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What's the difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Evansville?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Evansville smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, one component rises above the rest. Smoke detectors are an essential line of defense in shielding your place from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning limitations. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more means to discover an emergency and may notify a monitoring team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a security system also results in many extra benefits that your ordinary smoke detectors can only hope for.

The limitations of traditional smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Fire safety is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors take on an essential role in safeguarding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have their limitations. For example, they will only react to smoke, not extreme temperatures. If there is a blaze starting in your residence, you may not be alerted until the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are some other telltale indications of fire -- including a sudden heat increase -- if there's no smoke, you will fail to get a triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only sound the alarm when they detect ample smoke. When a fire begins slowly, you may not be warned until the flames are out of control. Many smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, meaning they will detect smoke from both a raging fire and something less intense. Whenever they do go off, it’s required of the homeowner to contact the fire department after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than regular smoke detectors

Although they look like regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When integrated to a complete home security system, they will:

  • Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Comparable to an ordinary smoke detector, your monitored component will trigger from an active or passive fire. It will resonate an easily audible alarm when it senses a hazardous situation.
  • Identify fire with a sudden temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm may even activate if it discerns an abnormal increase in heat. Many times, heat arrives before smoke. More means to uncover a fire means extra means to keep your family safe.
  • Warns your dedicated monitoring representatives: Fires can occur whether you are on site or somewhere else. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring team, who will swiftly call first responders. When every moment matters, it's comforting to have the knowledge that someone is always keeping a watch of your home.
  • Integrates with home automation: While the main job of a fire alarm is to detect fire and request monitoring agents, it may also connect to other automated devices. For instance, a triggered alarm might prompt your system to engage the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or turn on the lights so you can locate the quickest way out of your home.

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

The best way to optimize your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint expert today and discover the ideal smart home for your family. Call (812) 310-5880 or submit the form below to begin.