How Much Does Smoke Detector Installation Cost in 2025?
Typical Range:
$10 - $200
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated December 11, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.Highlights
Smoke detector installation costs range from $10 to $200, with most paying an average of $25.
There are two main types of smoke detectors: Ionized and optical.
Hardwired smoke detectors are more expensive than battery-powered ones but offer enhanced safety features.
Extra features like voice alerts, escape lights, and smart features increase the cost.
Contractors charge an average of $80 to $120 per hour to install a smoke detector.
The cost to install a smoke detector ranges from $10 to $75, with an average battery-powered model costing about $25. Combination smoke detectors (ionized and photoelectric) cost between $40 and $75.
Smoke alarms cost less than carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, which start at $20 and can go up to $150. High-end combination smoke and CO detectors cost as much as $200. When hiring a professional, the average cost to install a smoke detector is $65.
Average CO and Smoke Detector Installation Costs
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $25 | $200 | $10 |
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Smoke Detector Installation Cost Factors
Several factors must be considered when budgeting for smoke detector installation, including the detector type, power source, panel costs, and features.
Type
There are two main types of smoke detectors available: Ionized and optical. The cost of an ionized smoke detector ranges between $10 and $40. An ionized smoke detector has a chamber with two electrodes passing an electrical current between them. When smoke enters the chamber, an alarm triggers, lowering the chamber's ionization level. These smoke detectors are best for fast-moving fires rather than smoky fires.
An optical smoke detector starts at $20 on the low end but can go as high as $60. This type uses a photoelectric sensor to detect smoke when it scatters a light source. It doesn't respond as quickly to flame-heavy fires as an ionization smoke detector, but it's better at detecting smoldering fires.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that homes have both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors. Combination ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms cost between $40 and $75.
| Smoke Detector Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Ionized | $10–$40 |
| Optical | $20–$60 |
| Combination | $40–$75 |
Hardwired vs. Battery Powered
The cost to hardwire smoke detectors throughout the house ranges from $80 to $120 per hour, depending on the contractor’s experience and the project's complexity. This process involves connecting the smoke detectors to your power supply, so most homeowners should hire a local electrician to handle the installation.
The cost of hardwired smoke detectors is slightly higher than battery-operated detectors—usually $20 on the low end for a basic ionization sensor.
Hardwired smoke detectors are linked, meaning if one alarm detects smoke in the basement, a connected detector two floors up also sounds. During a power outage, hardwired smoke detectors can rely on backup batteries.
Panel Costs
A fire alarm panel can cost as much as $800. This component is vital to a fire alarm system because it controls the alarms. Other system parts requiring periodic emplacement include a carbon monoxide sensor, which costs between $50 and $80.
Smoke alarms typically require nine-volt batteries, which cost $3 to $4 each. Check the batteries each time you buy other parts of a fire alarm system so you can replace the dead batteries.
Replacement
The cost of replacing smoke and CO detectors is generally the cost of the unit itself, about $10 to $200 each. The infrastructure already exists, so many homeowners can simply pop in the new one without needing tools (though you may still need a ladder).
For hardwired smoke detectors, have a local electrician perform the installation. However, when they’re replacing existing units, they can work much faster, keeping labor costs down.
In addition, you should also replace alarms at this time if you have a connected alarm system to ensure its components are compatible. Prices for a new alarm system can range between $1 and $12 per square foot, plus labor costs, which are $80 to $120 per hour.
Commercial Systems
A complete commercial fire alarm system costs between $2 and $12 per square foot. The range varies widely because commercial systems are highly customized and don't have fixed prices. Commercial properties also need a monitoring service, which costs another $50 to $60 per month.
Talk to a fire alarm professional for an accurate price quote for a commercial installation. A specialist in commercial installations can recommend specific products and designs.
Extra Features
The cost of smoke detectors increases from the typical $10 to $75 range when you add extra features like voice alerts and escape lights.
| Extra Feature | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Voice alert | $50–$125 |
| Escape lights | $50–$125 |
| Smart device | $75–$175 |
Voice Alert Smoke Detectors
An individual smoke detector with a voice alert costs between $50 and $125. While expensive, these smoke detectors provide vital information in an emergency. Through voice alerts, they can broadcast whether it’s a fire or a CO emergency and where the fire is located.
Escape Light Smoke Detectors
If someone in your family is deaf or hard of hearing, smoke detectors with lights can help communicate an emergency. The lights flash when the alarm is triggered, prompting evacuation. Escape light smoke detectors cost $50 to $125 per unit.
