How to Test Air Quality in the Home

The quality of the air you breathe can contribute to health problems like asthma and allergies. And it’s not just outdoor air quality that exposes us to pollutants. The World Health Organization (WHO) says 9 out of 10 people worldwide regularly breathe polluted air. And as many as 93% of children under 18 are living in environments with pollution concentrations that exceed WHO safe air quality guidelines.¹

You can’t always control the pollution outside, but you can ensure better health for your family by improving indoor air quality. That starts by identifying levels of indoor contaminants and finding ways to restore good air.

Take the following steps to create a healthier indoor environment where your whole family breathes a little easier.

1. Purchase an indoor air quality monitor.
2. Evaluate health symptoms.
3. Monitor carbon monoxide and radon levels. 
4. Get an air purifier.
5. Call an air quality professional.

Purchase an Indoor Air Quality Monitor

If you’re experiencing symptoms you suspect are related to indoor air quality, getting an air quality monitor is an inexpensive way to pinpoint the problem. By monitoring levels of indoor air pollution, you can take steps to get fresh air back into your home, and hopefully, a little peace of mind with it.

Which contaminants or pollutants should an air quality monitor measure?

Look for air quality sensors that provide the following air quality measurements.

• Humidity: Indicates potential for mold growth.
• Temperature
• VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds): These are chemical pollutants identified by the EPA as potential sources of indoor air quality problems and come from building materials, carpeting, etc. ²
• Levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5): This is the level of dust and other allergens present in the air.
• AQI (Air Quality Index): A measurement of air quality the EPA uses to determine the risk of health problems associated with indoor and outdoor pollution.³

Some air quality monitors provide additional information like outdoor air quality and levels of carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. However, the factors listed above are the most critical measurements for an air quality monitoring station to capture.

Ecowitt WH0290 Air Quality Monitor Meter

If you want a basic readout on your indoor air quality, Ecowitt is a straightforward IAQ monitor with sensors that focus on particulate matter (PM 2.5).

We Like

• Tracks AQI as 6-levels
• Easy to use and read

We Don't Like

• No air quality app

View on Amazon

In our quest to identify the best indoor air quality monitors for your home, SafeWise tested the Ecowitt WHO290 over a period of 30 days. While it did require a charging period, we found the Ecowitt easy to set up and straightforward to use. 

Our air quality testing involved monitoring a basement that had recently been exposed to construction dust and mold. Initial readouts confirmed higher levels of particulate matter that alerted the homeowner to keep kids and pets out of the basement until concentrations fell to safer levels. After about two weeks, Ecowitt’s WHP290 signaled the all clear as the particulate matter fell back to single digits.

While this air quality monitor didn’t offer a lot of sophisticated data and readouts, it did save hundreds of dollars in professional testing and helped avoid exposure to particulate matter for family members with asthma and other health concerns.

Evaluate Health Symptoms

Once you’ve gotten a readout on your baseline air quality, it may be helpful to track health symptoms for a few weeks. Try to see if you can align them to a particular area or a specific time of day. For instance, if you experience congestion and a headache only while at the office, your home air quality may not be the culprit.

The kinds of symptoms you’re experiencing may also provide clues about the source of the problem. Nausea and confusion track more closely to symptoms of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the home. A scratchy throat or watery eyes are more often signs of an allergic reaction to potential pollutants.

Pro-Tip

While it can be helpful to evaluate your symptoms when identifying problems with air quality, an air quality detector is never a substitution for medical advice. You should always consult with your doctor first to determine the best course of action for the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Monitor Carbon Monoxide and Radon Levels

Two of the most dangerous substances that can affect indoor air quality are carbon monoxide and radon. Carbon monoxide, often referred to as “the silent killer,” is an odorless, colorless gas that can build to dangerous levels in poorly ventilated areas.⁵ Because of the danger to pets, the elderly, and children, we recommend carbon monoxide monitoring on all levels of the home. Review our recommendations for the best carbon monoxide detectors to determine which one is the right fit for your family.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says long-term exposure to radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.⁴ If radon levels are detected in your home, you should seek out professional help immediately.

Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor with Radon Detection

Want an indoor air quality IAQ monitor that does it all? Airthings combines all the measurements you’d expect in an air quality meter with the bonus of testing for the presence of radon in real-time.

We Like

• App tracks air quality over time
• Winner of Smart Home 2018, CES Innovation Award

We Don't Like

• Expensive

View on Amazon

Get an Air Purifier

Once you’ve identified potential air quality problems in your home, an air purifier may be able to address some of your concerns. Air purifiers help asthma and allergy sufferers by removing particulate matter from the air. 

Air purifiers clean the air with two methods. One is to release negatively charged ions, which makes pollutants stick to surrounding surfaces. The other method is to use HEPA filters to screen and collect particulates from the air. 

Some air purifiers promise to do fantastic things that are backed by dubious scientific-sounding terms. To avoid getting duped by fancy-sounding jargon, check out our guide to the best air purifiers for devices that make a difference in home air quality.

Awair Glow C Air Quality Monitor + Smart Plug

This air quality monitor from Awair goes a step beyond with a smart plug that can automatically turn on a device like an air purifier when air quality reaches critical levels.

We Like

• Tracks VOCs
• Doubles as a nightlight

We Don't Like

• Doesn't track particulates

View on Amazon

Call an Air Quality Professional

If you notice indoor air quality problems, you may scurry to do a few common sense things like duct cleaning and installing carbon monoxide detectors. But some indoor air quality problems, like the presence of mold or radon, can be more elusive and require professional help. 

If you’ve recently remodeled, opened up walls to repair plumbing, or discovered mold growing in your home, your indoor air quality may be suffering. According to the United States Indoor Product Safety Commission, these are the most common complaints associated with indoor air quality problems:⁶

• Eyes, nose, or throat irritation
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever are also related to long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants. If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention and consider professional testing to identify potential sources of indoor air pollution.

Best Air Quality Monitors

Product Name

Price

Humidity & Temperature

VOC Monitoring

PM Levels

AQI ( Air Quality Index)

Outdoor Air Pollution

Radon Detection

Carbon Dioxide

Learn More

Best for Value	Best for Radon Detection	Best for Smarthome Integration
Ecowitt WH0290	Airthings Wave Plus	Awair Glow C
$69.99	$231.43	$89.99
✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
X No	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
✓ Yes	X No	X No
✓ Yes	✓ Yes	X No
X No	X No	X No
X No	✓ Yes	X No
X No	✓ Yes	X No
View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

Data effective 11/19/2019. Offers and availability subject to change.

FAQs

What else can I do to provide better air quality for my family?

One hedge against poor air quality’s health risks is to live in an area with relatively clean air. The American Lung Association’s State of the Air report found that 4 out of 10 Americans live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particulate pollution.⁷ Check out our guide to cities with the best air quality if you’re considering moving to improve the quality of the air you breathe.

 

Can I trust a monitor to check air quality in my home and give accurate readouts?

When installed and used according to guidelines, air quality sensors in monitoring stations can give you a good baseline on pollutant or contaminant levels in your home. However, if you detect dangerous substances like radon or carbon monoxide, consult a professional to learn more about improving the indoor air quality in your home.

 

What’s the difference between sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide?

Many air quality monitors can create confusion by bragging about tracking various substances that may or may not be useful in diagnosing air quality problems. 

• Sulfur dioxide (sometimes misspelled as sulphur dioxide) is primarily released from fossil fuel combustion and usually is not a factor in indoor air pollution.

• Nitrous oxides are also typically released as a result of emissions from vehicles and power plants and aren’t a significant contributor to indoor air problems.

