Keep your home safe: Why smoke & CO detectors matter

Your home should be your safe place. But fire and carbon monoxide (CO) can change that in seconds.

The good news? A working smoke and CO detector can save lives. These small devices give you time to act, whether that means putting out a fire or getting your family out fast.

Here's how to keep them working, and when to upgrade your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to wired units.

Fires move fast

A small spark can turn into a big fire in minutes. Common causes include:

• Unattended cooking
• Faulty wiring
• Candles
• Broken appliances

According to Statistics Canada, thousands of residential fires occur across Canada each year, often resulting in injuries, fatalities, and property damage. A smoke detector gives you a head start when every second counts.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer

CO is invisible and has no smell. It can come from:

• Gas stoves
• Furnaces
• Water heaters
• Fireplaces

It’s deadly and hard to detect without an alarm. Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in Canada. It sends hundreds of people to the hospital each year and can be fatal without warning. Symptoms feel like the flu, so it’s easy to miss until it’s too late.

What that beep means

Not all beeps are the same. Here’s how to tell them apart:

• Smoke alarm: Loud, steady beeping or three quick beeps. Get out now.
• CO alarm: Four repeating beeps. Leave the house and call for help.
• Chirp: One short beep every few minutes. It’s not an emergency, but your detector needs attention.

Why is it chirping?

Here are the most common reasons:

1. Low battery

Fix: Replace the battery with the right kind. Then test the alarm.

2. Dust or debris

Fix: Turn off the power. Remove the detector. Clean it with a vacuum or compressed air.

3. It’s broken or too old

Fix: If it still chirps after cleaning and battery changes, it may be time to replace it. Most detectors last 7 to 10 years.

Why upgrade to hard-wired detectors

Battery-powered detectors are good. Hard-wired ones are better.

Here’s why:

• Always on: They’re wired into your home’s power, with a battery backup.
• All connected: If one goes off, they all do. Everyone hears the alarm.
• Less hassle: You only change the backup battery once a year.

If you’re looking for wired smoke detector installation in Alberta, this upgrade is a smart move for long-term safety.

Why wired detectors are safer

Wired detectors offer stronger protection because they are built into your home’s electrical system. That means:

• They are always powered, even if someone forgets to replace a battery.
• They include backup batteries for power outages.
• They are interconnected, so if one alarm goes off, all alarms sound.
• They reduce the risk of missing a warning in another part of the house.

For families in Alberta, wired smoke detector installation and carbon monoxide detector installation provide peace of mind and better coverage.

Safety tips that work

Place smoke detectors:

• In every bedroom
• Outside sleeping areas
• On every floor, including the basement
• Away from windows and vents

Add CO alarms:  

• Near bedrooms and gas appliances.

Remember to:

• Test monthly: Press the test button to make sure it works.
• Replace every 7 to 10 years: Check the date on the back.

Make a plan:  

Teach your family what each sound means and where to go.

Go beyond the basics

Want extra peace of mind? Try these tips:

• Get your furnace, fireplace, and chimney checked every year.
• Book regular inspections for gas appliances.
• Have a fire damage plan in place just in case.

Live in Alberta? We’ve got you covered

ATCO Energy offers wired smoke detector installation in Alberta and wired carbon monoxide detector installation in Alberta. Our professional electricians handle everything from setup to testing, so your home is ready to protect your family.  

Don’t wait for the beep. Stay safe and sleep better starting today. Book Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation in Alberta today.