Smoke and CO detector installation in the Twin Cities

Smoke alarms detect fire and CO alarms detect carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces and running vehicles. They are separate hazards, and both matter in Minnesota homes, where furnaces, boilers, water heaters and attached garages are common, and houses are closed up for months in winter.

Hardwired alarms with battery backup are connected to the home's electrical system and to each other, so when one sounds, they all do. That is what you want in a two-story house or a finished basement, where the alarm nearest the problem may be far from where people are sleeping. Combination smoke and CO units are also available and can reduce the number of devices on the ceiling.

Placement and quantity are set by the Minnesota requirements and the manufacturer's instructions. In general, that means alarms in or near each sleeping area, on each level, and CO alarms near sleeping areas. We follow those rules and, when we are on site for other work, we are glad to check what you already have. Alarms also expire, usually after about ten years, and the manufacture date is printed on the back.