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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Stockton smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the superior choice"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an important first step in shielding your residence from fire, but they have some notable shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms provide more methods to identify a potentially dangerous situation and may reach out to your support team in the event of a disaster. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also results in many additional advantages that your regular smoke detectors would only dream about.

Regular smoke alarms can only do one thing

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors play a vital part in shielding your family. However, smoke detectors have some drawbacks. For example, they will only detect smoke, not high temps. When there is a blaze starting in your home, you would not be cautioned before the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are additional unmistakable signs of fire -- such as a marked rise in heat -- if you don’t have smoke, you won’t have a triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they encounter an adequate amount of smoke. If a fire starts small, you might not be alerted until the situation is out of hand. Various smoke detectors utilize more than one sensor, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a raging fire and a more gradual burn. Then when they do go off, it’s required of the homeowner to contact emergency services after exiting the property.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

While they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. When integrated to a total home security package, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with different sensor types: Like a standard smoke detector, the monitored device will engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-volume warning when it recognizes a potential disaster.
  • Identify fire due to a rapid rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm can also trigger if it notices an abnormal heat surge. Many times, heat comes prior to smoke. Added methods to identify a fire equates to additional ways to keep your family safe.
  • Alerts trained monitoring representatives: Fires can take place whether you are on site or somewhere else. Regardless, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring agents, who will quickly place a call to emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to have the knowledge that someone is constantly watching over your residence.
  • Pairs with home automation: Although the chief task of a fire alarm is to recognize fire and call for help, it may also integrate with other automated components. For example, a activated alarm can prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the flames or turn on lighting so you are able to locate the quickest path out of the property.

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

The easiest method to get the most from your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and discover the ideal smart home for your requirements. Place a call to (209) 379-0036 or submit the form below to get started.