• Carbon dioxide can rise to unsafe levels in indoor environments but is a natural byproduct of human metabolism.
• Carbon monoxide is found in the exhaust from engines, generators, fireplaces, and even furnaces. It can build to dangerous levels in closed spaces. 

For indoor air quality, the two most essential substances to track are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Related Pages on SafeWise

• The Best Air Purifiers
• 5 Cities with the Best Air Quality in the US
• Ask These 9 Questions Before Hiring An Air Duct Cleaner
• Increase Home Safety With These Top Radon Detectors

 

Sources:

1. World Health Organization, “9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air, but more countries are taking action,” “How air pollution is destroying our health.”
2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality.”
3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Indoor Air Quality “Introduction to Indoor Air Quality.”
4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Radon, “Health Risks of Radon.”
5. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. “Frequently Asked Questions.”
6. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.”
7. American Lung Association, “State of the Air, 2019.”

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Vivint Smart Home Security Review

Overall Rating

4.6/5

• No-contract options
• Advanced smart home tech
• Customized security solutions

View Packages

Compare Prices

Last Updated: A day ago

DEAL ALERT! Check out our Black Friday Deals Page to see the latest holiday sales from Vivint and our other top home security system brands.

How Vivint Home Security Stacks Up

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📞 855-374-4999

Vivint is a slam dunk for people looking to protect their home and enjoy the latest smart home tech. No other security company does a better job of marrying the convenience of smart home automation with the reassurance of 24/7 professional monitoring.

Plus, if you can afford to buy your equipment up front, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in a long contract. But Vivint’s equipment is on the pricey side, and every system requires professional installation.

Compare Vivint Pricing

Package

Photo

Link

Monthly Fee

Smart Features

Contract Length

Smart Security Monitoring	Smart Home Monitoring	Smart Home Video Monitoring
View Plan	View Plan	View Plan
$29.99	$39.99	Starts at $44.99
Sky app	Sky app Smart door lock Smart thermostat	Sky app Smart door lock Smart thermostat Doorbell camera Live video streaming
42 or 60 mo. None with up-front equipment purchase	42 or 60 mo. None with up-front equipment purchase	42 or 60 mo. None with up-front equipment purchase

Data effective 11/27/2019. Offers and availability subject to change.

All Vivint smart home and security packages come with

• Cellular monitoring connection
• Professional installation
• Installation fee ($49–$199)
• 120-day warranty

Vivint vs. the Competition

Brand

Lowest Monthly Monitoring Price

Contract Options

Installation

Smart Home Compatibility

Learn More

Vivint	ADT	Frontpoint	SimpliSafe
$29.99	$27.99	$44.99	$14.99
Monthly Available	Required	Monthly only	Monthly only
Professional	Professional	DIY	DIY
Full	Moderate	Moderate	Limited
View Plans	View Plans	View Plans	View Plans

Data effective 11/27/2019. Offers and availability subject to change.

Pros

• À la carte customization
• Abundant smart home offerings
• Portable, wireless equipment
• Cellular connection
• Month-to-month contract option
• High-end, proprietary equipment

Cons

• Expensive up-front cost
• Lingering customer service woes
• Limited integration with third-party smart home devices

Vivint’s going to cost you more—that’s a fact. But you get what you pay for, and Vivint is one of the only home security companies that does security the way they think it should be done.

Instead of offering the same white-label equipment and cookie-cutter app that many other companies do, Vivint has made its own. This is a big reason why we think the company’s higher prices are worth it.

And the addition of a no-contract option for professional monitoring shows insight and adaptability to the demands of home security customers.

Payment and Contract Options

Vivint offers two payment options. You can choose Vivint Flex Pay and finance the cost of equipment (which will be on top of your monthly monitoring fee), or you can pay for your equipment up front and pick up monitoring on a month-to-month basis. If you go the contract route, you’re looking at a commitment of 42 or 60 months (that’s five years!).

