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Is there a difference between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Worcester?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Worcester smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, one component rises over the other. Smoke detectors are an important line of defense in protecting your house from fire, but they have some notable shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms offer more ways to detect a potentially dangerous situation and can notify your support team in the event of a disaster. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also results in extra benefits that your regular smoke detectors could only wish for.

Ordinary smoke alarms can only do this one thing

Defending against fire is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors take on a critical role in shielding your family. However, smoke detectors have their shortcomings. To illustrate, they can only react to smoke, not heat. If there is an emergency in your home, you would not be cautioned unless the smoke rises to the smoke detector. While there are additional unmistakable indications of fire -- such as a sharp increase in warmth -- if there's no smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they encounter ample smoke. If a fire starts small, you might not be alerted until the situation is out of hand. Many smoke detectors use more than one sensor, meaning they will detect smoke from both a raging fire and something less intense. If they start beeping, it falls to the occupant to notify first responders after safely leaving the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than standard smoke detectors

Even though they look about the same as regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. If connected to a total home security system, they can:

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Comparable to an ordinary smoke detector, your monitored component has the ability to engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-decibel warning when it perceives a hazardous situation.
  • Identify fire from a rapid heat surge: A monitored fire alarm will also activate if it discerns an abnormal fluctuation in temperature. Frequently, heat comes prior to smoke. More means to detect a fire leads to more methods to keep your family safe.
  • Warns professional monitoring representatives: Fires can occur when you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring agents, who are able to quickly call emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to realize that someone is consistently keeping a watch of your home.
  • Connects to home automation: Even though the primary job of a fire alarm is to identify an emergency and call for assistance, it may also integrate with other automated components. For instance, a tripped alarm might prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the spread of fire or initiate smart light bulbs so you may find the quickest exit out of the property.

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

The simplest method to get the most from your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint expert today and discover the most suitable smart home for your family. Diall (508) 392-5472 or submit the following form to begin.