Q: My home has hard-wired smoke detectors. How often do I need to replace them, and what kind of replacements do I need? Can I do it myself, or do I need a professional? And if I need a pro, what kind ...

Smoke detectors are one of the most important electronic devices you have in your home. Ensuring they’re in good working condition starts with using the best batteries for your devices and keeping ...

Q: I changed the batteries in my smoke detector, but when I tested it afterward nothing happened. The batteries are new, but the smoke detector is very old. I know that it’s hard-wired into my home’s ...

Expensive repairs? Find a warranty to cover future costs. Expensive repairs? Find a warranty to cover future costs. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke detectors should be ...

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of ...

Q: About 10 years ago, I replaced the original wired smoke alarms in my home with wired dual sensors that use both photoelectric and ionization technology. Because I’ve read that in-home smoke ...

Your home’s first line of defense against fires and smoke are its smoke detectors. These devices pick up on smoke in the air and alert you to its presence. The idea is that the alarm will activate and ...

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. You may not think about how well the smoke alarm in your ...

We've been in our house (bought new) for 12 years. This morning (5:40AM, everyone was asleep) our smoke detectors, of the wired whole-house variety that were installed when the house was built, ...