If you pick the no-contract option, the up-front equipment cost can run you upwards of $1,000 to outfit your home with the basics. That’s a lot of sticker shock, especially when you look at DIY security companies like SimpliSafe that offer basic equipment packages starting under $300.

Pricing Summary

Vivint isn’t going to be a cheap home security option, and we think that’s okay. It’s more of a luxury brand, along with ADT, that offers you a different home security experience—it’s perfect if you have a larger home or want complete customization.

For homes with multiple points of entry or busy households with lots of people going in and out the extra security proved by smart locks and alerts made a lot of sense. Not to mention the energy savings from a smart thermostat that helps compensate for doors with a never ending stream of traffic that sucks the life out of climate control systems.

Vivint Tech and Equipment

Rather than employing a third-party distributor, Vivint designs most of its own equipment. All devices function using Z-Wave and are wireless (including cameras and smart thermostats), which makes the equipment transportable.

Equipment That Moves with You

That means you can take your Vivint Smart Home equipment with you if you move. Or you can reconfigure your sensors without leaving giant craters in the walls.

Not all home security systems that are as comprehensive and high-tech as Vivint are that easy to move—with ADT you usually have to leave all of your equipment behind and start over if you change your address. And because you own your Vivint equipment, you only pay for it once, which makes a big difference over the lifetime of your security system.

Cellular Connection

Vivint home security is 100% cellular, which is one of the most effective and secure connections for any security system. But without a Wi-Fi or landline backup (like Protect America or SimpliSafe), the cellular connection limits availability if you live in a rural area or somewhere else with little to no cell service.

Professional Installation

Another caveat is the company’s insistence on professional installation. This ensures that your system is set up properly, but if you prefer a DIY solution like Frontpoint, this might make Vivint a less appealing option.

Vivint Smart Home Equipment

Vivint Ping Indoor Camera

Doorbell Camera

Automatic Door Lock

Door and Window Sensor

Vivint Sky Control Panel

Vivint Element Thermostat

Key Fob

Carbon Monoxide

Vivint Tech and Equipment Standouts

SkyControl Panel and NEW! Smart Home Panel

On the whole, Vivint’s control panel offerings are more advanced and user-friendly than what you find from other home security companies.

For years, Vivint has been a standout with its innovative Vivint SkyControl Panel that was the first to offer built-in two-way voice communication. And now Vivint is making smart home and security history again with its new Smart Home Panel that will act as a smart home hub and can support up to six security cameras.

The coolest part is that Vivint has solved the problem of multiple cameras bogging down your home Wi-Fi connection. Because security cameras use Wi-Fi to stream live video, the more cameras you have, the slower your Wi-Fi gets.

But the new Vivint Smart Home Panel has technology that lets you set up all the cameras you need to keep an eye on your home without eating up all your bandwidth.

Vivint is currently phasing out the SkyControl Panel and will soon be offering the Smart Home Panel exclusively.

Sky Mobile App

The Vivint Sky app is an easy way to keep tabs on your home 24/7 no matter where you are. You can check the live video feed from your home’s security cameras or remotely arm and disarm the alarm system from your phone.

The app is comparable to the navigation you’ll find on the control panel, which makes flip-flopping between the two a bit easier. Plus, you get a live feed of all video cameras in your home.

To find out more about how Vivint’s app stacks up, read our review.

Vivint Smart Home Features

We’ve said it before (and now we’re going to say it again!)—but you won’t find a security system with more smarts than Vivint. From security cameras and smart thermostats to automatic door locks, Vivint has a variety of home automation devices to choose from.

Proprietary products (which make up the bulk of Vivint’s offerings) like the Ping Camera come with upgraded features like two-way voice and motion-sensing capabilities.

Vivint Smart Home Keeps Households Connected

For busy families, Vivint’s smart home capabilities can do everything from increasing face time after school (thanks to Vivint’s interactive smart cameras), to cutting down on wasted electricity with a smart thermostat that can be programmed to routines or adjusted remotely via the Vivint Sky app.

