🔔 Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms: The Overlooked Inspection Item

Daylight Saving = battery check; here’s what Illinois requires

When clocks fall back in November, it’s your nudge to test alarms and refresh batteries. In Illinois, there are also placement and equipment rules many homeowners miss—especially in older two-flats, bungalows, and greystones. Here’s what our inspectors flag most, how to fix it fast, and what the law says.

⏰ Why November Matters

• Use the clock change to test every smoke and CO alarm.

• If your alarms use replaceable batteries, change them at least once a year (or replace the whole unit if it’s a 10-year sealed model that’s chirping). (NFPA)

✅ Illinois Rules Homeowners Should Know

Smoke alarms (state law):

• On every story, including basements (not unoccupied attics).

• Within 15 feet of every sleeping room.

• Mount on the ceiling (≥6 in. from walls) or 4–6 in. down from the ceiling if wall-mounted.

• As of Jan 1, 2023, alarms with removable batteries must be upgraded to 10-year sealed battery units (unless hardwired). (Illinois)

Carbon monoxide alarms (state law):

• At least one CO alarm within 15 feet of every sleeping room; required where a home uses fossil fuel appliances or has an attached garage. (Illinois General Assembly)

Chicago note: The City has its own ordinance and bans selling removable-battery-only smoke alarms; always check local code before you buy. (City of Chicago)

🏠 What Inspectors Find (and Fix) in November

• Missing coverage on a level (finished basements, attic conversions).

• Wrong location (too low on the wall or tucked behind a door).

• Expired units (smoke alarms: typically 10 years; CO alarms: check manufacturer date).

• Hardwired alarms with missing battery backup.

• No CO protection near bedrooms when there’s an attached garage or gas appliances.

🔧 Quick Wins Before Winter

1. Map your home: confirm every level + hallway outside bedrooms has a smoke alarm; add a CO alarm near sleeping rooms. (Illinois)

2. Upgrade aging devices: swap any 9-volt style units for 10-year sealed alarms (or have a pro add hardwired with battery backup). (SFM Illinois)

3. Mount correctly: ceiling center is best; if on a wall, keep within 4–6 inches of the ceiling. (Illinois)

4. Test monthly; replace batteries annually (where applicable). (NFPA)

5. CO awareness: if you warm up cars in an attached garage, keep the door open and never idle inside—CO can travel to bedrooms even with doors closed. (SFM Illinois)

🧭 Chicago Housing Watch-Outs

• Two-flats/greystones with shared stairwells: add a smoke alarm at the uppermost stairwell ceiling. (Illinois General Assembly)

• Bungalows with finished basements: make sure there’s both smoke and CO coverage on the lower level. (Illinois)

✅ The Bottom Line

Daylight Saving is the perfect reminder to test, replace, and relocate alarms so they meet Illinois requirements—and actually protect your family. A quick safety walk-through (or a professional inspection) catches missing devices, bad mounting, and expired units before holiday heating and cooking ramp up.

👉 Want a fast code-savvy safety check? Book a November Home Safety Inspection with City Home Inspectors: www.cityhomeinspectors.com