Man installing a smart smoke detector

Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Updated April 5, 2017 . AmFam Team

Smart smoke detectors can help you take action when it matters most. Learn more about smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with American Family.

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 — a device that protects you, your family and your home. Let’s take a look at how smart devices like these help you safeguard all the things that matter most.


What Is a Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Smart smoke detectors, as well as smart smoke detectors that also 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 out shopping for groceries — so you know exactly what action to take.

Some smart alarms talk to each other, so that when one alarm senses something amiss, all the alarms in the house will alert you. Most smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors perform their own diagnostics to ensure they’re working correctly, and they’ll even alert you when batteries are low by sending an alert to your phone, without the annoying chirp.

Check out these key carbon monoxide safety tips to help you better understand potential hazards in your home that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

How to Shop For the Best Smart Smoke Alarm

One way to find the best smart smoke and fire alarms is to do your homework online before you buy. As with most products, features and added hardware will probably cost more. Smoke alarms with an app can do a lot to protect your home.

Smoke smart sensors and detectors that alert your phone are also great because they can be programmed to inform first responders as well. Be sure that yours is sensing for both smoke and carbon monoxide. And products that utilize a split-spectrum photoelectric sensor are also worth their price tag. When compared to ionization sensors, split-spectrum devices are known for fewer false alarms.

In addition to offering early warning, many also offer status updates that inform you of issues with the device. If the backup battery is running low, you’ll get a notification. Or if the sensor’s not working correctly, you’ll be informed of the issue.

Making the Switch to Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

If you’re not fully sold on the idea of smart home smoke alarms, you’re not alone. Many people have concerns that the products don’t work or that the tech is too new to trust in their home. The truth is, these smart home sensing devices work in much the same way as their older, analog models. They’re just better at what they do.

Since most experts recommend that you change your smoke alarms out every ten years, use that window to upgrade to smart home devices. If you’ve already got smart speakers or a smart home hub, adding other sensors or devices is really quite simple. And if you’re living in condo association where updated building codes will soon require the use of smart home systems, take advantage of the opportunity and upgrade before doing so is required.

Other Smart Home Tech

While devices like the smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors help increase safety, there are a lot of super cool smart devices out there that also help save energy, money and can even lower your carbon footprint! Get smarter about smart technology by reading up on other smart tech devices, such smart thermostats.

You’ll learn how you can use smart devices to stay connected, keep your family safe and save on energy costs. And, our beginner’s guide to setting up a smart home tells you all about the easy ways you can stay connected and control your home wherever you go.

Learn How a Smart Smoke Detector Can Save You Money

Connect with your agent to find out how devices like smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can help you qualify for a smart home discount on your homeowners insurance. Because when you protect what matters most, we think it’s worth rewarding.

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