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Home automation protocols are the language that smart home devices use to communicate with one another. Communication is vital for smart home automation, because if your devices can’t “talk” to each other using the same language, controlling each one becomes more of a chore.

Because of this, it is important to understand how it works before deciding which is best for you and your home.

With about ten different home automation standards on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your home. There are two basic categories to work with: wired and wireless.

Common examples of wired protocols are X10 and UPB. These smart home protocols use your home’s existing wiring to communicate. Wired protocols are known for their reliability, but tend to be slower and more difficult to encrypt.

Wireless protocols, on the other hand, are typically faster and are compatible with a wider range of devices. These protocols — including Z-Wave and Zigbee — are able to connect and communication without relying on the use of power lines which makes them easier to ensure that they are secured. Many home security systems are compatible with Z-Wave, making it the ideal if you want full control of all of your devices on one app.

There are also a couple of hybrid protocols like Insteon and C-Bus that use a combination of both wired and wireless technology.

What should you look for when choosing a home automation protocol?

Compatibility: certain protocols restrict you to using devices that may not appeal to you, so choose one that is easy to use in conjunction with a broad range of other smart home products.

Easy to Upgrade: New home automation technology is introduced to the market constantly, having a system that is highly compatible with other products will ensure that you can add on more features and devices in the future.

Other considerations when choosing a smart home protocol include cost, power consumption, and bandwidth.

Popular Home Automation Protocols

Z-Wave

Z-wave is a popular wireless protocol that uses radio frequencies to to communicate with other devices. Developed in Denmark, Z-Wave has rapidly become one of the most popular protocols because it is supported by over 450 companies across the world.

Features of Z-Wave

It’s fast. Z-wave runs on the 908.42MHz frequency. This is a much lower band than that used by most of your other household products (2.4GHz). Since Z-Wave devices don’t compete with other household products for bandwidth, there is a lower chance of interference, which improves efficiency and speed.

It’s easy to setup. Z-wave devices like the Yale smart lock are known for being simple to set up and fairly easy to use. Z-wave devices are controlled via a central hub that helps you manage your entire home network. Once the network is set up, you can easily add in smart home devices that can then be controlled by the Z-wave home protocol.

It’s compatible with a wide range of products. One of the best parts about choosing Z-wave automation is that any Z-wave device can communicate with another regardless of the brand, version or type.

Currently, there are more than 1,500 Z-wave compatible devices available throughout the world. With so many options, you have plenty of options to customize your home’s automation protocol.

It cuts down on energy usage. Additionally, Z-Wave devices tend to use less energy than some other protocols which means you can use more while keeping your energy bill low.

It’s future-proof. As home automation products continue to evolve over time, Z-wave will remain compatible with both old and new versions of products. This is ideal because it means that you can keep your same protocol even as technology advances.

ZigBee

Zigbee and Z-wave are very similar protocols, although Zigbee is more common in Chinese-branded products. Originally developed for commercial use, today Zigbee is now used widely in both home and commercial automation protocols.

Features of Zigbee

Fast communication. Similar to Z-wave, Zigbee uses radio frequency in order to communicate. Zigbee runs on the 802.15.14 radio standard. Using a mesh network, Zigbee can achieve fast communication and longer-range communication. A single hub powers multiple home automation devices.

Easy to create for. Zigbee is an easy protocol for developers to design new products that are compatible with it. Currently, there are over 1,200 products that are compatible with Zigbee. This is an open technology with new products being created all the time.

Low power consumption. One of the most powerful benefits of choosing Zigbee for your smart home automation is its super low power consumption. Zigbee is incredibly efficient, so you can actually operate a Zigbee device on the same set of batteries for years at a time.

Cut down on battery usage. Speaking of efficiency, Zigbee offers green power which eliminates the need to use batteries all together. This means you don’t have to worry about buying new batteries and that you can feel good about being environmentally friendly and efficient.

Improved security. Additionally, Zigbee is one of the most secure protocols available. It uses the same 128-bit bank-level encryption that most major financial systems utilize.

One issue Zigbee has faced in the past is having poor interoperability, meaning some Zigbee devices were unable to communicate with each other properly. However, newer versions of Zigbee have entered the market that aim to solve this issue and work well with other devices regardless of their brand.

Insteon

Insteon is unique in that it uses a mix of wired and wireless technology. It uses a patented dual-mesh network that utilizes both hardwired and wireless communication to help eliminate the weaknesses of both. There are multiple pathways for messages to travel.

Features of Insteon

An Insteon hub will connect with all Insteon compatible devices. You then have control of your home via smartphone, tablet or computer. It is also X10 compatible which means that you can add wireless capability to an existing X10 network.

