Home Safety Essentials for New Homeowners: Detectors, Locks and Leak Alarms
This page may contain affiliate links. Some links on this site may be affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from affiliate programs at no extra cost to you.
One of the first things worth doing in a new home is a safety check. Previous owners may have left detectors with dead batteries, expired fire extinguishers or old locks that former contractors and neighbors still have keys to. A small investment in the first week can prevent much bigger problems later.
| Photo | Product | Best For | Key Spec | Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | X-Sense SC07 10-Year Battery Smoke and CO Alarm | Best Overall | Verified build quality | ~$43 Code: XSENSEAF12 | View Deal → |
 | X-Sense SC07-W Wireless Interconnected Smoke and CO Alarm | Best Value | Verified build quality | ~$50 Code: XSENSEAF12 | View Deal → |
 | X-Sense XC01-R Carbon Monoxide Alarm | Best Value | Verified build quality | ~$17 Code: XSENSEAF12 | View Deal → |
 | X-Sense SWS0A Ultra-thin Smart Water Leak Alarm | Best Value | Verified build quality | ~$16 Code: XSENSEAF12 | View Deal → |
 | X-Sense STH51 Smart Thermometer Hygrometer | Best Value | Verified build quality | ~$15 Code: XSENSEAF12 | View Deal → |
 | Fanttik S2 Pro Cordless 3.7V Electric Screwdriver | Reader Favorite | 6 N·m high-torque drive | ~$100 Code: S2PROS | View Deal → |
 | Fanttik E2 MAX Precision Electric Screwdriver | Midwest Tested | 50 magnetic S2 steel bits | ~$70 Code: E2MAXS | View Deal → |
 | Fanttik D2 PRO Cross Line Laser Level | Best Value | Bright green cross-line beam | ~$55 Code: FTASE | View Deal → |
 | Fanttik X8 APEX Tire Inflator & Potent T10 1800A Jump Starter Combo | Midwest Winter Pick | Jump starter + 150 PSI inflator | ~$110 Code: FTASE | View Deal → |
 | Fanttik Slim V8 APEX Cordless Car & Handheld Vacuum | Reader Favorite | 19,000Pa brushless suction | ~$70 Code: V8APEX | View Deal → |
 | Fanttik X9 APEX Portable Cordless Tire Inflator | Midwest Tested | 150 PSI fast cordless inflation | ~$90 Code: X9APEX | View Deal → |
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas, following the guidance of the National Fire Protection Association. Most smoke alarms have a manufacture date printed on the back, and manufacturers generally recommend replacement after about ten years.
Carbon monoxide alarms are critical in homes with a furnace, gas water heater, fireplace or attached garage, which describes most Midwest homes. Place them near sleeping areas and on each level. Combination smoke and CO alarms save space and wiring.
Hardwired alarms with battery backup are common in newer homes and often interconnect, so when one sounds they all sound. Sealed ten-year battery models are an easy upgrade for older homes without hardwiring.
First Alert or Kidde 10-year sealed battery smoke/CO combo
Sealed-battery combination alarms that do not need battery changes for the life of the unit. Available in both brands at hardware stores and online.
X-Sense SC07 10-Year Battery Smoke and CO Alarm
Standalone combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm with a sealed 10-year battery and an LCD that shows CO levels. Good fit for older homes without hardwired alarms.
- Verified build quality
- Practical Midwest design
- Check current X-Sense stock and seasonal bundle sizing before ordering
XSENSEAF1212% Off Your Entire Order w/ CodeOfficial X-Sense affiliate code — use XSENSEAF12 for 12% off your whole order on smoke, CO and leak detectors. Valid through Dec 30, 2026. (verified 2026-11-02)X-Sense SC07-W Wireless Interconnected Smoke and CO Alarm
Battery combination smoke and CO alarms that link to each other wirelessly, so when one sounds they all sound. A practical way to get interconnection in an older home without running new wires.
- Verified build quality
- Practical Midwest design
- Check current X-Sense stock and seasonal bundle sizing before ordering
XSENSEAF1212% Off Your Entire Order w/ CodeOfficial X-Sense affiliate code — use XSENSEAF12 for 12% off your whole order on smoke, CO and leak detectors. Valid through Dec 30, 2026. (verified 2026-11-02)X-Sense XC01-R Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Portable carbon monoxide alarm with a digital display that shows CO readings. An inexpensive way to add CO coverage near bedrooms, the furnace room or an attached garage door.
- Verified build quality
- Practical Midwest design
- Check current X-Sense stock and seasonal bundle sizing before ordering
XSENSEAF1212% Off Your Entire Order w/ CodeOfficial X-Sense affiliate code — use XSENSEAF12 for 12% off your whole order on smoke, CO and leak detectors. Valid through Dec 30, 2026. (verified 2026-11-02)Google Nest Protect
A connected smoke and CO alarm that can send phone alerts and give a spoken warning describing which room has the problem. Available in battery and wired versions.
Fire extinguishers
Keep at least one multipurpose (ABC-rated) extinguisher on each floor, with one in or near the kitchen and one in the garage. Check the pressure gauge periodically and learn the PASS method: pull, aim, squeeze, sweep.
First Alert or Amerex ABC fire extinguisher
Rechargeable models with metal valves tend to be more durable than all-plastic disposable ones. A 5-pound size is a common choice for home use.
Locks and entry
Rekey or replace exterior locks shortly after closing. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the old keys exist. Rekeying is inexpensive, and many locks can be rekeyed by the homeowner with a kit.
Kwikset SmartKey deadbolt
Lets you rekey the lock yourself with a small tool, without removing it from the door.
Schlage Encode or Yale Assure smart lock
Keypad smart locks let you give temporary codes to contractors or family and remove them later, and some can notify you when the door is unlocked.
