Vivint Authorized Retailer Scranton
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Scranton & Surrounding Areas

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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Scranton smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, it's evident that a monitored fire alarm is the better choice"> for your family. Smoke detectors are an essential line of defense in shielding your residence from emergency situations, but they have several shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms provide more ways to identify a fire and can contact a monitoring team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also results in various additional perks that your ordinary smoke detectors would only dream about.

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

Fire safety is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play a vital part in keeping your family safe. However, smoke detectors have some limitations. For example, they will only detect smoke, not high temps. When there is a fire in your house, you might not be cautioned before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Although there are additional significant indications of fire -- such as a sudden heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only activate when they find an adequate amount of smoke. When a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be warned until it's too late. Some smoke detectors employ dual sensors, meaning they will detect smoke from both a raging fire and a more gradual burn. If they do go off, it's up to the homeowner to notify emergency services after they safely leave the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

Although they look like regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When linked to a comprehensive home security installation, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a traditional smoke detector, this monitored component will engage from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will resonate a high-decibel alarm if it senses a hazardous situation.
  • Discover fire due to a rapid temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm will also activate if it notices an abnormal heat surge. Many times, heat is noticed prior to smoke. More means to uncover a fire means extra methods to safeguard your family.
  • Warns trained monitoring specialists: Fires may take place whether you are on site or somewhere else. Regardless, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring specialists, who are able to swiftly contact first responders. When every moment matters, it's great to realize that someone is constantly looking out for your home.
  • Pairs with home automation: Although the chief job of a fire alarm is to identify dangerous situations and notify monitoring agents, it may also join forces with other automated components. To illustrate, a tripped alarm could make your system engage the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or initiate smart light bulbs so you can see the best exit out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a fully equipped smart home

The simplest approach to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint expert today and find the perfect smart home for your needs. Diall (570) 775-5689 or submit the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.