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Are there differences between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Amarillo?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Amarillo smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, there’s really only one winner. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in protecting your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have several limitations. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms provide more means to discover a potentially dangerous situation and are able to reach out to a monitoring team when the unthinkable happens. Connecting your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also delivers other advantages that your regular smoke detectors would only dream about.

Traditional smoke alarms can only do one thing

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors perform a vital role in keeping your family safe. Even so, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For instance, they can only identify smoke, not extreme temperatures. When there is a blaze starting in your home, you may not be warned unless the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are further unmistakable signals of fire -- including a sudden rise in heat -- if there's no smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only activate when they detect enough smoke. In the event a fire begins slowly, you may not be alerted until it's too late. Some smoke detectors use dual sensors, which means they will be able to perceive smoke from both a raging fire and smoldering remnants. If they sound their alarm, it’s required of the resident to call the fire department after safely leaving the premises.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

While they have a similar appearance to regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If connected to a complete home security system, they will:

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Like an ordinary smoke detector, this monitored alarm can engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-decibel warning whenever it recognizes a hazardous situation.
  • Discover fire due to a rapid rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm may even trigger if it notices an abnormal heat surge. Many times, heat comes in advance of smoke. More methods to identify a fire means additional ways to safeguard your family.
  • Notifies your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires may take place whether you are on site or somewhere else. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who will rapidly call first responders. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to know that somebody is always keeping a watch of your house.
  • Integrates with home automation: Although the chief purpose of a fire alarm is to detect dangerous situations and request monitoring agents, it will also connect to other automated devices. For example, a activated alarm could make your system start the exhaust fan to impede the flames or turn on lighting so you are able to see the quickest path out of your home.

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

The easiest approach to optimize your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint expert today and find the perfect smart home for your requirements. Diall (806) 615-4222 or submit the following form to begin.