Vivint Authorized Retailer Tempe
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Tempe & the surrounding area

What's the difference between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Tempe?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Tempe smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, one component rises above the rest. Smoke detectors are an essential consideration in guarding your house from fire, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more ways to detect an emergency and may reach out to help when disaster strikes. Linking your fire alarms to a home security system also delivers various extra advantages that your ordinary smoke detectors could only wish for.

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

Protecting your home from fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors perform a critical 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 residence, you may not be warned unless the smoke rises to the smoke detector. Although there are some other unmistakable signals of fire -- such as a sudden increase in warmth -- if there's no smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only beep if they find an adequate amount of smoke. If a fire starts small, you might not be alerted until the flames are out of control. Many smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, which means they will be able to perceive smoke from both a blazing inferno and something less intense. Then when they start beeping, it's up to the resident to call first responders after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

Even though they look about the same as traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When integrated to a comprehensive home security system, they can:

  • Identify fire with multi-sensor technology: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, the monitored alarm has the ability to activate from an active or passive fire. It will emit a high-decibel alarm whenever it perceives a hazardous situation.
  • Discover fire from a rapid temperature increase: Your monitored fire alarm will also trigger if it senses an unusual increase in heat. Frequently, heat arrives in advance of smoke. Having additional means to uncover a fire leads to extra methods to safeguard your family.
  • Warns professional monitoring representatives: Fires can occur when you are on site or somewhere else. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who are able to quickly place a call to first responders. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to realize that someone is constantly looking out for your home.
  • Integrates with home automation: Although the primary purpose of a fire alarm is to recognize dangerous situations and notify help, it will also integrate with other automated equipment. For example, a activated alarm can make your system turn on the exhaust fan to impede the fire or turn on the lights so you may find the safest exit 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 security agent today and discover the most suitable smart home for your requirements. Place a call to (480) 360-6677 or submit the form on this page to get started.