Health and safety is something every professional home inspector takes seriously and will emphasize in a home inspection report. One of the most common things we recommend and take the time to discuss with our clients is the need to replace all the existing smoke detectors as well as considering adding additional detectors throughout the building. Most people don’t realize smoke detectors have a useful life of up to 10 years and while they sometimes give warning they are failing, oftentimes they do not. This is one reason every manufacturer recommends monthly testing. By replacing the smoke detectors after a home purchase, you know exactly when they were replaced and can keep track of when to replace them or when to change the batteries.
In general there are two types of smoke detectors that are used in residential settings; an ionized detector and a photoelectric (or optical) detector. Each has their advantages and disadvantages. The ionized smoke detector is more sensitive to smoke generated during the flaming stage of fires, while the photoelectric sensors are more sensitive to smoke from smoldering in the early stages. The ionized smoke detectors are typically cheaper but are more prone to false alarms and respond slower to typical house fires. Photoelectric smoke detectors uses a source of infrared, UV or visible light, when light intensity is reduced it generates its alarm, so dust or air particles can set these off as well as smoke. Because photoelectric detectors are less prone to false alarms, studies have shown they’re less likely to be deactivated by the occupants.
The requirements for placement and the quantity of smoke detectors in a home has changed a lot over the years as building codes have become more focused on occupant safety. As home inspectors, we encounter a wide variety of situations ranging from no smoke detectors installed at all, to newer construction homes that have hardwired interconnected smoke detectors with battery backups in every hallway, bedroom and living area of the home. When a home has interconnected smoke detectors, occupant safety is even further enhanced, because when one detector senses the presence of smoke, all detectors will alert. With these, it’s more likely an occupant or all occupants in the home or building will be aware of the alarm and can react appropriately. The faster people can be alerted to a fire the better equipped they are to get themselves, family members and pets out safely as well as potentially reducing the severity of a fire by alerting first responders sooner.
At the very least there should be one smoke detector per floor of a home and one in every bedroom. Most people don’t imagine their house catching on fire; it’s so rare an event, so it’s easy to overlook the importance of smoke detectors. The time and expense of adding and properly maintaining smoke detectors is miniscule compared to saving a life or protecting your property. We encourage everyone to learn more about fire safety by exploring the National Fire Protection Association’s website.
A damaged Smoke Detector is always noted in a home inspection report.
This unit is a combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
The presence and location of smoke detectors will be noted in a home inspection.
Smoke detectors are commonly installed in hallways outside sleeping rooms.
