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 ...

Ionization smoke alarms use a battery and two metal plates, called electrodes, to create an electrical circuit. Ions are tiny, electrically charged particles that flow through the circuit and between ...

Compare plans tailored to your home & budget. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years. While working smoke detectors are a must for ...