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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Dayton smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, there’s easily only one winner. Smoke detectors are a vital first step in guarding your residence from fire, but they have several limitations. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more ways to discover a fire and can contact help when the unthinkable happens. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also delivers many extra benefits that your common smoke detectors would only dream about.

The limitations of ordinary smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors take on an essential part in keeping your family safe. However, smoke detectors have their limitations. For instance, they will only react to smoke, not heat. When there is an emergency in your residence, you might not be alerted before the smoke rises to the smoke detector. Even though there are further significant indications of fire -- such as a sharp heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, you will fail to get a warning from your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they find ample smoke. If a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be cautioned until the situation is out of hand. Some smoke detectors use dual-sensor technology, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a raging fire and a more gradual burn. Whenever they sound their alarm, it’s required of the homeowner to contact the fire department after they safely leave the premises.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

While they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. If linked to a total home security package, they can:

  • Detect fire with multi-sensor technology: Like a traditional smoke detector, this monitored component will engage from an active or passive fire. It will sound an easily audible warning whenever it senses a potential disaster.
  • Discover fire from a rapid heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm can even go off if it notices an unusual heat surge. Many times, heat is noticed in advance of smoke. Having additional ways to detect a fire leads to more ways to protect your loved ones.
  • Notifies trained monitoring agents: Fires may happen whether you are at your house or not. Either way, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring specialists, who are able to rapidly call the fire department. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to have the knowledge that a trained professional is always looking out for your residence.
  • Integrates with home automation: Although the chief task of a fire alarm is to identify an emergency and request assistance, it may also integrate with other automated components. To illustrate, a tripped alarm can make your system turn on the exhaust fan to impede the fire or trigger smart light bulbs so you may find the quickest way out of the house.

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

The best approach to get the most from your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint specialist today and customize the perfect smart home for your needs. Place a call to (937) 888-2339 or submit the form on this page to get started.