This primer on how to install a smoke detector, hard-wired or battery-powered, should help you protect your household against the dangers of fire and smoke.

Battery-powered smoke detectors easily detach from a wall plate so you can access a panel on the back to change the battery. Wired smoke detectors tend to cost more, but not too much.

Many people complain about the annoying “chirp” indicating a weak battery, but knowing the detector is completely broken is enough to keep anyone awake at night.

If your smoke detector is still within date, you can replace the battery instead of the whole smoke detector. However, if you replace the batteries and your detector still doesn't work, a full ...

What is the best type of replacement smoke alarm to buy? I would like to add a battery-operated smoke detector in the garage. Can it be connected with the ones in the house?

If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, replacing it is recommended. When it starts making a high-pitched chirping sound, that indicates a low battery, which should be replaced immediately.