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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Brownsville smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, it's evident that a monitored fire alarm is the preferred choice"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an important line of defense in protecting your house from fire, but they have some notable shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more ways to detect a potentially dangerous situation and are able to reach out to help when the unthinkable happens. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also delivers various additional perks that your common smoke detectors could only wish for.

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

Defending against fire is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play a critical role in safeguarding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have some drawbacks. To illustrate, they are only able to identify smoke, not heat. When there is a blaze starting in your residence, you may not be alerted before the smoke rises to the smoke detector. Although there are some other unmistakable signals of fire -- such as a marked rise in heat -- if you don’t have smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only beep when they detect an adequate amount of smoke. If a fire starts small, you may not be warned until it's too late. Various smoke detectors employ dual sensors, meaning they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. If they do go off, it’s required of the occupant to notify first responders after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than ordinary smoke detectors

Even though they look about the same as traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When integrated to a comprehensive home security package, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with different sensor types: Similar to an ordinary smoke detector, the monitored alarm has the ability to activate from an active or passive fire. It will sound an easily audible warning when it recognizes a hazardous situation.
  • Identify fire from a rapid temperature increase: Your monitored fire alarm will also activate if it discerns an abnormal increase in heat. Many times, heat arrives before smoke. Having additional means to detect a fire means additional methods to protect your loved ones.
  • Notifies your dedicated monitoring representatives: Fires will take place whether you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who will quickly place a call to first responders. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's nice to realize that somebody is constantly keeping a watch of your residence.
  • Connects to home automation: Although the main purpose of a fire alarm is to identify fire and request assistance, it can also connect to other automated equipment. For example, a triggered alarm could prompt your system to engage the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or turn on the lights so you are able to locate the safest way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are an important aspect of a complete smart home

The simplest method to optimize your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint specialist today and discover the ideal smart home for your needs. Call (956) 948-3547 or submit the form on this page to get started.