I've been really frustrated with traditional smoke alarms in my home, especially since I have vaulted ceilings. When the battery runs out, it's a total nightmare trying to reach them, and the constant chirping is unbearable! I can't sleep and it's unsafe trying to get up there. I've been looking into alternatives like the Nest Protect, but I'm unsure if it would really solve my issues. I want something that won't annoy me with chirping and is easier to access. Plus, if it comes with an app, even better! I'm curious if I can just replace the ones up high or if I'd have to do them all. What are my best options that balance cost and effectiveness?
3 Answers
I have the Nest alarms myself, and honestly, they're great because they don’t chirp at all when there’s a low battery! They notify you via an app, which is super handy. Plus, they tell you exactly where the alarm is going off, which is a lifesaver if I’m not home. Just to keep it real, they are a bit pricey, but if you can swing it, I’d recommend them.
I feel your pain! I've got a similar setup with high ceilings and it’s a hassle. I recommend getting the Kidde hardwired smoke detectors with a 10-year lithium backup. They help reduce false alarms and are pretty reliable. Just remember to keep an eye on expiration dates; you should replace smoke alarms every ten years regardless of their condition.
A solid low-cost solution could be to simply move your smoke detectors to a more accessible spot if that's possible. But if you're looking for a more high-tech fix, hardwiring smart smoke detectors is the way to go. It gets rid of battery issues, but keep in mind they still chirp if the backup battery runs low. Also, consider getting a fruit picker pole; it can really help with reaching those high alarms! Check out this guide I found on how to access smoke detectors in vaulted ceilings: [Instructables](https://www.instructables.com/Accessing-a-Smoke-Detector-in-a-Cathedral-Ceiling-/)