Most of us know the rules when it comes to smoke alarms. We are supposed to test the batteries monthly, change them yearly and replace the alarms every 10 years. But how many of us actually do? Statistics show only 1 out of 10 people follow these rules as it is usually something that gets overlooked in our day-to-day lives.
The problem with this is you usually don’t realize how important smoke alarms are until after you need them. And with 2/3 of fire deaths occurring in homes with missing or non-functioning smoke alarms, it really is something that could save you and your family’s lives.
But knowing that statistic alone is probably not enough to keep “check smoke alarms” on your to-do list, at least not for the long-term, and that is why smart smoke detectors are such an amazing product and something you should consider investing in.
What are smart smoke detectors?
Smart smoke detectors are combination smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms that can be controlled via an app as well by the alarm themselves.
Automatically tests your batteries
These alarms automatically and silently test their batteries and sensors up to 400 times each day. You can also test them or run a safety check via the app anytime. Additionally, you will be notified if any of the alarms aren’t working or if the batteries need replacing so you never have to guess or get out your ladder to check.
Thinks before it speaks
Your alarm will talk to you before a loud alarm sounds. It will tell you if it was smoke or carbon monoxide and in which room it was detected. If you happened to just burn the pizza and know there isn’t a problem, you can silence the alert via your phone. This means no more turning on fans or waving a dish towel around frantically to clear the smoke and silence your alarm!
Be alerted anywhere
If your alarm detects smoke or carbon monoxide while you are away, you will still be notified on your phone. This means that if you are at work, out for dinner, or on vacation, you can still keep an eye on your home. This is especially useful if you have pets at home.
Easy installation
If you have an older home or recently purchased a home that wasn’t a new construction build, then chances are your home won’t be up to code with smoke alarms. This often means that more alarms will have to be installed throughout the home. With traditional alarms, this means that your electrician will have to run additional wires between each alarm so that if one sounds they all sound. Smart alarms are automatically connected so if one sounds they will all sound. Therefore, the electrician may have to run some wires so there is power, but there will be less wires needed, which will save you time and money.
Overall, installing smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will do a lot of the work for you. Since they automatically test themselves and send you alerts when there is a problem, you don’t need to remember to check them. And if you want to check up on them, you can do so with the touch of a button on your phone at any time and from anywhere.
*The smart alarms used for this blog post are the Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smoke Alarms. In The Lite is a certified Nest Pro and can install these for you or answer any questions.
If you have any questions or comments, contact Sasha at sasha@inthelitellc.com. As always, we hope we’ve made your day brighter!