Extremely easy to use. One of the major benefits of choosing Insteon is its use of use. Regardless of high technically inclined you are, you will be able to get the Insteon home automation standard up and running with relative ease.

Simple setup: If you know how to operate a smart phone, you will be able to operate this system. Additionally, all Insteon compatible devices are automatically added to the network as soon as you power them on, making set up a breeze.

Limited product options. There are over 200 compatible devices to automate your home. Insteon makes all of the products that use their protocol, meaning it is less compatible with products made by other manufacturers.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless smart home automation technology that uses radio waves to communicate. All Bluetooth devices contain a computer chip with Bluetooth software that allows it to simply connect with other devices.

Features of Bluetooth

Bluetooth’s compatibility is excellent. You can connect any Bluetooth enable device to any other Bluetooth enabled device with ease.

You can noticeable energy savings. One of the biggest benefits to choosing Bluetooth for your home automation standard is that it uses significantly less energy than other alternatives. This is ideal for those who like to monitor their energy consumption and be environmentally friendly.

Limited range of communication. One downfall of this automation is that it tends to have a limited range, so your device may stop working if you move out of range. Fortunately, this might change as technology improvements are underway that will eventually allow Bluetooth to have a larger range that can better compete with ZigBee and Z-wave protocols.

UPB

UPB is short for universal powerline bus. This is a wired protocol that was created back in 1999 and remains one of the more technically advanced protocols.

Features of UPB

UPB makes use of your home’s existing wiring to communicate between devices. This is not as user-friendly, but can provide more reliability if that’s a higher priority. As with Z-Wave and Zigbee, UPB-compatible devices are linked to one another using a central home controller. Each device needs to be manually set up to the network, making this a setup more time-consuming.

Reliable.Because it uses your home’s electric wires, it doesn’t run into as many interference and range issues that wireless protocols do. If you are somewhat tech-savvy and value reliability, UPB may be a great option for your smart home automation protocol.

Limited compatibility. Although UPB has been on the market for awhile now, it is not compatible with as many home automation products as some other choices. UPB is also known for being difficult to connect with wireless devices, limiting your ability to upgrade your smart home system with additional equipment down the line.

Conclusion

These are only some of the most popular protocols in use today; there are a number of smaller ones out there that were left out. If you are looking to install a home automation protocol in you home, we hope this information will provide a resource for you to get started.

With so many smart home protocol choices and options available to complement your smart home security system, you are sure to find one that suits your home’s specific needs.

1. Change of address notifications and set up utilities

Notify the post office that you’ve changed your address so they can forward mail to your new home. However, that forwarding service only lasts for a few months, so remember to modify your address on all important accounts, such as bank accounts, health insurance, and memberships.

You’ll also want to contact gas and electric companies and tell them you’ve moved. If you’re still in the same city, they may be able to simply transfer your account to your new address. The same thing applies to internet service, magazine subscriptions, and if you’re still using a landline, phone service.

2. Change the locks

You can’t be sure who has key access to your home, so change the locks to be on the safe side. Installing new locks yourself is fairly inexpensive. Alternatively, you can call up a locksmith — if you supply the new locks, they typically charge around $20 to $30 to install each lock.

While you’re changing out locks, consider upgrading to a keyless deadbolt for convenient access and to gain more control over who’s entering your home and when.

Also, if you have a keyless garage door panel, make sure to program a new code for opening the garage doors. It is also a good idea to make sure the automatic openers are functioning properly.

3. Clean house

Before you unpack and before the furniture arrives, enlist the help of family members and friends and do a thorough cleaning of your house.

Don’t forget to vacuum and wash the carpets, mop the floors, bleach the bathroom, clear out the fridge, scrub the sinks and the oven, and wipe down all your cabinets, drawers, shelves, and closets. Consider adding shelf paper in the drawers and cabinets, especially if you are not the first owner of the house.

4. Check for plumbing leaks

Home inspectors usually take care of this one, but it doesn’t hurt to verify that everything is okay yourself.

To identify whether your property has leaky plumbing, check the water meter at the beginning and end of a two-hour window when no one is using any any sinks, toilets, or showers. If the number changes, you have a leak.

5. Terminate pests

Mice, rats, and cockroaches are some of the more common ones, but depending on where your home is located, you might have to deal with bats, termites, and other uninvited guests.

Take steps to uncover any nests or holes in the wall that could be signs of vermin in the home, then contact a pest control specialist.

6. Learn your way around a circuit breaker box and main water valve

Find out which fuses control what parts of your house and label them accordingly.

You’ll want to know how to turn your house’s main water valve off. Water from a burst pipe can flood your home with water in minutes, soaking everything in sight.

If you know how to turn off the water to your home, you’ll be prepared to minimize damage if you have a plumbing emergency, if a natural disaster is heading your way, or if you’re going out of town.

