The U.S. Fire Administration says people ages 65 and over have an increased risk of dying in a fire. Working alarms on every level, outside sleeping areas and in each bedroom are one of the simplest safeguards a household can have.
This guide starts with the free options, then covers where alarms go, which types exist and how often to replace them. GMG does not test products. Our guidance comes from the U.S. Fire Administration, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the American Red Cross and the specifications stated in the product listings, and we link to each source. This is general information, not medical advice.
📋Quick Summary
- The U.S. Fire Administration says smoke alarms need to be replaced 10 years from the manufacture date, and recommends "both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual-sensor smoke alarms."
- It also says to "choose interconnected smoke alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound," and to place them inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area, and on every level.
- The CPSC says to install a carbon monoxide alarm that meets the current UL 2034 safety standard, on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
- Some fire departments offer reduced-price or free smoke alarms, and the Red Cross offers a free home fire safety visit with smoke alarm installation, depending on your location.
- These are everyday products, not medical equipment, so plan to pay for them yourself.
Who it is for
- People who want to check that their home has enough working alarms, and where they belong.
- Family members checking the alarms in a parent's home.
Who should skip it
- If your home has hardwired alarms, only a qualified electrician should install or replace them, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
- If you rent, ask your landlord or building manager who is responsible for the alarms.
Start with the free options
Call your fire department's nonemergency number first. The U.S. Fire Administration says some fire departments offer reduced-price, or even free, smoke alarms, and that some will install battery-operated smoke alarms in your home at no cost.
The American Red Cross Sound the Alarm program says you can sign up for a home fire safety visit, including a free smoke alarm installation for your household, from your local Red Cross. It says availability depends on your location.
The U.S. Fire Administration also says caregivers should check the smoke alarms of people who are unable to do it themselves. The Eldercare Locator, at 1-800-677-1116, connects you to local support resources for older adults and their families.
How many alarms, and where
The U.S. Fire Administration says to put smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area, and on every level of the home, mounted on the ceiling or high on a wall. The CPSC gives the same placement for smoke alarms, and says carbon monoxide alarms belong on each level and outside sleeping areas, not in attics or basements unless they include a sleeping area. It also says combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms exist.
NFPA says photoelectric alarms are best near kitchens and bathrooms, and to keep alarms at least 10 feet from the stove.
Which type of smoke alarm
NFPA explains that ionization and photoelectric alarms sense fire differently. It says that for the best protection you should use combination smoke alarms that are interconnected throughout the home, and to choose an alarm that is listed with a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends both types, or dual-sensor alarms.
NFPA says a unit with a 10-year battery and a unit with a battery you replace each year both provide protection. The U.S. Fire Administration says 9-volt alarms need testing monthly and a new battery yearly, 10-year lithium-ion alarms need testing monthly and replacement as the manufacturer directs, and that every alarm should be replaced 10 years from the manufacture date.
Carbon monoxide alarms
The CPSC fact sheet says to install a CO alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL 2034 safety standard, to install battery-operated alarms or alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas, and that interconnected alarms are best, because when one sounds, they all sound. The CPSC says to replace batteries annually and test alarms monthly.
The same fact sheet lists flu-like symptoms without a fever, such as headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness, among the effects of carbon monoxide, and covers the safe use of generators, appliances and garages. This guide cannot tell you whether your symptoms come from carbon monoxide, so ask a healthcare professional about symptoms.
If you can't hear a standard alarm
The U.S. Fire Administration says there are also alarms for people with hearing loss, which may have strobe lights that flash and may vibrate to alert people who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms. Its page for people with disabilities says that if you are deaf or hard of hearing, use smoke alarms with a vibrating pad, flashing light or strobe light, accessories that start when your alarm sounds. For older adults, it says that if you can't hear your smoke alarm, consider getting one that has a different sound or comes with a bed shaker or strobe light.
NFPA says to choose alarms and accessories for people who are deaf or hard of hearing that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, and that it is good practice to sleep with your mobile phone and your hearing aids or implants close to your bed.
Ask your fire department which strobe and bed-shaker alarms work with the alarms in your home.
Testing and replacing
NFPA says to test your smoke alarms once every month, and that if a unit is over 10 years old, you should replace the whole unit. The U.S. Fire Administration says never to remove the battery while cooking, and to use the hush feature instead. The Red Cross says that if your smoke alarm is 10 years old it is time for a new one, because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time.
