When you’re at home, it’s all about being comfortable and feeling at ease—which is why you try to make it a safe place for you and your loved ones. Stay savvy about your home’s safety with technology like smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—devices that protect you, your family, and your home.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Due to its odorless and colorless characteristics, carbon monoxide remains a significant danger for families everywhere. Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide can be produced and released by any fuel-burning device in your home, such as the stove, furnace, and heater. Even though carbon monoxide (CO) alarms remain the most accurate means of detecting this very dangerous gas, an estimated 40% of American homes do not have any means of monitoring CO levels. This is a dangerous gamble for you and your family.
What Is a Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector?
Smart smoke detectors and those that sense carbon monoxide conveniently alert you if there is a fire, where the smoke or carbon monoxide is coming from, and what action to take, wherever you are. These devices are connected to the internet, which allows them to communicate through apps to deliver alerts to your smartphone when an alarm sounds.
You’ll receive details about what was detected. For example, telling you there’s smoke in the kitchen when you’re reading in your bedroom or shopping for groceries — so you know exactly what action to take.
Top 3 Best Smart Smoke and CO Detectors
Nest Protect
Nest’s smoke alarm detects both smoke and carbon monoxide. When it does pick up something, it will not only sound an alarm but also tell you in what room the alert is coming from and the nature of the alert. An LED ring on the bottom of the alarm also changes color, giving you a visual cue.
The Nest Protect comes in both wired and battery-powered versions. If you have more than one in your home, and one goes off, the others will, too, alert you to the location of the fire.
The Nest Protect also works with a wide range of smart-home devices. For example, in an emergency, the Nest can automatically turn on your lights, making it easier to leave your house. However, this only works for those without converting their Nest account to a Google Assistant account.
First Alert Onelink Safe and Sound
If you’re looking for a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector with tons of functionality, your best option may be the new Onelink Safe & Sound. This has an abundance of features, including push notifications, a built-in Bluetooth speaker, a customizable night light, and Amazon Alexa functionality—yes, that’s right—it lets you give voice commands directly to your smoke detector.
Overall, this smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector is packed with intelligent features and does its main job well, alerting you immediately with push notifications if it ever goes off. However, it’s quite expensive, and many of the features that command its higher price seem unnecessary. If you like the idea of using your smoke detector to play music or as an Alexa device, you can feel secure that this device will protect your home and family, but if the extraneous features don’t appeal to you, there are cheaper, equally reliable options, such as the Nest Protect.
Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener
The Ring listener alarm offers an inexpensive way to turn your home’s fire alarms into “smart” units. Ring is known for smart home and DIY security equipment, from its revolutionary video doorbell to its smart lights and locks. A dedicated smart listener, the Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener works with existing smoke and CO alarms.
Users can place the Ring Listener up to 6 feet away from their existing smoke and carbon monoxide detector. If the detector goes off, the listener senses the alarm and sends an alert to a smartphone. However, users already must have a Ring Alarm security system base station. A smart choice for renters or for those who have a hard-wired detector installed, the Ring Listener is easy to set up.
Consideration Before Selling Your Home
If you are planning on selling your home, talk to your real estate agent about the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and possibly your local fire department as well. You can save yourself time and unnecessary delays by meeting the requirements prior to your closing. The last thing you will want to do is scramble at the last minute to find an electrician to replace old detectors. Selling a home and moving is stressful enough as it is.
Experienced home inspectors, like ourselves, will test the smoke and CO detectors in the home and mark whether they are operable. Smart detectors add a layer of security for your family and peace of mind for the next homeowner.
When it comes to providing the best home inspections in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area, PineBreeze Inspections stands at the ready. Whether you need a standard home or a commercial building inspection, schedule an appointment with us today. Don’t leave it to chance; let us put your mind at ease with a total property inspection.