Just locate the shut-off valve or handle — it could be inside or outside your house — and rotate it until it’s off. Test it by checking your faucets to make sure that no water comes out. You should also learn where the emergency shut off is if your home is heated by oil.

7. Plan ahead for emergencies

If you have a team of professionals you trust and their phone numbers readily available, you’ll be prepared to handle the unexpected. You don’t want to be searching up plumbers when your toilet is spewing sewage onto the bathroom floor. Ask your new neighbors for names of contractors they recommend.

Check all emergency exits, and create a family fire plan that has a dedicated rendezvous point outside.

Prepare yourself for more severe disasters with an emergency preparedness kit. Stockpile enough supplies for every member of your household, including pets, for at least 72 hours.

8. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Installing smoke detectors will help protect you and your loved ones in the event of a fire. But smoke detectors can fail, so you need to ensure they are working correctly.

Test every smoke detector and replace any batteries that are running low — the fire department will be happy to inspect your home to make sure it is up to code.

Some homes also have carbon monoxide detectors; these usually have a built-in test function.

9. Secure your home against fire and burglary

Adding in a monitored security system is a great way to ensure that your home is protected from an environmental disaster (i.e. fire, carbon monoxide) or crime. Knowing that police and fire departments will be able to respond quickly to any emergency at your home can help you find peace of mind.

While standard alarms in homes are just designed to trigger a siren in the event of an intrusion, alarm monitoring decreases your risk of burglary by over 300%. Plus, depending on your provider, you can save around 10-15% each year on your homeowners insurance.

10. Investigate the walls

Adding artwork, shelves, and wall cabinets means drilling into your walls. Doing so, however, runs the risk of damaging your plumbing pipes, ductwork, wires, and cables, so precise drilling is essential.

A stud sensor detects changes in density to sniff out studs, cables, and ducts. They are also great for finding out what parts of your wall are danger zones.

However, stud sensors aren’t always right. Never drill more than 1¼ inches deep into the wall — that level is deep enough to clear drywall and plaster, but not deep enough to damage your wires or pipes.

Household wiring runs horizontally from outlet to outlet about 8 inches to 2 feet from the floor, so that’s a no-drill zone. Stay clear of vertical locations above and below wall switches as wiring runs along studs to reach switches.

11. Get a ladder

If you ever need to get to high light fixtures, ceiling fans, wall decorations, or climb onto the roof, ladders are a safer way of getting up high while providing extra stability than a chair or table.

When choosing a ladder, consider:

• How high you need to go. If you use an extension ladder to get into higher floors or rooftops, learn about the appropriate safety procedures, such as not standing above the support point.
• Where you’ll use it. When you use a stepladder, you’ll want to make sure all four legs can be planted firmly on a flat area and don’t slide around. A straight ladder must be set up at a safe angle, so if a ceiling is too low, it might be too long for the room.

Check the ladder’s duty rating to find out how much weight it’ll support.
If you live in a multi-story home, get escape ladders for the bedrooms. The Red Cross recommends them.

12. Get a small safe or filing cabinet

Even if you’ve never had one before, you’re probably going to need a filing cabinet or small safe now. Documenting everything can only help you down the line.

While much of it may be digital, there are some documents that you may also want to keep hard copies of, such as home loan closing statements, the deed, the title to your car, or tax forms. That’s important stuff, and you’ll need it when it comes time to pay your taxes.

Filing cabinets or safes are also handy for keeping receipts and instruction manuals for appliances, insurance, property tax bills, and any estimates or statements from contractors as you make improvements.

Also, remember to store digital copies of every important document on multiple backup hard drives and cloud storage services for extra security, or in case you lose them in a disaster. For even more security, choose a safe that is waterproof and fireproof.

13. Automate your thermostat

Smart home technology has come a long way in the last few years. Adding a few internet-connected devices can make your life more convenient and give you peace of mind when you’re away from home.

Wi-fi enabled or smart thermostats are a great way to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home without racking up huge bills. If you’re buying a new home, this is a cost-effective investment.

Smart thermostats are one of the few items you can buy for your home that eventually pay for themselves – our top pick for smart thermostats can save you a substantial amount on your energy bills every month.

14. Take control of your home

Speaking of smart home technology, you can travel with more peace of mind with the availability of home automation functions. Doors can be locked and unlocked remotely. Lights can be turned on and off without being home, to give the appearance of occupancy. Other features of smart home technology include garage door and window shade controls.

15. Take photos of valuable items

Moving your valuables is nerve-racking, but if you take proper precautions, you’ll make things easier for yourself. A good method of damage control is creating a valuables inventory and taking photos of each item. Valuables could be anything from an antique dresser to your 70-inch 4K TV.

