My smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are about 30 years old, so it's time for a replacement. A plumber suggested using Kidde alarms, but I've seen mixed reviews about them online. I'm wondering which brand or specific models are highly recommended? Since we use gas heating in our old house's basement, should I consider getting a combo smoke/CO alarm to be extra safe?
3 Answers
I’m kind of a smoke detector enthusiast! I’ve found that First Alert, Kidde, and X-Sense are the main players in the game. While Google Nest Protect is popular and gets good reviews, it’s definitely on the expensive side. Even if they cut off the product, they’ll support existing units for the 10-year lifespan you should expect. If you're looking for something reliable, I’d go with hardwired models that have built-in CO detection, like the First Alert SMCO100. If you want more details, I have a comprehensive article on different models and their features! Just let me know if you’re interested!
I've had great experiences with Nest Protect smoke alarms. They rarely give false alarms in the kitchen (unless you're actually cooking something), and I love the notifications sent straight to my phone. Plus, you can silence them easily and they even light up your path at night. They are a bit on the pricey side, but I think they’re totally worth it!
Is this the Google Nest Protect? I heard rumors they might discontinue it or reduce support for the smart features, which makes me hesitant to invest because of the higher price.
I’d recommend steering clear of First Alert battery detectors. I replace mine every three years because they start chirping after that, even though they claim to last ten years!
This sounds like a solid pick!