Alarms to compare
GMG has not tested these products. Each is listed because its Amazon listing states the features this guide describes, and each was sold by Amazon.com on the date checked. The certification wording below is quoted from the listings, and a listing that names no testing laboratory says so. They are examples, not recommendations of particular brands. Confirm the current price and the model for your home. The product names and buttons are paid links.
Kidde Smoke Detector, 10-Year Battery Powered, LED Status Lights, 85 dB Alarm, 20SD10
Smoke alarm, 10-year battery
- Built-in 10-year battery, an 85 dB alarm and a red LED light.
- The listing says it is "tested to meet UL 217 10th Edition and FCC standards."
- The listing says it is standalone and not interconnectable.
View on Amazonpaid linkKidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector, 10-Year Battery, 30CUD10
Smoke and CO alarm, 10-year battery
- Smoke and carbon monoxide in one alarm, with photoelectric and electrochemical sensors and a built-in 10-year battery.
- The listing says it is "tested to meet UL 217 10th Edition, UL 2034 5th Edition, and FCC standards" and gives ETL Listed as yes.
View on Amazonpaid linkKidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector, AA Battery-Powered, 30CUDR-VRF
Smoke and CO alarm, wire-free interconnect
- Connects wirelessly to up to 12 compatible Kidde alarms. Uses two AA batteries and gives voice alerts.
- The listing says it is tested to UL 217 10th Edition and UL 2034 5th Edition, and gives ETL Listed.
View on Amazonpaid linkFirst Alert 10-Year Battery Smoke Alarm, Dual Sensor, SM310
Smoke alarm, dual sensor
- Sealed 10-year battery with photoelectric and ionization sensors.
- Test and silence button, and an end-of-life warning.
- The listing does not name a testing laboratory.
View on Amazonpaid linkKidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug-in & AA Battery Backup, COP
CO alarm, plug-in
- Plugs into an outlet, with two AA batteries as a backup and an 85 dB alarm.
- The listing says it is "tested to meet UL 2034 5th Edition standards, and is ETL Listed."
View on Amazonpaid linkFirst Alert Plug in Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display, CO615
CO alarm, plug-in with display
- Plugs into an outlet with an AA battery backup, an 85 dB alarm and a digital display that shows the peak level.
- The listing says its CO alarms are tested to meet UL standards but does not name one.
View on Amazonpaid link
Listing details were checked on October 17, 2026 and can change. The U.S. Fire Administration says smoke alarms need replacing 10 years from the manufacture date, so check the date printed on any alarm you buy.
- Your fire department's nonemergency number: The U.S. Fire Administration says some fire departments offer reduced-price or free smoke alarms, and some install battery-operated alarms at no cost.
- American Red Cross Sound the Alarm: A home fire safety visit with free smoke alarm installation. The Red Cross says availability depends on your location.
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116. A public service that connects you to local support resources for older adults and their families.
Common questions about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- How often should smoke alarms be replaced?
- The U.S. Fire Administration says smoke alarms need to be replaced 10 years from the manufacture date. NFPA says that if a unit is over 10 years old, the entire unit should be replaced.
- Where should smoke alarms go?
- The U.S. Fire Administration says inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area, and on every level of the home, on the ceiling or high on a wall.
- What type of smoke alarm is recommended?
- The U.S. Fire Administration recommends both ionization and photoelectric alarms, or dual-sensor alarms, and says to choose interconnected alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound.
- What standard should a carbon monoxide alarm meet?
- The CPSC says to install a CO alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL 2034 safety standard, on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
- Can I get smoke alarms for free?
- The U.S. Fire Administration says some fire departments offer reduced-price or free smoke alarms, and some install battery-operated alarms at no cost. The Red Cross says its free installation depends on your location.
- What if I can't hear a standard smoke alarm?
- The U.S. Fire Administration says alarms for people with hearing loss may have strobe lights or vibrate, and suggests a bed shaker or strobe light. NFPA says to choose accessories listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
✅What This Means For You
Turning 65: Check the date on every alarm in your home now, and replace any that are 10 years old or more.
Already on Medicare: Plan to pay for these yourself. Call your fire department first, since some offer free or reduced-price alarms.
IRMAA-affected: These alarms cost little, and the free fire department and Red Cross options are open whatever your income.
Medicare Advantage enrollees: Coverage doesn't apply to smoke alarms. Call your fire department first, since some install alarms for free.
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