By taking photos of these items, you have proof of their original condition if they are damaged during the move. No matter how careful your moving company is, accidents can happen, so moving insurance is worth looking into.

16. Use your home inspection report to plan future upgrades

Your home inspector should give you a comprehensive report indicating the condition of all the major systems and structural parts of your home. Most homes will have a few dozen items that need attention, and you can use this as a basis for a home improvement plan.

Make some lists: The stuff that’s relatively easy to accomplish — or critical — go on the short-term, right-away list. Make sure there are a few low-hanging-fruit projects on there to help you build momentum! The big plans might have to wait.

17. Install security cameras.

Just the appearance of these little security gems is often enough to deter would-be intruders and vandals. As part of a home security system, security cameras are considered essential in adding a stronger level of protection to your new investment. And more likely than not, your homeowners insurance company will offer you a discount on your annual premium. It’s a win/win!

18. Start a Home Journal.

This doesn’t need to be anything fancy – an inexpensive, spiral-bound notebook works! Take pictures of the interior of your home and add them to your journal. Then, as you make updates and improvements, you have a place to document what was accomplished; the names of contractors, suppliers, etc; and costs.

19. Emergency Services

Locate the nearest fire and police stations, hospital, pharmacy, and urgent care center. No need to add to your emergency by not knowing where to go!

20. Get the lay of the land…and the trees

Considering hiring a professional landscaper to inspect large trees and plantings. If your home is surrounded by majestic trees and plantings, it is important to know their health. Why? Because while a 30-foot oak tree looks healthy on the outside, it may be the home of a carpenter ant colony – which means a windstorm could bring it down right on top of your house or vehicle! Better to be proactive now than reactive later.

21. Check the windows

Check the functionality of your windows. Make sure they can open, and if possible, that they all have locks that work.

22. Childproofing

If children are part of your life, you may need to childproof your home. Anchor tall and heavy furniture to avoid tipping. Add safety covers to outlets. It may be necessary to put padding on the sharp edges of fireplace hearths, countertop corners and furniture. You may also need to add child locks to your appliances and cabinet doors.

23. Plug In

Make sure your appliances are connected. It takes at least three hours for refrigerators to cool to the appropriate temperature, even longer for freezers. If you have one, make sure your water and ice dispensers are working properly.

Make some lists: The stuff that’s relatively easy to accomplish — or critical — go on the short-term, right-away list. Make sure there are a few low-hanging-fruit projects on there to help you build momentum! The big plans might have to wait.

Doorbells that send phone notifications, door locks that can be opened with your phone, heating systems that learn your habits and adjust to it.

Science fiction is becoming reality as modern homeowners start to invest in high-tech systems to keep their houses comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient.

This has become evident with the rising popularity of “smart thermostats,” which automatically adjust the temperature of your house in accordance to your day-to-day life.

Like any electronic device that’s labeled as “smart,” a smart thermostat is more expensive than a regular thermostat. However, think of the smart thermostat as a small, but impactful, investment.

Smart thermostats have many features that make them vastly more efficient than your run-of-the-mill analog device, so you’re almost certain to make your money back down the road from lower energy bills.

What’s Wrong With My Regular Thermostat?

In terms of its price, there’s nothing wrong with a typical thermostat. The most affordable thermostats in the market are the ones that do nothing else but let you adjust the temperature at home.

Another benefit of an analog thermostat is that even though they can be a bit dated, they are made of simpler parts can be sturdier than the average smart thermostat.

But using an old thermostat will ensure that you’ll miss out on opportunities to save money and conserve electricity. Even if you tried your best to mimic the way a smart thermostat adjusts the temperature with an analog device, you’d have a tough time achieving the same effect.

The energy bill will still have to factor in human error, and you will still be letting go of up to hundreds of dollars in rebates.

How Do Smart Thermostats Reduce Your Expenses?

Besides keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, smart thermostats are made to help you conserve energy. Let us take a look at some of the features that help save money and energy.

Automatic temperature adjustment

Frequently and erratically changing the thermostat settings on an analog thermostat will seriously overload your HVAC appliances. They will go into overdrive just to combat the outside temperature and to keep you comfortable inside. This can make energy conservation especially difficult in the winter and during the summer.

A smart thermostat completely avoids that approach as it automatically adjusts and gradually changes the temperature inside your home. As the thermostat adjusts with a steady and incremental pace, your heating and cooling appliances will have time to adapt to a more comfortable temperature — a transition that requires less power overall.

Keeps track of energy consumption

With analog thermostats, you frequently have to guess what your energy bill will be. But with smart thermostats, that is not a problem.

Some smart thermostats use systems that keep track of your HVAC unit’s energy usage and compile it into a neat and easy-to-read report that it sends to your phone. Smart thermostats record the hours of cooling and heating your HVAC appliances have done for the month, and can even let you compare your results with other homes in the same state.

