Importance of Wi-Fi’s smoke detectors in the 21st century
As per surveys, every 85 seconds, a residential fire starts in the US. Thus, every house must have a good smoke detector and a good quality fire alarm installed. These devices are specifically meant to reduce the death risk by 50%. Despite this, over 5 million households in the country do not have fire alarms or smoke detectors in their houses.
In case you have not installed a smoke detector and fire alarm yet, you can opt for a Wi-Fi smoke detector. This way, your entire family will be sent an alert if the heat rises to dangerous levels in the house. It will give you enough time to get to safety and avoid any tragedy. It is recommended that every house at least have one alarm installed on every level as well as directly outside and inside the bedrooms.
However, the problem the customer faces here is how to choose the right smoke detector for their home? If you shop online, you will find thousands of fire alarms and smoke detector options. How do you decide which one to buy? A good device would alert you before it is too late. It should also not switch on every time you are indulging in cooking or switching on your heater.
Why should you use a Wi-Fi smoke detector?
According to fire safety experts, homeowners should replace any smoke detector that is over ten years old. However, many homes have been using the same smoke detectors for longer than a decade. Most homeowners think that this way, they are saving money. However, using an outdated and old device will only increase the chances of malfunction or failure with the sensors. If you are looking to replace your smoke detector, you should go for Wi-Fi smoke detectors over the traditional smoke alarms.
If your home is already equipped with a smart home system, adding a smoke detector that works through Wi-Fi and fire alarm would only increase your functionality. You can get the smoke detector connected to the Smart hub for ease of access.
According to the latest building codes, which will come in to function from the next decade, every house in the country must have multiple smoke detectors that are either synced or connected. If you choose to opt for Wi-Fi smoke detectors, you will be ahead of the change. The smoke alarms, when connected, will provide you with the alert simultaneously even if one alarm is triggered.
Different types of Wi-Fi smoke detectors
There are many types of Wi-Fi smoke detectors as well as far alarms. Check out which one is most suitable for your needs.
Ionization smoke detector
This smoke director is extremely sensitive to even small amounts of smoke. Therefore, it gets triggered even if you are cooking. You shouldn’t place an ionization smoke detector in or near your kitchen.
Photoelectric/optical smoke detector
This smoke detector works by using light sensors. If there is smoke, the infrared light will scatter in the light receptor of the device and trigger the fire alarm. This device is good for detecting big smoke particles which are generated from slow fires.
Factors to consider before you decide to make a purchase
Even though most Wi-Fi smoke detectors do the same job, they are different in their features and details.
Cost
If money is not an issue for you, then you should go for Wi-Fi smoke detectors for $50. If you want that the smoke detector should also have a carbon monoxide alarm, then the price of your purchase will increase. If you are looking for more features, longer life and good functionality, the cost will increase, but it will be beneficial in the long run.
Maintenance
You can choose to go for the hardwired or battery-powered smoke detectors.
Battery-powered
A battery-powered smoke detector is super simple to install and will work despite the power outage. However, it will constantly beep or chirp when it’s time to replace the battery.
Hardwired
If you opt for a hardwired smoke detector, the installation process will be more tedious. These smoke detectors come with backup batteries. Even if there’s a power outage, the backup battery will kick in and alert you in case of smoke. If you have a newly constructed house or if your house is under construction, going for the hardwired device would be the best option for you.
To make your home a safe place, you must have a smoke detector and fire alarm. A good smoke detector is efficient to the point of detecting even the slightest bit of smoke. A Wi-Fi smoke detector will alert every member of the house. Thus, choose your brand and device wisely since this is not something you will buy frequently. The item you buy should work for the long term without any hassles.