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Is there a difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Prescott?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Prescott smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the better option"> for your house. Smoke detectors are an essential line of defense in shielding your house from emergency situations, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more means to detect a potentially dangerous situation and may reach out to your support team in the event of a disaster. Pairing your fire alarms to a security system also results in various extra advantages that your common smoke detectors could only wish for.

Traditional smoke alarms can only do this one thing

Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors play a critical part in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have their limitations. For example, they will only react to smoke, not heat. If there is a blaze starting in your house, you may not be cautioned unless the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are some other significant signals of fire -- like a marked heat increase -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you will fail to get a triggered smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only beep if they encounter enough smoke. When a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be alerted until the situation is out of hand. Some smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, which means they will detect smoke from both a raging fire and something less intense. Then when they sound their alarm, it falls to the resident to contact first responders after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than standard smoke detectors

Even though they look like regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If linked to a total home security system, they can:

  • Detect fire with multi-sensor technology: Similar to a standard smoke detector, this monitored component has the ability to engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will resonate a high-volume warning whenever it recognizes a hazardous situation.
  • Discover fire with a sudden temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm will also go off if it notices an unusual increase in heat. Typically, heat comes in advance of smoke. More means to identify a fire leads to additional methods to keep your family safe.
  • Alerts your dedicated monitoring representatives: Fires may occur whether you are at your house or not. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who are able to quickly call first responders. When seconds count, it's great to realize that a trained professional is consistently watching over your residence.
  • Integrates with home automation: Although the main purpose of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and call for help, it will also connect to other automated equipment. For instance, a tripped alarm could induce your system to start the exhaust fan to impede the flames or turn on smart light bulbs so you can see the best path out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a complete smart home

The simplest approach to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint security agent today and find the ideal smart home for your family. Diall (928) 267-6739 or complete the form on this page to get started.