Is there a difference between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Provo?

In the Provo smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, there’s really only one victor. Smoke detectors are an essential consideration in protecting your house from fire, but they have several drawbacks. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms offer more means to identify an emergency and are able to reach out to help when the unthinkable happens. Connecting your fire alarms to a home security system also brings out extra perks that your common smoke detectors can only wish for.

Traditional smoke alarms will only do this one thing

Protecting your home from fire is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors perform a vital part in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their shortcomings. For instance, they can only detect smoke, not extreme temperatures. When there is an emergency in your residence, you might not be cautioned until the smoke rises to the smoke detector. Although there are additional telltale signs of fire -- including a sudden heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no sounding of your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they encounter an adequate amount of smoke. If a fire starts small, you may not be alerted until it's too late. Many smoke detectors use more than one sensor, meaning they will detect smoke from both a blazing inferno and smoldering remnants. Then when they start beeping, it's up to the resident to contact emergency services after exiting the property.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than ordinary smoke detectors

Although they look about the same as regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When linked to a total home security system, they will:

• Identify fire with multi-sensor technology: Like a standard smoke detector, your monitored device has the ability to trigger from an active or passive fire. It will sound a high-decibel warning if it senses a hazardous situation.

• Detect fire with a abrupt temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm may also go off if it notices an unusual fluctuation in temperature. Many times, heat arrives in advance of smoke. More methods to detect a fire leads to more methods to keep your family safe.

• Warns professional monitoring agents: Fires will occur when you are home or away. Either way, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring agents, who can swiftly place a call to first responders. When seconds count, it's comforting to know that somebody is always watching over your home.

• Integrates with home automation: Although the primary job of a fire alarm is to detect an emergency and request help, it may also connect to other automated equipment. To illustrate, a triggered alarm can induce your system to turn on the exhaust fan to impede the fire or trigger lighting so you can locate the safest path out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a fully equipped smart home

The best way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint expert today and discover the ideal smart home for your family. Place a call to (385) 455-7233 or send in the form below to begin.