Smoke detectors are a must in any home. They can save lives by alerting you to a fire in your home early on, giving you time to get out and call for help. But did you know that there are different types of smoke detectors, and one of them is the smart smoke alarm?
Let’s take a look at how this type of smoke detector works and why they’re a great choice for any homeowner.
Every Home Needs Smoke Detectors
No matter how new or old your home is, smoke detectors are essential to electrical safety. In the event of a fire, smoke detectors can provide an early warning, giving you and your family time to safely evacuate the premises.
Even if a fire is small and contained, smoke can quickly fill a room and make breathing difficult. Smoke detectors can detect smoke even before it becomes visible, giving you time to open windows and doors to ventilate the area.
In addition, smoke detectors can help prevent fires from spreading by alerting you to the presence of smoke in another part of the house. Whether you live in a single-family home or an apartment, smoke detectors are vital to keeping your family safe.
Why Smart Smoke Detectors Are Better
Traditional smoke alarms have been doing an admirable job for many years. But new technology has given rise to smart smoke detectors that offer additional features that take advantage of the digital age.
A Unified Safety Network
For starters, smart smoke detectors can network with each other so that if one detects smoke, they all sound the alarm. This can be a lifesaving feature in a large home or commercial building, as it ensures that everyone will be alerted to the danger, even if they’re in a different part of the building.
Some traditional smoke alarms can do this if they are hardwired. But this added feature of smart detectors keeps devices connected even if a fire has damaged wiring in one part of your home.
Wireless Connectivity
Smart smoke detectors also offer wireless connectivity, so you can receive alerts on your smartphone or tablet if there’s smoke somewhere in your home. It might be easier to hear your cell phone ringing beside you than an alarm in the hallway.
This also allows you to take action even if you’re not at home when the alarm goes off. And speaking of taking action, some intelligent smoke detectors can even automatically call the fire department or your local emergency services if they detect smoke.
Smart smoke detectors alert you in more ways, improving response time to fire and other dangers. Automated emergency contact helps first responders act quickly while you’re making sure you and your loved ones are safe.
Better Smoke Detector Maintenance
We get lots of annoying reminders throughout the month on our digital devices. But “time to replace your smoke detector” is the sort of notification you want!
Because smart smoke alarms can connect to your cell phone, you’re more in tune with the health and status of safety devices in your home. Some products can send low battery reminders and other updates that keep your home better prepared for danger.
No more standing on chairs to push the “TEST” button!
Why NOW Is the Right Time to Upgrade to Smart Smoke Alarms
Upgrading to a smart smoke alarm is a no-brainer for any homeowner serious about protecting their home and loved ones. Smart smoke detectors are becoming more affordable than ever. And let’s face it, it’s pretty easy to connect your cell phone in today’s day and age.
Smart smoke alarms can also be integrated with other smart home devices, such as security cameras and thermostats, to provide a complete picture of your home’s safety status. And because they’re connected to the internet, you can receive alerts on your smartphone or tablet from anywhere. So if you’re looking for peace of mind, upgrading to a smart smoke alarm is the way to go.
What Are Some of the Best Smart Smoke Alarms on the Market Today?
Product availability may change based on your region. And always make sure a smart smoke detector is compatible with your home’s electrical systems. It’s a good idea to consult an electrician before spending money on smoke detector upgrades.
There are a couple of smoke alarms on the market that really stand out for their modern features.
Kidde Smart Detection
The Kidde Smart Detection smoke alarm is hardwired and interconnected so that if one smoke detector goes off, they all do. This is ideal for smoke detection in large homes or commercial buildings. The P3010CU also has a voice alarm that clearly announces “Fire! Fire!” when it detects smoke, so you’ll know right away if there’s a problem.
Nest Protect
Another great option is the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector. This smart smoke alarm not only sounds a warning but also sends an alert to your phone if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. It also has a Pathlight feature that lights up when you walk underneath it at night, so you don’t have to fumble around in the dark.
If you’re looking for a high-tech smoke alarm, these are two of the best options on the market today.
Is It Easy to Install a Smart Smoke Alarm?
Smoke detectors are designed to be easy to install, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind for electrical safety.
First, make sure you have the correct smoke detector for your needs. Some smoke detectors are designed for specific types of fires, so you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right one.
Second, read the instructions carefully before beginning installation. This will help you avoid making any mistakes that could result in electrical hazards.
All smoke alarms, smart or otherwise, should be powered by a battery and hardwired into your home’s electrical. Read this article for a how-to guide on hardwiring a smoke detector.
Finally, ensure you test your smoke detector before considering the job finished.
Take the Guesswork Out of It
Unless you’re really confident installing your smart smoke detector, it’s best to call an electrician for professional help. You don’t want to spend money on awesome new smoke detectors and have them damaged during a DIY disaster.
More importantly, an electrician can ensure your fire safety system is installed correctly and that your smart smoke alarms are ready to connect to keep you safe.
