Every Home Needs This Smart Home Device

What if all the devices could communicate, send you information, and take your commands?

Home automation is exactly what it sounds like: automating the ability to control items around the house from window shades to pet feeders with a simple push of a button (or a voice command). 

There are many who are generally not into smart-home devices, however, a smart smoke alarm is the one essential appliance every home should have. 

While a traditional alarm depends on your being around to hear it, a smart smoke alarm will alert you when something is wrong, no matter where you are.

Most smart smoke detectors are hybrid devices that detect smoke and heat, as well as carbon monoxide. 

And because they connect to your home internet, they can send you notifications via a smartphone app. 

An added benefit is that in addition to smoke notifications, they can send low-battery warnings much before the batteries run out.  

They also allow you to silence the alarm using an app so you no longer will have to worry when by mistake you have burned dinner.

A New York Times company called Wirecutter, which reviews products, recommends the second generation, Google nest protect for homeowners.

This smart smoke alarm is compatible with other smart devices you currently own (or may purchase later) it can be set up to perform other lifesaving tasks, like shutting down your HVAC system during a fire, turning on your cameras to record, unlocking your front doors and turning on smart lighting to make it easier for you to get out and firefighters to get in.

By law, your smart smoke alarm must stop working and be replaced so even the smartest smoke detector lives only for 10 years. So do not fall for second-hand sale on eBay.

Some models, such as the Nest Protect, costs $119. Smart smoke alarms are several times more expensive than even a decent 10-year detector (though cheaper when bought as multiples). 

While they’re worth the cost, there are a few less expensive options. Smoke alarm listeners can hear smoke alarms going off and then send an alert to your smartphone. 

That capability is actually built into Amazon’s free Alexa Guard service (which uses your Echo speakers to listen for your existing smoke alarms and then sends an alert through the Alexa app), as well as Google smart speakers like the Nest Mini. 

We think they’re better than just a standard smoke alarm, but because they require an extra step to function, they add a potential failure point, something you don’t want in a safety device.