Before choosing a smoke detector
If you’ve decided to replace your home’s smoke detectors, it’s important to determine what your state’s laws about smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors say. Ideally, all homes should have detectors for both, but this isn’t yet mandated in all states across the US. Also: The best fire extinguishers You also want to consider what type of installation you have in your home. Simply removing the face of one of your units will reveal if they’re wired or battery-powered. Keep in mind that wired smoke detectors also have batteries for backup power. So if yours are connected to wires in your wall, you know they’re hardwired. If there are no wires connected to your home, then they’re battery-powered.
Dimensions: 2" x 5" x 5"Power source: Battery poweredSensor type: Electrochemical, PhotoelectricAlarm: AudibleBattery type: AA replaceable batteries
This is the best option for a smoke and carbon monoxide detector because it’s a seamless replacement to existing home smoke detectors. It’s like taking your existing smoke detector and replacing for a brand new one plus a carbon monoxide alarm. CO monitoring is extremely important, as it’s commonly known as a silent killer: there are no smells or visible gases to alert you if you have high CO levels in your home. You can only tell what your home’s carbon monoxide levels with a monitor. The fact that this smoke detector is battery-powered makes for an easy installation. And the need for AA batteries means you won’t have to buy specific batteries for this unit. However, do consider that you need to replace them promptly every six months for optimal performance. And if you’re all about safety, you can also get this bundle with a fire extinguisher.
Dimensions: 1.8" x 5.6" x 5.6"Power source: Battery poweredSensor type: IonizationAlarm: Audible, LED, and voice alarmBattery type: AA replaceable batteries
When looking to get the biggest bang for your buck, you definitely can’t go wrong with this Kidde Safety combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. It’s also a battery-powered option, so the two included AA batteries will require replacing every six months. The voice alarm feature makes it stand out from others because it will say whether the alarm was triggered by fire, carbon monoxide, or a low battery, along with a regular alarm. And if you’ve ever had a dying battery make a smoke detector chirp in your home, then you’re likely to appreciate the voice alert feature.
Dimensions: 5.3" x 1.5" x 5.3"Power source: Battery powered or hardwired optionsSensor type: Occupancy, humidity, split-spectrum, electrochemicalAlarm: Audible, mobile, voice alertsBattery type: AA replaceable batteriesConnectivity: 2.4GHz Wifi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Google’s Nest Protect is a smart smoke and CO detector that is leap and bounds above the competition. Its smart capabilities give you insights to your home’s condition accessible right from your phone or tablet through the Google Home app. Though it is pricier than other options, this device is the best option for a smart smoke detector and CO monitor. Several of them will cost a pretty penny in comparison to the average smoke detector, but, in the unfortunate even that one will be triggered, you’ll get alerts of where the trigger was and if it detected smoke or CO. The Nest Protect also does self-testing every month, which is something that each one of us should be doing already and most of us don’t. This self-testing feature will give you the peace of mind that your device is working properly without having to remember to test it. Also: The best smart smoke detectors
Dimensions: 2" x 5.7" x 5.7"Power source: Battery poweredSensor type: Electrochemical, PhotoelectricAlarm: AudibleBattery type: AA replaceable batteries
If you’re in the market for battery-powered smoke detectors, then the X-Sense is a perfect pick. It comes with a sealed lithium battery that should last for ten years, which is right when you should replace your smoke detectors, independent of type. If you’re the forgetful type (that’s definitely me), then this is like a dream come true. Combining both a smoke and CO detector, this device will alert with a chirp when it’s coming to the end of its life, instead of waking you up at 3am every year with a chirp because you forgot to change the battery again.
Dimensions: 1.9" x 5.6" x 5.6"Power source: HardwiredSensor type: Electrochemical, IonizationAlarm: AudibleBattery type: 9 volt backup battery
Much like the First Alert Battery Powered sensor, this smoke detector is a great seamless replacement to most standard smoke detectors in homes today. This hardwired First Alert unit combines smoke detector and a CO monitor, with a battery backup. If you take off your smoke detector cover to see that the unit is hardwired, then this First Alert will be easily installed with your home’s existing wiring. You can see more of how these smoke and CO detectors stack up with each other here: If you prefer a simple, affordable straight-down-the-middle option, then I’d recommend the Kidde Smoke & CO detector. Consider what your needs, budget, and safety concerns are when choosing something as important as a smoke detector. The Nest Protect in particular, also has self-testing, which can eliminate a headache on its own. Electrochemical sensors carbon monoxide.
