Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation

Quick answer

Smoke detectors expire after about 10 years and CO detectors after 5 to 10, and many North Idaho homes have units older than that or rooms with no coverage at all. We install and replace hardwired, interconnected smoke and combination smoke and CO detectors so every one sounds when one does, placed where current code requires: every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and every level including the basement.

Chirping detector?

A chirp every 30 to 60 seconds usually means a low battery or an expired unit. If a new battery does not stop it, the detector is at end of life and needs replacement. High ceilings and vaulted entries are the usual reason people put it off, and we handle those safely.

Why interconnected matters

With interconnected detectors, a fire in the garage wakes you upstairs. Older homes often have single-station battery units that only sound in one room. We wire them together, or use wireless-interconnect units where running new wire is impractical.

Carbon monoxide

Any home with gas appliances, a fireplace, a wood stove or an attached garage needs CO detection, and North Idaho winters mean furnaces and stoves run for months. We place combination units where they actually catch a problem, near sleeping areas and on each level.

What the installation includes

A walkthrough to check coverage against current code. Replacement of expired units. New hardwired locations where needed, including high ceilings. Interconnection so all units alarm together. Testing of every unit before we leave. Permit where required.

Home sales and rentals

Detector coverage is a common inspection item on Kootenai County home sales and is required in rentals. We can bring a home into compliance in one visit and give you the documentation.

How it works

Call or book online. We walk the home and count what needs replacing or adding. You get a fixed price. We install, interconnect and test every unit the same visit.

Call (208) 352-0662 or book online for smoke and CO detector installation in North Idaho and the Spokane area.

Verify our license yourself

Problem Solved Electric holds Idaho electrical contractor license 072429 and is licensed in Washington. Look up either license on the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses website or the Washington Labor and Industries contractor lookup.
Frequently asked questions about smoke and CO detector installation
How often should smoke detectors be replaced?
Every 10 years for smoke detectors, and per the manufacturer, usually 5 to 10 years, for CO detectors. The manufacture date is printed on the back of the unit.
Why does my smoke detector chirp when the battery is new?
It is usually at end of life, or one unit in an interconnected set is failing. We test each unit and replace the ones that have expired.
Where do smoke and CO detectors have to be installed?
Current code requires smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level, with CO detection near sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage.

Typical cost

Replacing a hardwired smoke or combination smoke and CO detector at an existing location is a flat $225 per detector, detector included, with a $350 minimum per visit. That covers removing the old unit, making the connections, installing and testing the new detector, and cleanup. New detector locations, new wiring, or repairing existing wiring problems are quoted separately, and sales tax is added where it applies. You can book detector replacement online.