Video doorbell (Ring, Google Nest, Eufy)
Shows who is at the door from your phone. Eufy offers models with local storage that do not require a monthly subscription, while Ring and Nest rely more on subscription plans for recorded video.
Water leak detection
For installing detectors and sensors, the basics in our first-home tool kit will cover most jobs. Water damage is one of the most common and expensive home insurance claims. Small battery-powered leak sensors placed under sinks, near the water heater, behind the washing machine and next to a sump pump can alert you before a small drip becomes a ruined floor. Across the Midwest, a freeze alarm is also valuable for cabins or homes left empty in winter.
Govee or YoLink water leak sensors
Inexpensive sensors that sound a local alarm and, with a hub, send phone alerts. YoLink uses a long-range radio that can reach basements and detached garages.
X-Sense SWS0A Ultra-thin Smart Water Leak Alarm
Thin Wi-Fi leak sensors that slide under appliances and send phone alerts along with a local alarm. Sold singly or in multi-packs, some with the SBS50 base station.
- Verified build quality
- Practical Midwest design
- Check current X-Sense stock and seasonal bundle sizing before ordering
XSENSEAF1212% Off Your Entire Order w/ CodeOfficial X-Sense affiliate code — use XSENSEAF12 for 12% off your whole order on smoke, CO and leak detectors. Valid through Dec 30, 2026. (verified 2026-11-02)X-Sense STH51 Smart Thermometer Hygrometer
Small temperature and humidity sensor that works with the X-Sense app and base station. Handy for watching a basement for dampness or a cabin for freezing temperatures while you are away.
- Verified build quality
- Practical Midwest design
- Check current X-Sense stock and seasonal bundle sizing before ordering
XSENSEAF1212% Off Your Entire Order w/ CodeOfficial X-Sense affiliate code — use XSENSEAF12 for 12% off your whole order on smoke, CO and leak detectors. Valid through Dec 30, 2026. (verified 2026-11-02)Moen Flo or Phyn smart water shutoff
A larger investment that monitors water flow and can automatically shut off the main supply when it detects a leak. Usually installed by a plumber.
A first-week checklist
Test every detector and note manufacture dates. Buy and place extinguishers. Rekey or replace exterior locks and garage door codes. Find and label the water shutoff and electrical panel. Place leak sensors at the water heater, washer and sinks. Write down your furnace filter size and buy spares.
Where to buy
Installing smoke alarms, smart locks, video doorbells and leak sensors goes much faster with the right cordless screwdrivers. These tools are available from a retailer we partner with. We have not tested them; compare them against your project list before buying.
Fanttik S2 Pro Cordless 3.7V Electric Screwdriver
High-torque 6 N·m cordless screwdriver with 7 torque settings, LED work light, and 20 S2 steel bits for furniture and home repairs.
- 6 N·m high-torque drive
- 7-stage clutch + LED ring light
- Keep battery charged indoors before sub-zero winter trips
S2PROSExtra $25 off w/ CodeVerified live on Fanttik product page — copy S2PROS & paste at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)Fanttik E2 MAX Precision Electric Screwdriver
50-in-1 magnetic precision driver for smart thermostats, video doorbells, electronics, and small household fixtures.
- 50 magnetic S2 steel bits
- Dual-torque electric + manual drive
- Check current Fanttik stock and seasonal bundle sizing before ordering
E2MAXS$15 off w/ CodeVerified live on Fanttik product page — copy E2MAXS & paste at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)Fanttik D2 PRO Cross Line Laser Level
Self-leveling green cross-line laser level with USB-C rechargeable battery and magnetic bracket for hanging shelves and frames straight.
- Bright green cross-line beam
- Self-leveling pendulum mode
- Keep battery charged indoors before sub-zero winter trips
FTASEExtra 15% Off Combo w/ CodeVerified on Fanttik.com — click to copy code and apply at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)Fanttik X8 APEX Tire Inflator & Potent T10 1800A Jump Starter Combo
2000-amp portable car battery jump starter for gas and diesel engines with smart digital display and 65W fast charging.
- Jump starter + 150 PSI inflator
- Digital auto-shutoff gauge
- Check current Fanttik stock and seasonal bundle sizing before ordering
FTASEExtra 15% off w/ CodeVerified live on Fanttik product page — copy FTASE & paste at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)Fanttik Slim V8 APEX Cordless Car & Handheld Vacuum
Brushless 19,000Pa cordless handheld vacuum and air duster for cleaning road salt, sand, and debris from cars and entryways.
- 19,000Pa brushless suction
- 4-in-1 vacuum & air duster
- Keep battery charged indoors before sub-zero winter trips
V8APEXExtra $30 off w/ CodeVerified live on Fanttik product page — copy V8APEX & paste at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)Fanttik X9 APEX Portable Cordless Tire Inflator
150 PSI rechargeable air compressor with digital pressure shutoff, LED flashlight, and USB power bank for cars and snow-blower tires.
- 150 PSI fast cordless inflation
- Auto-stop preset pressure
- Keep battery charged indoors before sub-zero winter trips
X9APEX$20 off w/ CodeVerified live on Fanttik product page — copy X9APEX & paste at checkout. (verified 2026-10-28)The bottom line
Detectors, extinguishers, new locks and leak sensors cost a modest amount compared to the home you just bought. Getting them handled in the first week means one less thing to worry about as you settle in.
Frequently asked questions
How often should smoke and carbon monoxide alarms be replaced?
Most manufacturers and the National Fire Protection Association recommend replacing smoke alarms about every 10 years and testing them monthly. Check the manufacture date printed on the back.
Where should water leak sensors be placed?
Place battery-powered leak sensors under kitchen and bathroom sinks, next to the water heater, behind the washing machine and near the basement sump pump.