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Is there a difference between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Lancaster?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Lancaster smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the better choice"> for your family. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in guarding your place from fire, but they have some notable shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms offer more means to discover a potentially dangerous situation and can notify a monitoring team when the unthinkable happens. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also delivers many extra perks that your regular smoke detectors can only hope for.

Ordinary smoke alarms can only do one thing

Fire safety is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play a critical role in safeguarding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For instance, they are only able to react to smoke, not heat. If there is a fire in your home, you might not be warned before the smoke rises to the smoke detector. While there are some other significant signals of fire -- like a sharp increase in warmth -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no sounding of your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate if they find an adequate amount of smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be warned until the situation is out of hand. Some smoke detectors employ dual sensors, which means they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. If they start beeping, it falls to the resident to contact first responders after safely leaving the property.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

While they look like regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When connected to a complete home security installation, they can:

  • Identify fire with different sensor types: Similar to a standard smoke detector, this monitored device will activate from an active or passive fire. It will resonate a high-decibel alarm if it senses a potential disaster.
  • Discover fire from a abrupt heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm can even trigger if it discerns an unusual increase in heat. Many times, heat is noticed prior to smoke. Having additional ways to uncover a fire leads to more means to protect your loved ones.
  • Warns trained monitoring representatives: Fires may occur whether you are at your house or not. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring team, who can quickly contact emergency services. When seconds count, it's nice to realize that a trained professional is consistently looking out for your residence.
  • Connects to home automation: Even though the main task of a fire alarm is to detect an emergency and notify help, it may also integrate with other automated components. To illustrate, a tripped alarm might make your system turn on the exhaust fan to impede the spread of fire or trigger smart light bulbs so you are able to see the safest way out of the house.

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

The easiest approach to get the most from your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint expert today and customize the perfect smart home for your requirements. Diall (717) 922-5237 or submit the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.