I've been enthralled with the Nest Thermostat since its debut but have had no reason for one since our heater is the sole provider in my central air system. I've been actively looking for excuses to purchase one and yes, that does include installing a full-blown system replacing our 32-year-old furnace and installing air conditioning. Money isn't quite there yet so that option will have to wait but that brings me to the first exciting Nest product that I can purchase: The Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector. I posted about its debut a few days ago but I've since had many deep thoughts leading me to preorder three devices.  Use the video below to get re-acquainted. http://youtu.be/QXp-LYBXwfo

From researching online and looking up various building codes, I've come to the conclusion that I do not need to have my system hard-wired (being built pre 1992 with no major reconstruction and upgrades since the original construction) and that I'm okay with how my current two detectors upstairs system works. Both are mounted in the main hallway immediately outside of the sleeping quarters.  I would love to go all the way and install one in each bedroom, but once again, that's quite a huge increase in expense.  I want to say that my current smoke detectors are hard-wired but since the Protect has the ability to connect via WiFi, crosstalk and monitor each other, I would love to make sure that I have the power to provide to these little guys.  There are a few limitations to having the battery-powered versions, but nothing that subtracts from the feature set.

The third Nest Protect is to accommodate a new installation downstairs for the family room primarily for CO leaks coming from the garage area.  Once again, at $129 a piece, it's no easy decision.  What makes it more palatable is the fact that it's primarily for my daughter and future kids. Knowing that this system is that much better that every current product out on the market, my family not only deserves the best but it'll provide me the peace of knowing that they are taken care of when I'm out away on a trip.

For some current laws, I've posted them below for your viewing and educational pleasure. You can also reference the California Registry website which provides more details into all the various building codes.

1) New Construction If the house has undergone any major additions, renovations, or repairs since August 14, 1992 that exceeds $1,000 in cost and for which a permit is required, a smoke detector must be installed in each bedroom in addition to being centrally located in the corridor or area outside the bedroom. In newly constructed areas, the smoke detector must be hardwired with a battery backup. (California Building Code § 907.2.10.5.2.)

2) Wiring or Batteries For homes built before 1992, smoke detectors may be battery operated. Newer homes or homes that have undergone major construction require hardwired smoke detectors with a battery backup, as stated in the California Building Code.

3) Sleeping Areas In homes built before 1992, smoke detectors must be centrally located outside each sleeping area. Depending on the floor plan, one or several smoke detectors may be needed. For instance, a two-story house with bedrooms upstairs and downstairs will need two smoke detectors, one centrally located outside each area. On the other hand, a two-story house with bedrooms on the second floor will need only one smoke detector if the bedrooms are all in the same area. If the home was built after 1992 or has undergone major repairs or construction, the California Building Code requires the installation of smoke detectors in each bedroom, and in each corridor or hallway near each sleeping area.

I do wish that Nest would provide an estimated shipping date. I'll of course gladly take a sample unit too to review =)