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.

Winter quietly raises the stakes for every smoke detector in your home, just as you spend more time indoors with heaters running and windows sealed. The season’s dry air, temperature swings, and ...

Properly installed smoke detectors are often the first line of defense against a house fire, keeping the homeowner informed and ready to take action. However, it's important that the smoke detector ...

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 ...