With the BF sales kicking off, and it being beyond time to replace smoke detectors, have been looking but also being disappointed in what I’ve seen. Expensive First Alert models seem to be abandoned, lots of reviews for false alarms all over the place, etc.
Running HomeKit but will be adding home assistant over the Xmas few week break. Have a baby and wife both of which would freak out on false alarms, and a few pretty high ceilings I don’t have an easy way to get to.
Was thinking something standalone + Zigbee with just rudimentary smarts, but not sure something truly reliable seems to exist.
Is it worth looking at anything ‘smart’ at this point? I’ve got 8-9 detectors or so to replace at this point.
I’ve been running the First Alert Z-Wave Smoke and CO detectors for 4 years with no false detections. They’re $32 on Amazon today
I have had the Nest units in my last 3 homes and really like them.
I’m facing the same dilemma right now.
I have heat/smoke detectors tied into my Ademco Vista alarm panel and it’s monitored by a central station, so I have that covered. I do not, however, have any CO detectors.
Like you, I consider linked, hardwired detectors the way to go and I’ve identified some candidates. There’s also a Z-wave bridge that can tie to the signaling wire to communicate back to Home Assistant. I’m trying to decide what the value there is beyond being able to monitor CO levels when I’m not home.
Here’s the CO detector: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gentex-Hardwired-Interconnected-CO-Alarm-with-Dualink-and-Relay-Contacts-CO1209F/202934253
Here’s the bridge: https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/products/zooz-800-series-z-wave-long-range-dc-signal-sensor
Just to be clear, are you looking for air quality CO2 or safety CO?
To further clarify, that’s carbon dioxide (CO2)–moderately inconvenient vs. carbon monoxide (CO)–deadly.
Good catch - I meant Carbon Monoxide/CO.
I think the best approach is to go with standard “linked” detectors with hardwired signal+power, and then for automation you can get a “bridge” to will forward the signal from the wire to your home automation system.
Thanks - that’s what I’ve been leaning towards. I need to go check if the current ones are interconnected or not, but they are all hard-wired (and have been getting removed as it’s time, so really time to replace all around).
At this point I’d be ok if the ‘best’ were simply old school hard-wired and setting the HomePods to detect the alarms, but someone linked a zwave connector down below.
Any recommendations RE: brands?
The Zooz Zen55 is a good option. Works with Hardwired alarms and can be installed in the same box as the last detector in the line.