detectors

Since becoming common toward the end of the 1970s, smoke detectors have saved numerous lives. Despite the obvious benefit, many residences either don’t have an adequate amount or the devices they have aren’t functional. Still debating how valuable they really are? Consider that the probability of perishing in a residential fire is decreased by 60 percent when your home has working fire alarms, as documented by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA).

Follow these basic smoke detector installation guidelines when placing them in your Evanston home:

  • Place a smoke detector on each level of your home, including your cellar.
  • Place them inside and on the outside of all bedrooms (and other sleeping quarters).
  • Hardwired units should only be connected by certified electricians.
  • For the highest level of protection, bridge your smoke detectors so that if one is triggered, they all beep.
  • Put them on ceilings or high on walls but be sure to avoid dead air spots in corners or near the apex of a vaulted ceiling.
  • Avoid false alarms by keeping them out of kitchens and a minimum of 10 feet from stovetops.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

The majority of smoke detectors are operational 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 preferred choice?

Why not select smoke detectors that integrate into your home’s security system for enhanced safety? Monitored devices provide the following advantages:

  • When a fire strikes, you and your monitoring team will get an alert. The alert will be sent to your smartphone through your home security app.
  • Your fire alarm can initiate other smart sensors. For instance, you can shut your cooling and heating system down to decrease the progression of flames and unlatch your smart locks to facilitate your departure.
  • Many of the latest smoke detectors use photoelectric sensors for better protection. They can sense elevating heat levels before smoke is even present.

Some variations are dual-purpose units that safeguard your household by identifying both fire and carbon monoxide. You’ll like this added functionality and the benefit of having an expert monitoring team at the ready. Round-the-clock monitoring agents can get emergency help to your home quicker.

Take a safer approach with monitored smoke detector installation in Evanston from Vivint

Get your home’s occupants the protection they should have with monitored smoke detectors in Evanston from Vivint. You’ll enjoy instant alerts, custom home automation, photoelectric sensing, and 24-7 assistance from trained professionals. Order your detectors today as part of a complete home security package. Call (847) 925-7636 to get started.