Heat Detectors

While smoke detectors are more sensitive when it comes to detecting smoke, heat detectors are more sensitive to temperature. More specifically - a heat detector will trigger when the temperature near the device reaches a certain level, but will not trigger due to smoke alone.

Heat detectors can work in areas where a smoke detector is not recommended. For instance, it’s a good idea to mount heat detectors in areas such as your kitchen, garage, or attic. Heat detectors will come with heat sensors that either activate at a certain temperature that is pre-installed (for instance, at 120 degrees F) or at a temperature that you can set. In addition, the alarm can be set to activate due to a drastic rise in temperature, such as a rate-of-rise element of approximately 15 degrees F per minute.

When it comes to choosing and installing fire protection for your home you should use a combination of heat and smoke detectors. This way you get complete coverage. Just keep in mind that heat detectors are meant to compliment rather than replace your smoke detectors.

Remember, changing the batteries of your heat and smoke detectors at least once a year is one of the simplest ways to reduce death and injury. Fire Departments recommend that you change the batteries when changing clocks back to standard time each and every fall. If you hear your heat or smoke detector chirping or beeping on and off, it is then time to change the batteries. It is also recommended that you buy a few extra batteries when you purchase such detectors so that you can always have some on hand.