The events of 2020 have many of us rattled. Colorado’s recent fires have reminded us how important it is to have high quality, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
House fires are life-altering events, but it’s easy to mitigate the damage they cause by having working smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Why Choose a Smart Detector?
If you’re ready to replace your smoke or carbon monoxide detector, you probably installed it around ten years ago. In that event, buckle up! You will be amazed at the array of choices in home detectors when you reach the alarm aisle. The simple, nine volt battery detectors of the past, while still available, are being replaced by internet connected devices called smart detectors.
Smart detectors operate very similarly to the traditional detector, but their internet connectivity capabilities allow you to monitor their status and test them from your phone or other device. Unless you subscribe to a security service you trust to contact you when your hard-wired system goes off, a traditional smoke detector only works when you are close enough to hear it. Smart devices send notifications to your phone instantly.
Below, we highlight some of the highest rated and popular smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors available.
The Highest Rated Smart Detectors
Google Nest Protect
Google Nest Protect is at the top of every review list and considered the king of smart home detectors.
Nest Protect is the smoke alarm that thinks, speaks, and alerts your phone. This smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector has a Split-Spectrum Sensor to detect fast-burning and smoldering fires, tests its own batteries, and lasts up to 10 years.
- Sends phone alerts when something’s wrong
- You can hush the alarm from your phone with App Silence
- Tells you when the batteries are running low
- Has a motion sensor night light
| Cost | One-pack: $119.00 Three-pack: $329.00 Six-pack: $612.00 |
| Battery Life | Six long-life AA batteries (battery model), three long-life backup AA batteries (wired model) |
| Alarm Volume | 85db |
| Sensor Type | Heat and photoelectric sensors |
| Installation | Choose between wired and battery units |
First Alert Onelink Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
The 2-in-1 alarm detects both smoke and carbon monoxide and will notify you if something is not right in your home, whether home or away. The alarm also tells you the type and location of the danger and interconnects with other compatible alarms.
- Mobile connectivity through the Onelink Home App
- Remote notifications with type of danger and its location
- Voice alerts
- Hardwired alarm with easy setup and installation
- Battery backup for continuous protection
| Cost | $119.00 |
| Battery Life | The battery operated version uses a 3-cell battery pack that lasts approximately five years. The hard wired version uses AC power with a battery backup. |
| Alarm Volume | 85db |
| Sensor Type | Photoelectric and electrochemical |
| Installation | Choose between wired and battery powered options |
First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound
Safe & Sound is the first-ever smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm with built-in Alexa Voice Services, so you can enjoy the full suite of features found on Amazon Echo. Ask Safe & Sound to play music and audio books, read you news, control smart-home devices, and more.
Installing Safe & Sound on the ceiling fills any room with immersive, 360-degree high-end audio, while advanced microphones with noise-cancellation technology let Safe & Sound hear you from any direction–even while playing music.
This 2-in-1 alarm is also powered by First Alert’s trusted technology for smoke and carbon monoxide detection, and warns you of danger in your home and its location with an 85-decibel alarm. It also notifies your mobile phone if there is a smoke or CO emergency in your home.
Works with Apple HomeKit and the Apple Home app.
- Smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm for home protection
- Premium home speaker for audio and entertainment
- Works with Apple HomeKit
- Embedded Alexa Voice Services for convenience and control
- Hardwired alarm with easy setup and installation
- Mobile connectivity through the Onelink Home App
- Safe & Sound supports AirPlay 2
| Cost | $218.32 |
| Battery Life | AC power with 10-Year sealed lithium backup |
| Alarm Volume | 85db |
| Sensor Type | Photoelectric and electrochemical |
| Installation | This is a hardwired smoke alarm, and it comes with adapters to make rewiring easy. |
Roost Smart Battery
Does your smoke alarm work fine, but you want notifications when you’re away from home?
The Roost Smart Battery is a great, affordable option that turns a regular alarm into a smart alarm. The battery’s technology connects to your home’s wireless system and sends you simple notifications when it goes off. Nothing else changes, and other than the app on your phone, there’s nothing else to install. It’s so easy “even an adult can do it.”
| Cost | $34.99 |
| Battery Life | 3-5 years |
| Alarm Volume | n/a |
| Sensor Type | n/a |
| Installation | Download the Roost app, connect to home wi-fi, and insert battery into the smoke alarm |
Protect Your Home Against Fire Losses
Losing your home to fire is always a risk. Last year, at least 1,677 structures were destroyed by fire in Colorado, and we are currently battling the largest fire in our state’s history. Now is the time to properly secure your home against losses from fire with a homeowners insurance policy from Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance.
Contact one of our local agents who can help you learn more about the coverages available to you.