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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Eau Claire smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the better option"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an important first step in shielding your residence from fire, but they have some notable shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more ways to identify an emergency and may reach out to your support team in the event of a disaster. Linking your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also results in many additional perks that your common smoke detectors can only hope for.

Traditional smoke alarms can only do this one thing

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play a vital role in keeping your family safe. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For instance, they will only identify smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is an emergency in your home, you would not be cautioned unless the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are further unmistakable signs of fire -- such as a marked increase in warmth -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you will fail to get a triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only activate if they encounter an adequate amount of smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be cautioned until the situation is out of hand. Some smoke detectors employ dual-sensor technology, which means they will recognize smoke from both a blazing inferno and something less intense. Whenever they start beeping, it falls to the occupant to notify first responders after safely leaving the residence.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than ordinary smoke detectors

Even though they look about the same as standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If linked to a complete home security package, they will:

  • Identify fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a standard smoke detector, your monitored component can activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will emit a high-volume warning whenever it perceives a hazardous situation.
  • Discover fire with a rapid temperature increase: Your monitored fire alarm will also activate if it senses an unusual increase in heat. Many times, heat comes prior to smoke. Added methods to detect a fire leads to more methods to safeguard your family.
  • Notifies trained monitoring agents: Fires may occur whether you are on site or somewhere else. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who will rapidly contact first responders. When every moment matters, it's nice to know that somebody is constantly watching over your home.
  • Pairs with home automation: Although the main task of a fire alarm is to identify dangerous situations and notify assistance, it will also connect to other automated devices. For instance, a triggered alarm might prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or initiate lighting so you are able to find the safest way out of the property.

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

The best way to optimize your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint expert today and find the most suitable smart home for your requirements. Call (715) 419-6703 or complete the form on this page to begin.