Does every smoke detector need a carbon monoxide detector?

While combination smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are available, not every smoke detector in your home needs CO detection capabilities. However, carbon monoxide detectors are essential for home safety and should be strategically placed throughout your living space.

Key Recommendations

• You don't need CO detection at every smoke detector location, but you should have CO detectors on every level of your home
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home including basements
• Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level (including basements)
• In most homes, this means you'll need more smoke detectors than CO detectors

When Combination Units Make Sense

Combined smoke/CO detectors can be practical in these locations:

• Hallways outside bedrooms (covers both smoke and CO protection in high-priority areas)
• Small homes/apartments where minimizing devices is beneficial
• Near fuel-burning appliances (like furnaces or water heaters) where CO risk is higher

When Separate Detectors Are Better

Consider separate units when:

• Your home layout requires more smoke detectors than CO detectors
• You want specialized detection (like photoelectric smoke detection for kitchens)
• You need different placement (CO detectors work best at breathing height, while smoke detectors belong on ceilings)