Battery powered smoke detectors have been an essential home safety accessory ever since they were first commercially popularized in the 1970s. But even though the blinking device is fastened to ...

When you move into or buy a new home, no one hands you a guide to how the smoke detectors work. They "chirp," which really means shriek loudly, and you occasionally have to put new batteries in them.

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 ...

The best smoke detectors are a necessity for every home, quickly detecting fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide to alert you to potential danger. As a residential carpenter, I've installed plenty of ...