Get rebates for smart thermostats

Not only can smart thermostats cut a significant chunk off your energy bill, but also many utility companies offer rebates for residences that have smart thermostats.

In Massachusetts, for instance, you can save up to $125 on up to three smart thermostats depending on the manufacturer and your energy provider. Once you’ve installed your thermostat, submit your rebate online within 60 days with a receipt or invoice for the thermostat.

How much money can a smart thermostat help you save?

Smart home device companies like Nest have been surveying their consumers, and their reports show that the average smart thermostat can reduce heating costs by 10% and cooling costs by 15% in a residence. For an average household, that could mean around $130 in savings each year.

Want to see how much you can save with a smart thermostat? You can use Duke Energy’s Saving Calculator here.

What brands of smart thermostats are there?

The burgeoning market for smart home devices includes many brands that might not reach the standard your home deserves. Here are five brands you can rely on when it comes to smart thermostats.

Honeywell

Honeywell is a giant technological conglomerate that offers multiple products to a wide market. They offer engineering services, aerospace systems, security solutions, and smart home devices, to name a few of their services. With their collective accumulated information, it’s pretty safe to say that they can make high-quality smart thermostats.

Their smart thermostat shows off a bright, customizable, and beautiful screen, which makes it easy to read. The screen displays the indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and the humidity.

This thermostat is easily programmable and it also has a feature where it asks you to fill out a few questions so it can create a week-long thermostat schedule for the household. The thermostat can also adapt to the household’s habits to create optimal comfort.

This thermostat is a great smart home device for starters. It’s caught almost at the halfway point between analog thermostats and top-of-the-line thermostats. With its semi-traditional and straightforward display, it’s easier to understand than most smart thermostats. Honeywell’s thermostat can also be significantly cheaper than many other smart thermostats.

Sensi

Sensi is a brand dedicated to crafting smart thermostats under the manufacturing company Emerson Electric. Sensi carries Emerson’s vision of creating better solutions for its commercial, residential, and industrial consumers. Being under the wing of a long-standing company, Sensi’s thermostats might be just what your home needs.

Although it still classifies as a smart thermostat, Sensi’s product is compatible with many HVAC systems. Its display is similar to older thermostats, but don’t let that fool you. It is highly programmable and can be remotely controlled from its companion app.

This thermostat is great for families that live in older homes. It’s easy to install and can operate on a pair of batteries. If adaptive thermostats aren’t what you’re looking for, then this smart thermostat might be perfect for you.

Ecobee

Unlike most smart home device companies, Ecobee has its focus set entirely on smart thermostats. Ecobee company strives to make thermostats that are not just functional, but aesthetically striking as well. With Ecobee’s passion for their business and the environment, their thermostats have nowhere else to go but forward.

At the cutting edge of smart home devices, Ecobee’s thermostat is packed with high-tech features and designs. The thermostat itself is a touchscreen, putting seamless style at the forefront. The thermostat also comes with sensors you can put around the house.

These sensors track your behavior indoors and they help the thermostat automatically adjust the temperature of your home for maximum comfort. The thermostat also tracks your HVAC habits and can create monthly reports.

Ecobee’s thermostat is perfect for a household with at least one resident data and gadget enthusiast. The tracking feature lets you see how much power you’re using monthly, and can help you conserve energy.

If you’re the plug-and-play type of person, this thermostat is great for you, too! It learns from your thermostat adjusting habits so that eventually you may not need to touch the thermostat again at all.

Nest

When it comes to creating smart home devices, Nest is a forerunner for many. It’s a home automation organization founded by former Apple engineers and is a subsidiary of Google.

They are focused on creating home automation systems that are self-learning, programmable, and self-driven. Supported by innovative giants in the tech industry, thousands and thousands of people swear by Nest’s thermostat.

Nest doesn’t need a lot to achieve the efficient and comfortable temperature your household has been looking for. It simply learns from your programmed settings and adjustments. When given enough time, it can be the self-driving thermostat you never knew you needed.

You can remotely control it through its app, even when you’re away from home. It also sports a touchscreen dial on the display, joining the old with the new.

The Nest thermostat is great for families who have already found their forever homes. Its robust systems and software features make for a much more comfortable and hands-free experience.

Once installed, the thermostat—with its simple UI— can be easy to use for people who need more time to get acquainted with new technology. Like other thermostats, the Nest thermostat can also create reports to help you keep track of your power usage.

Conclusion

Besides keeping your family warm during the cold and cool during hot days, smart thermometers can also give peace of mind. Just by taking the basic features of an analog thermostat and giving you more control through the latest technology, smart thermostats can help you save money in the long run.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security recently stated that of all the fire-related fatalities that occurred in 2014, approximately 25 percent happened in homes without smoke alarms.

