Replace Your Smoke Detector with this teched out one by Kidde
So what’s the one thing that can save your life if there was a fire or carbon monoxide leak? (HINT, it’s not Batman)
A working carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
I’m sure you never noticed or even thought about it– but smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years. I mean clearly, I didn’t notice for a long time, my old system turned yellow and there was a hair tie holding up my old detector.
After some research I found – I came across the Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm with teched out features. Since my home is getting smarter and more connected every day, I was happy to find a smart system with some nifty options, including one that is also app based. This device is Wi-Fi connected and also upgrades all existing Kidde alarms in the home to a connected alarm- so when any alarm goes off all alarms will sound, even if it's on a different floor and send a mobile notification.
Inside the box you will find the mounting plate, the detector, an adapter that has a quick connection on one side and wire ends on the other. There’s also this QR code to easily connect to the app. The product is very sleek, AND fits perfectly where the previous smoke detector was. I did have some help from my electrician and recommended using one too if you feel more comfortable.
Install guide
You will need to connect this adapter to the wiring of your home and then plug in the alarm to the quick connection. Make sure to turn off power at the breaker panel while doing this step or just let the electrician handle it.
After it’s mounted, use a screwdriver to turn the red wheel on the back of the alarm to the on position. Music will turn on and that’s how you know it’s activated. Then you scan the QR code either on the back of the alarm or the paper in the box and it prompts you to download the Kidde app. From there you press the pls button to ADD a safety device and set up the SMART Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm. From here follow the steps to name it and assign a location.
So now that my device is connected to the Kidde app, I will get real-time notifications on my phone like if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected – please let that never be, or like when it's time to replace my alarm after 10 years. It's not enough just to replace the batteries. Which I had no idea. You can also get voice alerts, it’s Amazon Alexa or Google home enabled to warn you of potential danger.
The helpful thing is that after you get a notification you can also quickly respond to an alert. If you are home, the Kidde app allows you to Smart Hush false alarms using your mobile device. I cannot tell you how many times this has come in handy.
You can also notify family- you know, like friends and family who have downloaded the app if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected when you are not home.
Pros:
● Receive notifications when a device needs to be replaced
● Get alarm notifications if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected in your home
● Setup is simple – easily add alarms by scanning the QR code on the back of the product
● Easily test your alarm to check that it’s on and working when you are home
● Option to notify friends and family if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected when you are not
home
● Smart Hush® false alarms when you are home
All in all I loved that instead of two different products this product did both jobs, so I didn’t have to add anything extra to my wall, ceiling, or electrical outlets.
My favorite feature is that the Wi-Fi smart feature allows connection to my phone for alarms when I am not home.
I spend a lot of time away from work, and it gives me peace of mind when my son is home with the nanny, so it’s nice to know if an alarm sounds I can notify emergency services.
The product is electrical powered with a lithium backup so I never have to worry about battery replacement. But, if the device fails or the battery dies it also sends an alarm to let you know. This is a great product, and a must have for homeowners.
Order yours here:
This blog post in partnership with The Home Depot