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Is there a difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Fort Worth?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Fort Worth smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, it's clear that a monitored fire alarm is the better choice"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an essential consideration in protecting your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have several limitations. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms provide more ways to identify an emergency and may contact your support team when disaster strikes. Connecting your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also brings out additional advantages that your ordinary smoke detectors would only dream about.

Your traditional smoke alarms in Fort Worth might be falling short

Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors perform a vital role in keeping your family safe. However, smoke detectors have some shortcomings. To illustrate, they can only detect smoke, not extreme temperatures. If there is a blaze starting in your house, you may not be alerted until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are some other significant signals of fire -- including a sharp heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate when they encounter ample smoke. When a fire starts small, you may not be alerted until it's too late. Various smoke detectors employ dual-sensor technology, meaning they will be able to perceive smoke from both a blazing inferno and something less intense. Whenever they sound their alarm, it’s required of the occupant to call first responders after exiting the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than standard smoke detectors

Although they have a similar appearance to standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When integrated to a total home security installation, they will:

  • Identify fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a traditional smoke detector, this monitored alarm will engage from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will sound a high-decibel warning if it senses a potential disaster.
  • Detect fire from a abrupt rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm can even activate if it notices an uncommon heat surge. Frequently, heat comes prior to smoke. More ways to identify a fire equates to additional means to protect your loved ones.
  • Alerts professional monitoring representatives: Fires will happen when you are home or away. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who are able to rapidly place a call to the fire department. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to realize that someone is constantly keeping a watch of your home.
  • Integrates with home automation: Although the main purpose of a fire alarm is to detect fire and notify assistance, it can also join forces with other automated equipment. For example, a activated alarm might induce your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the spread of fire or turn on lighting so you are able to see the best path out of your home.

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

The easiest way to optimize your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint expert today and discover the most suitable smart home for your requirements. Diall (817) 241-5844 or send in the form on this page to get started.