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Are there differences between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Stamford?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Stamford smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, one alarm rises above the other. Smoke detectors are an important consideration in guarding your place from fire, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more ways to discover a potentially dangerous situation and can contact your support team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also results in various other perks that your ordinary smoke detectors would only wish for.

Ordinary smoke alarms will only do one thing

Defending against fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors perform an essential part in keeping your family safe. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their drawbacks. To illustrate, they will only detect smoke, not heat. If there is a blaze starting in your residence, you may not be warned before the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are some other unmistakable signs of fire -- such as a sudden heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, you will fail to get a sounding of your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep when they find ample smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be warned until the flames are out of control. Various smoke detectors use dual-sensor technology, which means they will recognize smoke from both a raging fire and smoldering remnants. Whenever they start beeping, it falls to the homeowner to call emergency services after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than ordinary smoke detectors

Even though they look like regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When linked to a total home security package, they are able to:

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Similar to a standard smoke detector, this monitored component can trigger from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will resonate an easily audible warning when it perceives a hazardous situation.
  • Identify fire due to a rapid heat surge: A monitored fire alarm may also go off if it notices an unusual heat surge. Typically, heat comes prior to smoke. Added methods to uncover a fire leads to additional ways to protect your loved ones.
  • Notifies trained monitoring specialists: Fires will occur whether you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who will swiftly call emergency services. When seconds count, it's nice to have the knowledge that a trained professional is always keeping a watch of your house.
  • Pairs with home automation: Even though the chief job of a fire alarm is to recognize fire and notify monitoring agents, it may also connect to other automated components. For example, a tripped alarm might make your system engage the exhaust fan to impede the flames or turn on the lights so you may locate the quickest exit out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a complete smart home

The simplest approach to optimize your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint expert today and customize the ideal smart home for your requirements. Diall (475) 250-2250 or complete the following form to take the first step toward a safer property.