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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the York smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, it's clear that a monitored fire alarm is the superior alternative"> for your house. Smoke detectors are an important consideration in protecting your place from fire, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to detect an emergency and are able to reach out to your support team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also delivers many other perks that your ordinary smoke detectors would only hope for.

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

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play an essential part in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have some limitations. For instance, they will only react to smoke, not high temps. When there is an emergency in your house, you might not be warned until the smoke rises to the smoke detector. Even though there are further unmistakable signs of fire -- including a sharp increase in warmth -- if there's no smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they encounter ample smoke. In the event a fire starts small, you may not be warned until it's too late. Many smoke detectors use dual-sensor technology, meaning they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. Whenever they sound their alarm, it falls to the occupant to contact emergency services after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than standard smoke detectors

While they look like standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. If connected to a complete home security installation, they are able to:

  • Identify fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, the monitored component has the ability to activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will emit an easily audible warning when it senses danger.
  • Identify fire from a sudden rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm may also go off if it discerns an abnormal increase in heat. Typically, heat arrives before smoke. Added methods to uncover a fire equates to extra methods to safeguard your family.
  • Alerts professional monitoring agents: Fires can happen when you are home or away. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who are able to swiftly place a call to first responders. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's comforting to realize that a trained professional is constantly looking out for your residence.
  • Connects to home automation: Even though the primary purpose of a fire alarm is to identify fire and request assistance, it can also join forces with other automated devices. To illustrate, a tripped alarm can make your system engage the exhaust fan to impede the flames or turn on smart light bulbs so you can see the quickest path out of the property.

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

The best approach to optimize your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint specialist today and discover the perfect smart home for your family. Diall (717) 973-7710 or submit the form below to begin.