How do I choose a smoke detector?

Choose a smoke detector by thinking about fire type, not branding. The U.S. Fire Administration says the two basic alarm types are ionization and photoelectric, and CPSC recommends either installing both types or buying a dual-sensor unit. The reason is practical: ionization alarms react faster to flaming fires, while photoelectric alarms react sooner to smoldering fires.

Placement matters as much as the model. USFA says to put alarms inside and outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home, and to interconnect them so one alarm can wake the whole house. If your current setup is a single alarm in a hallway, that is not enough coverage.

I would also pay for a 10-year sealed battery if it means the alarm is more likely to stay installed and tested. Test monthly, replace the unit at 10 years, and do not treat the battery as optional maintenance.

If you are rounding out the home safety stack, the carbon monoxide alarm and surge protector pages are the next two decisions worth making.

If you are shopping now, look for a 10-year sealed battery smoke alarm with a recognized testing label.