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What's the difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in New Haven?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the New Haven smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, there’s really only one victor. Smoke detectors are a vital consideration in shielding your residence from fire, but they have several drawbacks. Conversely, monitored fire alarms offer more ways to detect a potentially dangerous situation and can contact your support team when disaster strikes. Linking your fire alarms to a security system also results in many extra perks that your common smoke detectors can only hope for.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in New Haven could be falling short

Defending against fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play an essential part in shielding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have some limitations. For example, they can only identify smoke, not heat. If there is a blaze starting in your house, you might not be alerted unless the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Even though there are additional significant signs of fire -- such as a marked rise in heat -- if there's no smoke, you won’t have a warning from your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only activate when they find ample smoke. If a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be cautioned until the situation is out of hand. Some smoke detectors employ dual-sensor technology, which means they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. Then when they sound their alarm, it's up to the homeowner to contact first responders after safely leaving the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than standard smoke detectors

Even though they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If integrated to a comprehensive home security system, they will:

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Like a traditional smoke detector, your monitored component has the ability to activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will sound a high-decibel warning when it recognizes a potential disaster.
  • Identify fire due to a sudden temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm may also go off if it senses an uncommon increase in heat. Typically, heat is noticed prior to smoke. More ways to identify a fire means extra ways to keep your family safe.
  • Alerts professional monitoring specialists: Fires can take place whether you are home or away. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who will rapidly call the fire department. When every moment matters, it's nice to know that somebody is consistently looking out for your residence.
  • Connects to home automation: Even though the main task of a fire alarm is to recognize fire and request monitoring agents, it will also integrate with other automated devices. To illustrate, a activated alarm could induce your system to turn on the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or trigger the lights so you may find the best way out of your home.

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

The simplest way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and find the most suitable smart home for your requirements. Place a call to (203) 625-1716 or send in the form below to take the first step toward a safer property.