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What's the difference between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Auburn?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Auburn smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's clear that a monitored fire alarm is the better choice"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an important first step in protecting your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more means to detect a fire and may notify your support team in the event of a disaster. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also delivers many other advantages that your ordinary smoke detectors can only wish for.

Regular smoke alarms will only do one thing

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play a critical role in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have some shortcomings. To illustrate, they can only identify smoke, not extreme temperatures. When there is an emergency in your residence, you might not be warned until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Even though there are additional unmistakable indications of fire -- including a sharp increase in warmth -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you will fail to get a sounding of your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only sound the alarm when they detect ample smoke. In the event a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until it's too late. Various smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, which means they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and smoldering remnants. Whenever they do go off, it falls to the occupant to notify first responders after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than ordinary smoke detectors

While they look like standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. When linked to a comprehensive home security installation, they will:

  • Discern fire with multi-sensor technology: Comparable to a standard smoke detector, your monitored device has the ability to engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will emit an easily audible alarm when it senses danger.
  • Identify fire due to a sudden heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm may even trigger if it notices an abnormal increase in heat. Typically, heat is noticed prior to smoke. Having additional means to identify a fire leads to more means to protect your loved ones.
  • Alerts professional monitoring representatives: Fires may occur whether you are on site or somewhere else. Either way, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring specialists, who will swiftly place a call to emergency services. When seconds count, it's comforting to have the knowledge that a trained professional is consistently looking out for your home.
  • Pairs with home automation: Although the primary job of a fire alarm is to detect fire and call for help, it may also connect to other automated devices. For example, a triggered alarm can prompt your system to engage the exhaust fan to impede the flames or trigger smart light bulbs so you are able to find the best way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are an important aspect of a fully equipped smart home

The easiest approach to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint expert today and find the most suitable smart home for your needs. Diall (334) 378-2297 or complete the following form to begin.