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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Sugarland smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's evident that a monitored fire alarm is the superior alternative"> for your home. Smoke detectors are a vital consideration in protecting your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have some notable shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more means to discover a fire and are able to reach out to a monitoring team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also brings out various other advantages that your common smoke detectors could only hope for.

Ordinary smoke alarms will only do this one thing

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors perform a critical part in keeping your family safe. Even so, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. For example, they will only identify smoke, not heat. If there is a fire in your home, you may not be alerted unless the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are additional unmistakable indications of fire -- such as a sudden rise in heat -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only activate when they encounter ample smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you may not be cautioned until the situation is out of hand. Various smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, which means they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. Then when they sound their alarm, it's up to the occupant to notify the fire department after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than ordinary smoke detectors

While they have a similar appearance to traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. When connected to a comprehensive home security package, they will:

  • Discern fire with different sensor types: Like a traditional smoke detector, your monitored device will activate from an active or passive fire. It will sound a high-volume beeping when it recognizes danger.
  • Identify fire due to a abrupt heat surge: A monitored fire alarm may even trigger if it discerns an uncommon heat surge. Typically, heat comes before smoke. Added means to detect a fire means extra means to protect your loved ones.
  • Notifies professional monitoring representatives: Fires may happen when you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring agents, who are able to rapidly contact the fire department. When every moment matters, it's nice to know that somebody is always looking out for your home.
  • Connects to home automation: Although the primary task of a fire alarm is to identify dangerous situations and call for help, it will also join forces with other automated components. To illustrate, a tripped alarm could prompt your system to engage the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or initiate the lights so you may find the best exit out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a fully equipped smart home

The best way to get the most from your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint specialist today and customize the perfect smart home for your family. Place a call to (281) 688-2891 or complete the form below to begin.