Installing a hard wired smoke detector is an essential safety measure for any home. It provides peace of mind and could be a lifesaver in the event of a fire.

Installation involves connecting the new detector to others throughout your home. This ensures all alarms sound simultaneously when one detects smoke or gas. I admit, it’s not the most fun activity to do over the weekend. But I knocked it out a lot faster than I expected.

Side note: If you have children, other people or pets in the home who dislike the sound of annoyingly loud smoke alarms, maybe do this when they’re not around. I made sure to put my dog in the backyard because I know loud noises scare him.

New detectors are relatively inexpensive; the ones I picked up were less than $30. If you are planning to replace more than one smoke detector, buy multiples of the same brand and model and replace them all at the same time to prevent any complications.