We have lived in our current house for 3 1/2 years now. I think we have heard fire alarm chirps in the wee hours of the morning about 3 times now. It amazes me how the chirping always happens in the middle of the night, rather than during the day. And I know that my experience is not too uncommon with others.
I thought having a wired fire alarm system where the fire alarms are all connected to each other would solve this problem, but unfortunately not. I never dreamed there was a solution for 3 am fire alarm chirps until I saw Roost, the Smart Battery at the Consumer Electronics Show last year. What a concept! We loved the idea so much, we included Roost in our Valentines Gift Guide last year.
Roost Smart Battery comes with its own app (Apple & Android) so you keep tabs on your Roost Smart Batteries. You can buy multiple Roost batteries and keep track of each one in your Roost app. The battery checks in with your Roost app daily and gives an update on the battery life of each Roost battery. The Roost Smart Battery lasts more than 5 years, which is a long time for a battery.
No More 3 AM Fire Alarm Chirps!
Once the battery gets near to its end, you’ll receive a notification on your battery that it’s time to change your Roost Smart Battery. And if you have a fire in your home and you are away, you will receive a notification on your phone that your fire alarm is ringing. Isn’t that a great feature?
Features:
- WiFi enabled 9 Volt battery
- You can set up the app to share alerts with other family members or emergency contacts
- Works with IFTT to allow for smart home automation in the home
- Replaceable battery will last up to 5x longer than most 9V batteries
- On some fire alarms, you can even turn off your fire alarm with your Roost app
Pros:
- Battery lasts 5 years
- You can be notified if your fire alarm rings, even when you’re not at home (great if you have older kids at home!)
- Roost’s battery replacement program offers a lower price, making replacement batteries less expensive
- You can keep track of each room’s fire alarm Roost Smart Battery and its battery status easily through the app
- Installs in less than 5 minutes
Cons:
- Does not automatically call the fire department if your fire alarm rings
- Is pricey for a 9 Volt battery
Roost Smart Batteries sell for $34.99 for one pack or $64.99 for a 2-pack directly from Roost’s website with $6+ shipping. You can also find Roost at Home Depot online and in select stores.
The replaceable battery pack option is available through Roost at a cost of $14.99 after your have finished up a Roost Smart Battery.
A Mom’s Perspective
Roost Smart Battery is now even smarter. If you are familiar with the IFTT (If This Than That) website, you can use “recipes” to have your Roost Smart Battery text or call your phone when your fire alarm goes off. Now that should get your attention!
A notification is good, but a phone call is more direct! IFTT is a free website and people upload new “recipes” all the time.
In fact, Roost is working on a recipe now that will unlock your connected smart door lock should your fire alarm ring. Unlocking the door makes it easier for fire fighters and emergency personnel to get inside in case of an emergency.
Roost is a progressive company who thinks “outside the battery” to provide smartness to a device (fire alarm) which greatly reduces some anxiety for people. I love the fact that you can be far away from home and still be notified if your fire alarm goes off. And you don’t need to change out all of your fire alarms to obtain this type of connectivity.
I am also looking forward to the silencing of fire alarm chirps. Having the Roost app keep an eye on the battery’s life gives me the assurance of more peaceful rest. I put my Roost Smart Battery in my bedroom, where would you put yours?
* I was given a Roost Smart Battery in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
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