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Are there differences between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Springfield?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Springfield 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 consideration in shielding your house from fire, but they have some notable shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to detect an emergency and are able to notify help when the unthinkable happens. Connecting your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also brings out various additional perks that your regular smoke detectors could only dream about.

Your traditional smoke alarms in Springfield could be inadequate

Protecting your home from fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play an essential role in shielding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have some drawbacks. To illustrate, they will only identify smoke, not high temps. In the event there is a fire in your home, you might not be alerted until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Although there are further unmistakable signs of fire -- such as a marked rise in heat -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate if they detect enough smoke. When a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be warned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a blazing inferno and a more gradual burn. If they start beeping, it’s required of the resident to contact emergency services after exiting the property.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

Even though they have a similar appearance to traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If integrated to a comprehensive home security system, they are able to:

  • Detect fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to an ordinary smoke detector, this monitored component has the ability to trigger from an active or passive fire. It will emit a high-decibel warning if it recognizes danger.
  • Detect fire with a sudden temperature increase: Your monitored fire alarm may also activate if it senses an abnormal fluctuation in temperature. Frequently, heat arrives prior to smoke. More ways to uncover a fire means more means to protect your loved ones.
  • Alerts your dedicated monitoring specialists: Fires will happen when you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring specialists, who are able to rapidly place a call to emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to know that a trained professional is constantly keeping a watch of your house.
  • Integrates with home automation: Although the chief task of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and request monitoring agents, it can also join forces with other automated equipment. To illustrate, a activated alarm might make your system start the exhaust fan to impede the spread of fire or turn on lighting so you can locate the safest exit out of your home.

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

The easiest method to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint specialist today and customize the ideal smart home for your family. Call (413) 277-7517 or complete the following form to begin.