No matter how busy you are, Vivint’s forward-thinking smart home tech gives you the ability to manage (and protect) your home from anywhere and at any time. Because Vivint has integrated smart home with home security, all the different pieces work together—without having to buy different devices from a multitude of companies (and crossing your fingers that they’ll work together).

Here’s a rundown of the smart home perks that make Vivint stand out in the field of home security and home automation.

• Watch and listen from anywhere. Vivint’s Ping Indoor Camera and the Vivint Doorbell Camera both use motion detection, two-way communication, night vision, and instant alerts to keep you in the know both inside and outside your home.
• Keep things locked up tight. With smart locks, you can control access to your home even if you’re across town (or at the beach). Whether you have kids coming home after school or need to let in the pet sitter, you can skip making copies of keys thanks to easy keyless entry.
• Save money and cut down on waste. The Element Smart Thermostat can help you save money every month. The thermostat learns your habits and adapts to your needs. If you usually turn up the heat before settling in to binge on your latest Netflix obsession, this thermostat might click on before you can grab a blankie.
• Never leave the garage door open again. Vivint’s Garage Door Controller lets you know if you drove away without putting the door down—and you don’t have to turn around to go home and close it. You can use remote control to close the garage door from the gym, the grocery store, or your office.

Vivint Smart Home Compatibility

Surprisingly, Vivint has limited compatibility with third-party brands, but they make up for it with their full suite of proprietary smart home products.

The downside is if you’ve already started down the smart home path you might be disappointed to find out you need to buy duplicate items because the Vivint system isn’t compatible with what you’ve already got.

On a broad scale, Vivint is currently compatible with only Google Nest and Amazon Echo.

Smart Home Feature

Voice Control

Climate Control

Lighting Control

Smart Home Hub

Keyless Entry

Vivint Equipment	Third-Party Compatibility
N/A	Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Vivint Element Smart Thermostat	Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Lamp Module	Z-Wave devices
Vivint Sky Control Panel Smart Home Panel	Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Nest
Vivint Smart Locks Vivint Doorbell Camera	Amazon Alexa, Google Home

Vivint Customer Service

This used to be one of Vivint’s weaker points. The company got off to a bumpy start when it first hit the home security scene, but it’s made big strides in this area over the past few years.

Vivint told us that customer feedback is a top priority and the company works hard to implement recommended changes. Those efforts seem to be paying off in accolades and higher ratings from both third-party sources and Vivint customers.

• J.D. Power 2018 ranking: third highest for customer satisfaction¹
• Trustpilot rating: 4 stars out of 5, Great
• Vivint Smart Home app on Google Play: 4.6 stars out of 5
• Vivint Smart Home app on Apple App Store: 4.6 stars out of 5

*Ratings as of August 2019

It’s nice to see customers rating their satisfaction higher, but Vivint doesn’t have a lot of customer-first policies. It doesn’t offer a trial period, and although you can get out of a long contract if you buy your equipment outright, Vivint’s contract terms are strict.

Unlike most other home security companies that require a 36-month contract, Vivint’s contracts range from 42 to 60 months—that’s five years.

And its pricing is confusing. Vivint advertises a starting monthly monitoring fee of $29.99, but the fine print says there’s a required minimum service contract of $49.99 per month. It looks like the lowest monitoring price is only for those who purchase equipment up front.

It’s confusing information like this that leads to people feeling misled and can result in the type of customer dissatisfaction that’s hounded Vivint over the years.

Vivint Installation

We hope you want professional installation, because it’s your only choice with Vivint Smart Home. But we think that’s a good thing, especially when you’re dealing with this level of home security technology and smart home integration.

We like that you get to see exactly what’s happening, and the added perk of a personal training session on how to operate your new home security system is a valuable bonus.

Timing

The biggest downside of pro installation is the time commitment—and if you work full time that could mean using up precious PTO hours. Vivint doesn’t have the best track record for quick installs, either.

