How Much Does Smoke Detector Installation Cost in 2025?
Installing a smoke detector costs an average of $115
On average, professional smoke detector installation costs between $70 and $150 with an average of $115.
Key factors affecting installation costs include detector type, power source, and additional features like smart technology.
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.
Contractors (or licensed electricians) charge about $50 to $100 per hour to install a smoke detector, and professional installation is recommended for safe and effective results.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Smoke detector installation costs between $70 and $150, with most homeowners spending an average of $115. Costs vary depending on your choice of detector type, power source, and added features. Budgeting wisely and hiring a professional can guarantee optimal performance and complete peace of mind.
Smoke Detector Installation Cost Factors
Your final smoke detector installation bill hinges on a handful of variables—detector style, power source, any needed wiring, and the bells and whistles you add.
Type
There are two main types of smoke detectors: ionization and photoelectric. Ionized detectors, costing between $5 and $25, are best at detecting fast-flaming fires. They sense small particles from rapidly burning materials.
Photoelectric detectors, priced between $10 and $30, are better at detecting slow, smoldering fires. They use a light beam to detect larger smoke particles from these types of fires.
For comprehensive protection, consider installing both types or choose a dual-sensor detector that combines both technologies.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that homes have both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors. Dual-sensor (combination of ionized and photoelectric) smoke detectors cost between $40 and $150+.
| Smoke Detector Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Ionized | $5–$25 |
| Optical | $10–$30 |
| Dual-sensor | $40–$150+ |
Hardwired vs. Battery Powered
Hardwired alarms start at $15 and climb to $80, while battery-only models cost $5 to $50. Because a wired unit ties into your home’s electrical system, expect to pay an electrician $50 to $100 per hour for the hookup. If you don’t already have the necessary wiring, your total cost for installing a hardwired unit could reach $500 or more.
A big perk of wired units is interconnection—when one alarm goes off, every alarm in the house also does, so you never miss the warning.
Extra Features
Add-ons like smart technology bump the price to $50 to $150+, but they repay you with sharper alerts and seamless smart-home integration. While smart detectors have an added cost, they earn their keep by pinging your phone when smoke hits the sensor. Even if you’re miles away, you can call 911 and protect family members or pets. They’re one piece of a growing smart home toolkit—full smart home systems cost an average of $900.
DIY vs. Hiring a Smoke Detector Pro
Going DIY trims labor fees, but you’ll need wiring know-how and a solid handle on local codes, especially with hardwired models. A misstep could leave an alarm silent when you need it most. Pros wire, test, and certify every unit, so if you’re on the fence, call in a licensed installer for guaranteed peace of mind.
Budgeting for Smoke Detector Installation
Smoke detectors are essential for your home's safety, but the costs can add up. Here are some tips to keep your installation budget-friendly:
Choose a combination of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to reduce the number of devices you need.
Opt for battery-powered detectors to save on materials and labor costs.
Look for sales or discounts at your local hardware store.
Get quotes from multiple smoke detector installation pros in your area to find the best deal.
Schedule smoke detector installation alongside other projects, like fire sprinkler 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors perform distinct yet critical roles in home safety. Smoke detectors signal the onset of a fire by detecting rising smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors alert you when dangerous levels of this lethal gas are present. Installing both devices guarantees comprehensive protection by covering separate hazards and ensuring your family is alerted promptly in emergencies.
Yes, wall installs work fine as long as the alarm sits within 12 inches of the ceiling so it can grab rising smoke fast. Pick a spot you can reach easily for battery swaps and tests, and steer clear of drafts or dead-air corners that might delay detection.
Follow the manufacturer’s guide and local code, and you’ll get the same life-saving performance you’d expect from a ceiling mount.
Smoke detectors last 10 years. They have a fixed lifespan that demands replacement at the 10‑year mark to maintain peak performance and home safety. In addition, monthly testing and timely battery replacement are essential measures to ensure these devices function flawlessly, providing early warnings and critical protection in the event of a fire.
Hardwired smoke detectors are superior to battery-powered models because they ensure uninterrupted, interconnected alerting throughout your home. They connect directly to your home’s electrical system and include a backup battery to maintain operation during power outages.
Although their installation requires a professional and higher initial costs, they provide uncompromised reliability and heightened safety during emergencies.
Local building codes require that smoke detectors be installed on every floor, in each sleeping area, and in key locations such as kitchens and living rooms. Codes also mandate that detectors be placed every 500 feet within travel areas and interconnected so that all alarms sound when one is triggered. Compliance with these standards ensures rapid detection and maximizes home safety.
Maintaining functional smoke alarms is critical for safeguarding lives in your home. Working alarms provide rapid warnings that are essential for a safe evacuation during a fire. Regular monthly testing, immediate repairs, and timely replacement of malfunctioning alarms guarantee that these life-saving devices perform optimally, reducing the risk of fire-related harm and ensuring consistent protection for your household.
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