A startling 12 percent of the remaining fatalities occurred in homes equipped with smoke detectors that were not functional. These harrowing stats have led to the expansion and development of smoke detection laws and requirements in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts smoke detector law now requires all homeowners to install up-to-date smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that will alert residents to the presence of smoke, fire, or deadly gases. The newest regulations give Massachusetts residents clear instructions on when and how smoke detectors need to be assessed, maintained, and replaced. Homes of any age generally require one smoke detector on every habitable level of the home, and a smoke detector on the ceiling above each stairway. There are different rules and regulations for homes built before January 1, 1975, between 1975 and August 27, 1997, after August 27, 1997, and after January 1, 2008. Therefore, it is important to know when your home was built so you can be prepared for your homes’ unique requirements during and inspection.

Placing smoke detectors in the correct areas can make them more effective and prevent fires from becoming deadly. By tightening up the law, the state hopes to prevent and reduce smoke and fire-related fatalities altogether.

Knowing the most recent Massachusetts smoke detector law and understanding its regulations is essential to keeping your family and home safe in a fire or gas leak. Here is what you need to know to stay up-to-date with the detection laws for smoke detectors Massachusetts.

Why Are Smoke Detectors Important?

In the United States, approximately 2,000 people lose their lives in residential fires every year. According to National Fire Protection Association, almost 50 percent of home fires happen while the residents are asleep.

Without early detection, smoke and deadly gases begin to spread quickly and move faster than heat. In these cases, victims are likely to die from smoke or gas inhalation—not from actual burns. This is why effective and early detection is of the utmost importance. The majority of fire-related fatalities occur because families were asleep and unaware of the danger.

That’s why smoke alarms are an absolute necessity. These systems alert families, giving them adequate time to escape without being harmed. Properly installed and well-maintained smoke and carbon monoxide detector systems are now required by MA smoke detector law to ensure residents take their safety seriously.

If you live in or near Boston, MA, CT or RI, we can help bring your current smoke detectors up to Massachusetts law code and provide professional smoke alarm monitoring. This means that we can immediately dispatch the fire department to your home if your smoke detectors go off without your knowledge. We take home security in Boston seriously, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best protection from up-to-date technology that’s UL approved and NFPA 72 compliant.

Get Your Home Up To Massachusetts Code – Alarm New England →

The Two Main Types of Smoke Detectors

Today, there are two main types of smoke detection devices: photoelectric detectors and ionization detectors. According to the NFPA, it’s best to use both ionization and photoelectric detectors in your home for optimal protection.

The photoelectric smoke detector is more reliable and efficient, but many older homes have ionization detectors. It’s important to know the differences between these two types of smoke detectors so you know what’s best (and legally required) for your home protection. If you’re not sure about which type you need, contact an alarm company near you and ask and they may be able to assist.

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

As the more recent and advanced technology, photoelectric smoke detectors are becoming the popular choice for equipping your home with detector systems.

Photoelectric systems come with both a light source and a light sensor. Both are arranged so that the rays from the light source hit the light sensor, working in tandem. When a fire occurs, smoke particles cross the path of the light beam, leaving some of the light scattered, redirecting it to the sensor. This immediately activates the smoke detector, sounding an alarm to alert you and your family.

Experts state that this technology is undeniably the most efficient and effective on the market. Photoelectric smoke detectors have the ability to detect both smoldering (slow) fires, which are more likely to result in fatalities, as well as flaming (fast) fires.

Photoelectric detectors are also less sensitive to smoke from steam or cooking, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary false alarms.

Ionization Smoke Detectors

The slightly older technology of ionization systems has a small radioactive source used to charge the air inside the system. An air current crosses through the chamber, running between two electrodes to create a circuit. When smoke makes contact with the system, it blocks the air current, causing the alarm to trigger.

In comparison to photoelectric systems, ionization technology is able to detect flaming fires most efficiently and smoldering fires at a much slower rate. This may also lead to increasing false alarms as a result of cooking smoke or steam.

Change in Smoke Detection Laws in Massachusetts

In 2010, Massachusetts smoke detector laws shifted significantly. The previous smoke detector laws were only implemented when a transfer or sale of property took place. The new 2010 regulations were created to ensure that homes that didn’t change ownership didn’t fall through the cracks.

These laws are generally enforced when a property is being renovated or sold. Without a verified certificate of inspection, the house cannot be sold or legally change hands. But even if you’re not selling your house, you should update your smoke detection systems to meet the following requirements to ensure your home and family is safe.

