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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Phoenix smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, one component rises over the other. Smoke detectors are an important line of defense in shielding your residence from fire, but they have several limitations. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to detect a fire and may contact a monitoring team in the event of a disaster. Linking your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also results in many other advantages that your common smoke detectors would only wish for.

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

Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors play an essential part in safeguarding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have some limitations. For instance, they are only able to react to smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is an emergency in your residence, you may not be warned unless the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are some other telltale indications of fire -- including a marked rise in heat -- if there's no smoke, you will fail to get a warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate when they find enough smoke. If a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until the flames are out of control. Many smoke detectors employ dual-sensor technology, meaning they will be able to perceive smoke from both a raging fire and a more gradual burn. Whenever they sound their alarm, it falls to the resident to call emergency services after exiting the residence.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than regular smoke detectors

Even though they look about the same as regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If linked to a total home security package, they are able to:

  • Identify fire with multi-sensor technology: Similar to an ordinary smoke detector, this monitored alarm can engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will resonate a high-decibel warning if it senses danger.
  • Identify fire from a rapid rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm will even trigger if it notices an unusual heat surge. Typically, heat arrives before smoke. Having additional methods to detect a fire equates to extra methods to keep your family safe.
  • Warns your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires may occur whether you are at your house or not. Either way, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring team, who will quickly call the fire department. When every moment matters, it's comforting to realize that someone is consistently watching over your house.
  • Integrates with home automation: Even though the primary task of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and request assistance, it will also integrate with other automated components. To illustrate, a activated alarm could make your system engage the exhaust fan to impede the fire or turn on smart light bulbs so you can locate the best way out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a comprehensive smart home

The best approach to get the most from your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint specialist today and find the most suitable smart home for your needs. Place a call to (602) 755-6051 or complete the following form to begin.