Replacing a hardwired smoke alarm is a piece of cake. If you purchase a smoke alarm from the same manufacturer, you might be able to use the same wiring harness. You simply disconnect the existing ...

There are multiple reasons to convert your home to hard-wired smoke detectors. One of the most basic reasons people convert is that some battery-powered smoke detectors can be hard to reach. Moreover, ...

Q: I changed the batteries in my smoke detector, but when I tested it afterward nothing happened. The batteries are new, but the smoke detector is very old. I know that it’s hard-wired into my home’s ...

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of ...

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of ...

Dear Angie: How often do I need to replace my hard-wired smoke detectors? And who should I hire to do this? Our 15-year-old system has five detectors. A few are chirping, and it doesn't stop even when ...

Expensive repairs? Find a warranty to cover future costs. Expensive repairs? Find a warranty to cover future costs. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke detectors should be ...

Small flashing red lights and chirping sounds every 30 to 60 seconds can mean it’s time to change a smoke alarm’s battery. Some models may have a green flashing light or announce “low battery,” so ...

Homes built after 1988 are required to have hard-wired alarms, but most homes built before then have smoke detectors with removable batteries. “The city of Aurora is not immune to that and we ...