Minimum Smoke Detector Requirements

The new regulation requires all owners of a residential building to install either photoelectric or combination detectors (which is both photoelectric and ionization). Additionally, any ionization detectors must be placed a minimum of 20 feet away from a kitchen or bathroom. Photoelectric systems, on the other hand, can be installed anywhere in your home.

Under the new law, all homeowners have to assess the fire prevention systems currently installed on their properties and have the option to install a combination system that possesses both photoelectric and ionization detectors or install two separate detectors.

These are the basic requirements homeowners must meet to receive a verified certificate of inspection from a local fire marshal:

1. All preventative fire systems are required to be photoelectric or combination

2. All systems must have sealed, non-replaceable 10-year batteries.

Recommended Requirements for Additional Protection

These are the optional recommendations for added protection.

1. Non-obligatory smoke systems are allowed to have replaceable batteries.

2. Non-obligatory smoke systems may be either photoelectric, ionization, or combination type.

Massachusetts Carbon Monoxide Detector Law

If you are considering selling your home in Massachusetts, you also need to ensure your home meets the state carbon monoxide detector law. This law is referred to as Nicole’s Law, named after 7-year-old Nicole Garofalo who died after a blocked heating vent resulted in carbon monoxide accumulating in her home.

The law states that when selling your home, it is mandatory to have a functional carbon monoxide detector installed.

Carbon monoxide detectors are a requirement for any home that has any of the following:

• Boiler
• Furnace
• Water heater
• Fireplace
• Any other appliance, apparatus, or device

This regulation states that there must be a detector on each completed level of the home placed within 10 feet of each bedroom door. In this case, detectors need not be hardwired, and battery-powered or plug-in options are usually popular.

According to Massachusetts’s law, the following carbon monoxide detectors are permitted:

• Plug-in with a battery backup
• Battery powered
• Hardwired
• Low voltage
• Wireless alarms
• Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

As per all smoke detector regulations, inspections can be done by MA local authorities, such as a fire marshal, who will then give you a verified certification upon successful completion. This certification is valid for two months, and you can’t sell your home without it.

It is thus imperative to understand how Massachusetts smoke and carbon monoxide laws work hand in hand. Without complying with both of these regulations, you will not be able to sell your home.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Smoke and CO Alarm Inspection

To ensure your home is ready for a smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm inspection, start by locating all the smoke and CO alarms throughout your residence and keeping a record of their locations. Next, research when your home was built and check for any recent building permits, as this information will help you understand the specific alarm requirements for your property. Carefully inspect each alarm, noting its age, whether it’s functioning correctly, and if it has expired or needs replacement. Finally, test all the alarms in your home to verify they are operating as intended. By following these steps – finding and documenting all alarms, understanding your home’s requirements, checking alarm ages and functionality, and testing each unit – you can confidently prepare for a successful smoke and CO alarm inspection.

When Should You Replace Fire Alarms?

Many residential fires occur in homes that have detector systems installed. There are many reasons why these systems may fail to work, including batteries not being changed, system failure from exceeding its shelf life, or removal of the system altogether.

It is for that reason that older homes are expected to have 10-year battery lives on their detector systems. If you are unsure of the lifespan of your system or whether the system has exceeded it, you can always check the date at the back of the alarm system panel.

If there is no date stamped on it, chances are the system has already exceeded its life span and does not qualify, meaning you will need to replace it immediately.

Massachusetts Legal Requirements for Replacing Alarm Systems

According to the Board of Fire Prevention regulations, the state fire code now requires that homes have smoke detector systems that are not expired.

When replacing your smoke detector system, these are the minimum Massachusetts smoke alarm requirements that you must follow (on top of the conventional manufacturer’s instructions):

• System must be photoelectric
• System must have an easily accessible silence button
• All alarms can either be solely photoelectric or combined with an ionization and carbon monoxide systems and technology. (It is important to be aware that carbon monoxide parts can fail well before 10 years and need to be checked regularly.)
• Alarms must be on every liveable level of the residence (including basements or attics)
• All additional battery-powered alarms that are older than 10 years must be replaced
• All alarm replacements must have 10-year sealed, non-rechargeable, and non-replaceable battery packs
• In homes that have two or more residents, detector systems should be installed in all common areas

Is Your Home Safe and Compliant With These Regulations?

These laws have been implemented in Massachusetts to avoid unnecessary fatalities that result from dysfunctional or badly installed smoke and carbon monoxide detector systems. All codes outline the compulsory minimum requirements for you and your family’s protection.

In many cases, simply following the minimum requirements is not enough—it’s safer to follow the recommended precautions as well. Going above and beyond the minimum requirements eliminates potential issues from causing harm to you or your family.

In some cases, you may want to find a private company to install and provide professional alarm monitoring services for your smoke alarms. Should a fire or carbon monoxide leak occur at any time, the system will notify the 24/7 monitoring center, who can then dispatch emergency services immediately if need be.

