Ionization smoke alarms use a battery and two metal plates, called electrodes, to create an electrical circuit. Ions are tiny ...

The best home security systems are user-friendly, affordable and customizable to your needs. NerdWallet is committed to editorial integrityMany or all of the products on this page are from partners ...

The only way to know your smoke alarm is functioning and ready (except for letting your turkey burn in the oven) is to test it. And tests don't just confirm that smoke detectors have power -- they can ...

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. You may not think about how well the smoke alarm in your ...

Editor's Note Dec. 31, 2025: We combed through this article to ensure all of our product recommendations are in stock. The Google Nest Protect seems to no longer be available, so we removed it from ...

When's the last time you tested (or replaced) your smoke detector? Can't remember? Then it sounds like it's time to give it an inspection. While smoke detectors are made to last a full decade, it'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 ...