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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Blacksburg smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, there’s really only one victor. Smoke detectors are a vital consideration in guarding your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have some notable limitations. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms offer more means to detect a fire and may reach out to help when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also delivers many extra benefits that your ordinary smoke detectors can only dream about.

Your regular smoke alarms in Blacksburg could be inadequate

Protecting your home from fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on a critical part in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have some drawbacks. For example, they can only react to smoke, not heat. In the event there is an emergency in your home, you would not be alerted until the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are some other unmistakable signals of fire -- such as a marked heat increase -- if there’s a lack of smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only beep when they detect ample smoke. If a fire starts small, you might not be alerted until the flames are out of control. Many smoke detectors employ dual-sensor technology, which means they will be able to perceive smoke from both a blazing inferno and smoldering remnants. Whenever they start beeping, it falls to the homeowner to notify first responders after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than standard smoke detectors

Although they have a similar appearance to standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. When linked to a total home security package, they will:

  • Identify fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a standard smoke detector, this monitored device has the ability to activate from an active or passive fire. It will resonate a high-volume beeping when it recognizes danger.
  • Discover fire from a abrupt rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm may also activate if it discerns an unusual heat surge. Typically, heat is noticed prior to smoke. Having additional ways to identify a fire means more methods to protect your loved ones.
  • Notifies trained monitoring specialists: Fires will occur whether you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring team, who are able to swiftly call first responders. When every moment matters, it's comforting to realize that somebody is consistently keeping a watch of your home.
  • Connects to home automation: Even though the primary purpose of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and notify assistance, it may also join forces with other automated devices. To illustrate, a tripped alarm could prompt your system to engage the exhaust fan to impede the fire or trigger smart light bulbs so you are able to see the best way out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a fully equipped smart home

The best way to get the most from your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and find the perfect smart home for your requirements. Diall (540) 340-9402 or submit the form on this page to begin.