Nest Protect Discontinuation: What It Means for Your Home Safety in SLO & Santa Maria

Nest Protect Discontinuation: What It Means for Your Home Safety in SLO & Santa Maria

At Elect Electric, we’ve always been committed to keeping your San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria homes safe with the best electrical solutions. Many of our clients have raved about the Nest Protect smoke detector, particularly its pathway light feature—a handy motion-activated glow that lights your way in the dark, doubling as a nightlight while ensuring safety. However, recent news has brought a significant change: Google has discontinued the Nest Protect after over a decade on the market. Don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through this transition, including how First Alert is stepping in with a replacement and what it means for your home safety moving forward.

Why Nest Protect Is Being Discontinued

Nest Protect Discontinuation - Google announced on March 28, 2025, that it has ceased production of the 2nd-generation Nest Protect, a smart smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector launched in 2015. The decision aligns with Google’s shift toward partnering with third-party manufacturers to enhance its smart home ecosystem. While the Nest Protect will continue to function (with security updates and support through its 10-year lifespan), no new units will be produced. This means that as existing stock runs out, users will need to look for alternatives when their devices expire—typically 10 years from the manufacture date, so some units may already be nearing their end.

First Alert Steps In with a Smart Replacement

To fill the gap, Google has partnered with First Alert, a trusted name in fire safety, to launch the First Alert Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Priced at $129, this new detector integrates seamlessly with the Google Home app and even interconnects with existing Nest Protect units, ensuring a unified safety system. Here’s what you need to know about the First Alert replacement:

• Similar Features to Nest Protect: It offers advanced sensing with Precision Detection technology, early voice and app alerts, and the ability to silence accidental alarms via the First Alert or Google Home app—features that made Nest Protect a favorite.

• Compatibility: The First Alert alarm connects with your current Nest Protect devices, so all alarms will sound together if one detects danger, maintaining comprehensive coverage.

• Availability: It’s available for pre-order now and will soon be sold at the Google Store and other retailers in the US and Canada.

Unfortunately, the First Alert model does not appear to include the beloved pathway light feature, which was a standout for Nest Protect users. This might be a drawback for some, but the new alarm’s focus on modern safety features—like improved detection for fast-burning fires in today’s open-plan homes—makes it a strong contender.

How SLO & Santa Maria Clients Can Move Forward

For our clients in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Maria, here’s how to navigate this change and ensure your home remains protected:

1. Check Your Nest Protect’s Expiration Date: Each unit has a 10-year lifespan from its manufacture date (check the back of the device). If yours is nearing expiration, consider replacing it with the First Alert Smart Smoke & CO Alarm to maintain smart home integration.

   
   

2. Extend Coverage with First Alert: If you want to add more detectors to your home, the First Alert alarm is a seamless addition. It works with your existing Nest Protect units and the Google Home app, ensuring all alarms alert you together—whether you’re at home or away.

   
   

3. Book a Virtual Project Planning Session with Us: Not sure how many detectors you need or where to place them? Schedule a free Virtual Project Planning meeting with Elect Electric (for SLO and Santa Maria residents). We’ll provide an approximate cost estimate and layout plan via Zoom—no on-site visit needed! For non-locals, we offer paid virtual service calls ($75–$300) to assist nationwide.

   
   

4. Consider Professional Installation: While the First Alert alarm is designed for easy installation, improper placement can reduce effectiveness. As your local C-10 licensed electrician, we can install and test your new detectors to comply with safety standards like UL 217 and UL 2034, ensuring maximum protection.

   
   

5. Stay Informed with First Alert Support: Existing Nest Protect units will continue receiving support, but as you transition to First Alert, you can manage alerts and settings through both the First Alert app and Google Home app, keeping your safety system cohesive.

   
   

What We Think About This Change

While it’s disappointing to see the Nest Protect—and its pathway light—discontinued, we’re optimistic about First Alert’s replacement. The new alarm’s advanced detection technology and compatibility with Google Home make it a worthy successor, especially for modern homes in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria, where open floor plans are common. However, we hope First Alert considers adding a pathway light feature in future models, as it was a practical and beloved aspect of the Nest Protect for many of our clients.

Let Elect Electric Help You Stay Safe

At Elect Electric, we’re here to support you through this transition. Whether you need advice on replacing your Nest Protect, planning a new safety system, or installing First Alert detectors, our team is just a call or click away. Contact us at 805-438-4357 for same-day scheduling (with a payment link) or book online 24+ hours in advance. Let’s keep your home safe, efficient, and worry-free!

About the Authors:

This blog post was originally written by Grok 2 and/or ChatGPT prompted by Daniel Ehinger, an experienced electrician dedicated to promoting electrical safety and best practices. The content was edited and enhanced by Daniel Ehinger, who provided valuable insights and improvements to ensure accuracy, clarity and readability.