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What's the difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Ventura?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Ventura smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the preferred alternative"> for your house. Smoke detectors are a vital first step in shielding your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have some notable limitations. Conversely, monitored fire alarms provide more means to detect an emergency and may reach out to help when the unthinkable happens. Pairing your fire alarms to a security system also brings out various extra benefits that your ordinary smoke detectors can only hope for.

Regular smoke alarms will only do one thing

Defending against fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors perform a critical part in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have some limitations. To illustrate, they can only detect smoke, not high temps. If there is an emergency in your home, you might not be warned until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Even though there are some other significant signals of fire -- including a sudden rise in heat -- if you don’t have smoke, you won’t have a warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep if they detect ample smoke. In the event a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until the flames are out of control. Many smoke detectors utilize more than one sensor, meaning they will be able to perceive smoke from both a raging fire and something less intense. Whenever they sound their alarm, it’s required of the homeowner to call emergency services after safely leaving the premises.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than standard smoke detectors

Although they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When integrated to a total home security installation, they are able to:

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Comparable to a standard smoke detector, this monitored alarm can activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will sound a high-volume alarm when it perceives a hazardous situation.
  • Discover fire due to a abrupt rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm may also activate if it notices an abnormal heat surge. Typically, heat comes prior to smoke. Added means to identify a fire equates to additional means to safeguard your family.
  • Notifies your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires can take place when you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who are able to rapidly call emergency services. When seconds count, it's great to have the knowledge that somebody is always keeping a watch of your residence.
  • Integrates with home automation: Even though the primary job of a fire alarm is to detect an emergency and call for assistance, it can also integrate with other automated components. For example, a tripped alarm can prompt your system to engage the exhaust fan to impede the spread of fire or turn on lighting so you can see the quickest path out of the house.

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

The best method to get the most from your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint expert today and find the perfect smart home for your requirements. Call (805) 590-5999 or send in the following form to take the first step toward a safer property.