Smart Smoke Detectors
Smart smoke detectors can be expensive, ranging from $75 to $175, but can be immensely helpful in the event of a fire.
With traditional smoke alarms, you must be in your home to hear or see the alert. With a smart smoke detector, an alert goes to your phone or smart device. If you’re away from home, but there are people or pets in the house, you can quickly call 911 and head home to ensure the firefighter team helps everyone make it out safely.
Smart smoke detectors are just one way to make your home “smarter.” Though it can vary widely, a smart home system costs about $800.
Cost to Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
A carbon monoxide detector costs between $20 and $150. Like smoke alarms, your CO detector can be battery-powered or hardwired, with the latter generally costing more and requiring professional installation. You can also purchase plug-in CO detectors, which makes installation easy.
As with smoke alarms, many homeowners are comfortable installing battery-powered CO detectors, but you can hire a general contractor in your area to assist for roughly $55 to $75 an hour on top of the unit's cost. You’ll spend $80 to $120 per hour to hardwire CO detectors throughout your home.
Three main types of carbon monoxide detectors are available—biomimetic, electrochemical, and semiconducting. Each varies in price and operation.
| CO Detector Type | How It Works | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Biomimetic | Synthetic hemoglobin darkens when CO enters | $20–$50 |
| Electrochemical | Platinum electrode and acid generates an electric current in the presence of CO | $50–$130 |
| Semiconducting | Metal oxide changes its electrical resistance in the presence of CO | $75–$150 |
Combination Smoke and CO Detector Costs
The cost of a combination smoke and CO detector starts at $35 for a basic unit. A combination detector with internet connectivity and smart capabilities can go as high as $200. Substantial volume discounts are available for all combo detectors.
Does Installing CO and Smoke Detectors Increase Home Value?
While installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors won’t significantly increase your home value, they are attractive features that can help the house sell faster. Buyers often look for homes with these important safety features for peace of mind and compliance with local regulations.
Having these detectors installed makes your home move-in ready without buyers having to complete the installation themselves after moving in. Many home insurance providers also offer policy discounts, offering potential buyers savings on future plans.
Budgeting for Smoke Detector Installation
Smoke detectors are an essential safety feature in your home but can vary widely in price. To keep your smoke detector installation as cost-effective as possible, consider the following tips:
Opt for a combination carbon monoxide and smoke detector to reduce the number of devices needed.
Install a battery-powered detector rather than a hardwired one to save on materials and labor.
Check your local hardware store for sales or discounts on smoke detectors.
Compare quotes from multiple smoke detector installation pros in your area to find the most competitive offer.
Combine the cost of fire sprinkler installation with smoke detector installation to save on labor fees.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Still Have Questions About Smoke Detector Installation?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should a carbon monoxide detector be placed?
A carbon monoxide detector should be placed on each floor near the main exit and close to each bedroom. Keep the detector away from normal sources of carbon monoxide, such as the kitchen and appliances that produce heat. You can plug carbon monoxide detectors into the wall, but you can also install battery-powered detectors or have CO detectors hardwired into your home, like a smoke detector.
Can a smoke detector be installed on a wall?
You can install a smoke detector on a wall, although some considerations affect its exact placement. A smoke detector should be at eye level to ensure you can easily make adjustments, like replacing the battery. Install it higher up if you live in a home with higher ceilings. It’s also important that the unit isn’t on a part of the wall that is critical for other purposes.
What are some easy ways to prevent fires?
Some easy ways to prevent fires include regularly testing your smoke detector to ensure you receive alerts if there is a fire. To prevent fires, regularly remove lint from your dryer and frequently check all heat sources. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of a small grease fire. If you have a chimney, consider getting it professionally cleaned.
If your home has been damaged by smoke or fire, you may need to cover the smoke and fire remediation costs, which are about $19,500.
How long do wired smoke detectors last?
Wired smoke detectors, whether hardwired or battery-powered, last about 10 years, after which they should be replaced. Though some may last longer, it’s always good to be on the safe side. Test your smoke detectors regularly to ensure they are working properly, and replace batteries or the entire unit as needed.
Are hardwired smoke detectors better than battery-powered ones?
Hardwired smoke detectors are better than battery-powered smoke detectors in every category. Though they are slightly more expensive, and you’ll have to budget for the cost of an electrician to install them, they are more reliable because they are interconnected and have two power sources (electric and a backup battery). They are also easier to maintain and more attractive to potential buyers when selling your home.
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