Everything to Know About Smart Smoke Detectors

Most essential home appliances have been treated to a smart makeover recently, although some are more useful than others.

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While you may struggle to justify spending money on a smart toaster or kettle, a smart smoke detector could be well worth the investment.

Smart smoke detectors have built-in internet connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control your smoke alarm via a smartphone app. The primary advantage of smart smoke detectors is that they send an alert to your phone when the alarm sounds, notifying you of a house fire wherever you are. Most models also allow you to turn off the alarm from your smartphone — no more waving a dishtowel at a blaring alarm because you've burnt your toast.

Some manufacturers sell smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, combining both functions in a single unit. They may also provide weather alerts for extreme events, such as hurricanes and floods, although this feature is relatively unusual.

Companies are constantly innovating new ways to make their smart fire alarms safer and more useful, so the features you'll get often depend on the brand. For example, Nest smart smoke detectors can tell you the location of the fire inside your home, allowing you to plan a safe escape route. They can also detect the burning speed and distinguish between a potential fire hazard and a full-blown blaze.

Smart Smoke Detectors Vs. Regular Smoke Detectors: What's the Difference?

Regular smoke alarms function similarly to smart smoke alarms by detecting smoke and sounding an alarm to alert you to danger. However, a standard fire alarm is only helpful if you're at home to hear it. Smart fire alarms notify you of a house fire even when you're away from home, allowing you to arrange assistance from your workplace or while on vacation.

Another key difference is that regular smoke detectors can't tell you extra information about the fire. Depending on the model, many smart smoke detectors can share additional data, such as the fire's size and location. This information could be lifesaving if you're in the house when a fire breaks out.

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How Much Do Smart Smoke Detectors Cost?

According to Fixr, smart smoke detectors cost between $80 and $180 (CAD 110 and CAD 250) on average. These figures only include the cost of the unit itself, and you may need to pay extra to have your smoke detector professionally installed.

Battery-powered smart smoke detectors are straightforward enough to install yourself by screwing the backplate to the ceiling and twisting the detector into position. However, most smart smoke detectors must be hardwired into your home's electricity supply. Hardwiring a smoke detector usually takes around an hour, with electricians charging between $30 and $100 (CAD 40 and CAD 140) per hour on average. Most homeowners pay around $40 (CAD 55) per unit for installation labor.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.