Depending on where you live, you could wait up to a week to get your system installed. That’s a long time for people who are eager to have their home and property protected after a break-in or buying a new house.

Installation Costs

Another drawback is the installation fee. Vivint’s installation fees run from $49 up to $199. That isn’t the steepest in the industry, but it’s still an extra cost you have to plan for.

Vivint’s In-Home Security Consultation

As part of its top-tier offerings, Vivint is one of just a few companies that provides a complimentary security consultation. A Vivint security technician conducts an assessment that identifies security risks and offers solutions.

The consultation ensures you have all the equipment you need to protect your home. And it makes sure that equipment (like window, door, and motion sensors) is installed in the right location to maximize your home’s security.

The assessment takes place in tandem with your professional installation. The plus side is that you can add equipment you overlooked or eliminate extras you don’t really need. But the biggest drawback is that this opportunity for positive customer interaction can come across as salesy, which makes it hard for some customers to trust the recommendations.

Other Home Security Options

If you’re still wondering if Vivint is the right choice to protect your home, here are some more options to consider. We can help you dig deeper into how Vivint compares to other top security brands—we already pitted them against one another.

• Frontpoint vs. Vivint Security
• ADT vs. Vivint Security

Vivint FAQs

Does Vivint have a money-back guarantee?

No—unlike many of its competitors, Vivint does not have a money-back guarantee. To find out more, visit our page devoted to FAQs about Vivint.

Does Vivint have an equipment warranty?

Yes. Vivint has a 120-day warranty for its proprietary equipment, which includes its smoke detector, doorbell camera, motion detector, and outdoor camera. But Vivint will repair or replace equipment after the warranty period for a service charge (around $45).

And you can elect a Premium Service Plan, which extends the warranty for as long as you’re using Vivint to protect your home. If you purchase a third-party device that works with your Vivint system (like a Google Nest thermostat), the brand’s warranty will apply.

Does Vivint have an activation fee?

There isn’t an activation fee, but you will be charged an installation fee that ranges from $49 to $199.

Does Vivint have cloud storage?

Yes—it’s called Vivint Smart Drive. This convenient service, once known as Space Monkey, provides secure storage much like an external hard drive. It allows you to stream and seamlessly upload all security camera clips with little to no effort. So you can forget about losing any important security recordings or even family photos once a device has kicked the bucket.

Is Vivint’s mobile app easy to use?

Yes. According to customer reviews, the Vivint smart home app is very user friendly and offers an intuitive feel. Both iOS and Android users rate the app high, which isn’t always the case.

Is Vivint’s tech compatible with Nest or Amazon Echo?

Yes. Vivint is compatible with both Nest and Amazon Echo products.

Do Vivint’s home security plans come with yard signs?

Yes. But be aware that the sign is smaller than Vivint’s competitors’ signage. We recommend using a solar or battery-powered light to keep the sign visible at night as well as during the day.

Does Vivint have a smart garage door opener?

Yes. This is another security feature you can tack onto your alarm monitoring plan. Smart garage door openers can increase your home’s value and safeguard your valuables from thieves.

Can I control lights remotely with Vivint?

Yes—again, one of the company’s strongest selling points is the home automation capabilities.

Can I cancel my plan at any time?

If you choose to pay Vivint up front for the entire cost of your equipment, you’re automatically eligible for Vivint’s month-to-month contract and professional alarm monitoring. With this plan, you can cancel at any point in time. But if you don’t buy the equipment outright, you’re locked into a contract that could last up to five years.

Is Vivint also a solar energy company?

Yes. Vivint is the second-largest solar installer in the US. The company is committed to offering energy-saving solutions to homeowners through both solar energy and smart home options.

Conclusion

Vivint lets you take the wheel when it comes to putting together the right security system for your needs. Everything is 100% customizable, and you won’t find a smarter home security solution. But Vivint’s high-end equipment comes at a price and requires the expertise of professional installers.