This keeps your home and family safer, especially if you’re asleep or away from your home. Contact Alarm New England today and we can help you update your smoke and CO alarms to meet current regulations and provide you and your family with the highest level of safety.

Resources

If you have questions about the most up-to-date local requirements for smoke alarms that we didn’t answer above, please contact the local fire marshal or the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Stephen D. Coan, State Fire Marshal
P.O. Box 1025 State Road
Stow, MA 01775
Tel: (978) 567-3111
Email: Stephen.Coan@state.ma.us

Timothee Rodrique, Director
Division of Fire Safety
Tel: 978-567-3301
Email: Timothee.Rodrique@state.ma.us

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Did you know that homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding? Flooding is a leading cause of damage to homes and it is not covered by traditional homeowner’s insurance.

If you want or need flood coverage, you need to pay for it separately. If your home is in a flood plain, you probably already know this because most mortgage lenders require flood insurance to be purchased on homes that lie within floodplains.

Besides carrying homeowner’s insurance to protect your wallet from flood damages, there are several things that you can do to help protect your home from flooding.

Preparation

As we mentioned above, if your home is located in a floodplain, you should already know that and have purchased flood insurance coverage as mandated by your lender. If you are not in a floodplain, you are not required to carry this additional coverage.

Regardless of whether you have flood insurance or not, there are several things that you can do to help minimize the risk of flooding and the ensuing damage.

One of the first things that you should consider doing, especially if you live in a high-risk flood area, is to put together an emergency kit that is ready to grab and go in the event of a flood. Additionally, you will want to have an evacuation plan for you and your family.

Your emergency kit should include:

• Extra clothing for you and your family
• Insurance policy numbers as well as contact information for your adjuster
• Toiletries
• Enough cash to get you through a few days

You will also want to have an evacuation plan mapped out in the case of emergency. Plan on where you will go, who you will stay with, etc.

Flood Proofing your Home

Besides being prepared in the event of an evacuation, there are several things you can do to physically protect your home from flooding.

• Seal up any cracks in your foundation. You can purchase some very affordable mortar or masonry caulk which can be used to fill in any gaps in the foundation completely. However, if water seeping into your home is a continuous problem, you may want to look for a more permanent fix.
• Apply coatings and sealants. You can apply a sealant to your walls, windows, doorways and foundation that will help keep water from penetrating your home. These sealants can be purchased at most home retailers or hardware stores.
• Buy a battery-powered sump pump. Sump pumps are a great way to prevent flooding in your home. They work by pumping the water out to the outside and most run on electricity. This is a great solution until there is a power outage, therefore, it is best to buy one that runs on battery power (and be sure to keep it charged up!)
• Relocate your expensive or sentimental items to higher ground. If you have a multiple story home and flood waters are coming, moving your valuables to the second of third floor will help to protect them if damaging flood waters are able to breach your first floor.
• Install a flood sensor. Most home security systems offer flood sensors as add-on equipment. These devices detect small leaks before they can cause significant damage, saving you potentially thousands of dollars.
• Have sewer or septic line check valves installed. These allow waste to be able to flow only one way which protects against sewage flooding your home. You can have a professional install these or go the DIY route.
• Keep your electrical outlets and switches raised. All electrical equipment should be at least one foot above flood level to help reduce the risk of electrical damage.
• Have your lawn graded away from your home. If your lawn is tilted towards your house, this allows rain water to pool there and have a better chance of seeping in. If you are unsure of how to grade your lawn, hire a professional.

In addition to these tips, you should also make sure that appliances in your home are raised above the flood level as well. Water heaters, washing machines, air conditioners, etc. should all be raised above flood level, especially if they are in your basement. This can be as simple as putting your appliances up on cinder blocks to keep them off ground level.

How to Minimize Damage from Flooding

Sometimes, no matter how prepared your home is, flooding is imminent. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to help minimize the damage.

• Be sure that your gutters and drains are clear to allow water to run freely through them
• Utilize sand bags to block any gaps that could lead to flooding
• If flood water rises enough where it is close to reaching your electric panel, shut it off to prevent electrical damage
• Open up windows and door (if it is not raining) to allow air to circulate through your home and dry things out
• Make sure your sump pump is turned on and in good running condition
• Take photos and videos of any flooding in your home to show to your insurance adjuster, assuming you have flood insurance coverage.

When More Serious Measures are Needed

If your home is flooding frequently and you are finding yourself having to constantly pay for maintenance, consider investing in home renovations to fix the root of the problem.

A professional contractor should be able to come to your home and assess your home’s issues and determine the best ways to protect it from flooding. As long as you are prepared, you can take care of flooding issues before they get out of hand.