Thankfully, the company has brought its monthly monitoring fees in line with industry standards, so you’re not going to pay much more for 24/7 protection from Vivint. Even so, DIYers and budget-constrained folks may want to look elsewhere for the right home security solution.

Sources:

1. J.D. Power, “Smart Home Features Emerge as Key Opportunity to Drive Customer Satisfaction with Home Security Systems“

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About SafeWise

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We think that home—and the people (and pets) we share it with—is what really matters. Protecting the “where” and “who” in our lives gives us more time to enjoy it all. That’s why we set out to demystify home safety and security.

At SafeWise, we devote hours, days, weeks (and even months) to researching security solutions. We test and compare home security companies, home safety products, and home automation gizmos so we can help you find the right protection for your “where” and “who.”

What We Do

Our goal is to figure out how things work, how well they work, and whether or not they’re worth your money. Then we tell you what we found.

And we like to have fun. That’s why we share other useful things we discover that can make your life safer, easier, or more convenient. But our goals to live safe and buy smart are at the core of everything we do.

How We Do It

We’re constantly on the lookout for solutions to everyday home security and safety needs. When we find a tool, tip, product, or another resource that can make your life better (and safer) we learn everything we can before recommending it to you.

We do more than conduct research—we get our hands on every gadget we can to find out how well it does the job. Then we let you know the good, the bad, and the ugly.

And we’re able to share all this inside info with you for free because we develop partnerships with some of the companies and products we test out. This is how we pay the bills. But it doesn’t impact what we review or how we rank products. And we don’t make money from every link you click. But we think it’s important for you to understand how we’re able to do what we do.

See Who’s Talking About Us

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The Team

Katherine Torres
Site Manager

Katherine has had several years of experience developing and executing multichannel marketing campaigns, but actually started her career path in journalism. Though she switched gears, she continues to be driven by the need to deliver information that can be helpful for individuals. As an owner of two rescue dogs, she is most interested in technology and products that allow her to keep a close eye on her pets when she’s away.

Krystal Rogers
Content Strategist

With 14 years of managing education programs in the nonprofit industry, Krystal has an empathetic heart, a creative eye, and a strategic mind. As a mother, Krystal is obsessed with learning about all things safety and cares deeply about sharing the latest research to help you protect what you care about most. Her knowledge and experience translate into publishing useful content that’s easy for all learning styles to navigate and understand.

Rebecca Edwards
Senior Safety Reporter

Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past six. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month testing and evaluating security products and strategies. Her safety expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her work and contributions in places like TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, HGTV, MSN, and an ever-growing library of radio and TV clips.

Katie McEntire
Security Expert

Katie McEntire has tested home security systems in her own apartment, installed GPS trackers in her own car, and watched her cat, Toki, nap all day through a live nanny cam feed. As an expert reviewer, she believes that firsthand experience is the best way to learn about new products (even if it requires being the guinea pig). She specializes in pet safety and DIY security and has contributed to publications like DigitalCare.org and TechGuySmartBuy.

Kaz Weida
Contributing Writer

Kaz is a journalist who covers home security, parenting, and community and child safety. Her work and product testing in the security and safety field spans the past four years. You can find Kaz in HuffPost, SheKnows, Lifehack, and much more. Her degree in education and her background as a teacher and a parent make her uniquely suited to offer practical advice on creating safe environments for your family.

Kasey Tross
Contributing Writer

Kasey is a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and a freelance writer with expertise in emergency preparedness and security. As the mother of four kids, including two teens, Kasey knows the safety concerns parents face as they raise tech-savvy kids in a connected world, and she loves to research the latest security options for her own family and for SafeWise readers.

Alex Frost
Data Analyst

Celeste Tholen
Security Consultant

Celeste has dedicated her career to informing the public. Through her work as an editor and writer in newsrooms like KSL and Deseret News, as well as her work on SafeWise, she’s covered topics that help people stay safe and make well-informed decisions.

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