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What's the difference between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Rochester?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Rochester smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the superior option"> for your home. Smoke detectors are a vital first step in protecting your house from fire, but they have some notable limitations. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms provide more means to detect an emergency and may reach out to your support team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also results in extra benefits that your ordinary smoke detectors would only hope for.

Your regular smoke alarms in Rochester might be falling short

Protecting your home from fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on an essential role in safeguarding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their shortcomings. For instance, they can only identify smoke, not extreme temperatures. If there is a blaze starting in your house, you may not be warned unless the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Even though there are additional telltale signs of fire -- such as a sudden increase in warmth -- if there's no smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only beep when they encounter ample smoke. If a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be alerted until the situation is out of hand. Various smoke detectors employ dual-sensor technology, which means they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. Whenever they sound their alarm, it’s required of the occupant to call emergency services after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than ordinary smoke detectors

Even though they have a similar appearance to standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When linked to a total home security package, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a standard smoke detector, the monitored device has the ability to trigger from an active or passive fire. It will resonate an easily audible warning whenever it perceives danger.
  • Detect fire from a sudden heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm will even go off if it notices an abnormal fluctuation in temperature. Frequently, heat is noticed before smoke. Having additional ways to detect a fire means extra methods to safeguard your family.
  • Notifies professional monitoring specialists: Fires can happen when you are on site or somewhere else. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who are able to quickly call the fire department. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's comforting to realize that someone is constantly keeping a watch of your home.
  • Connects to home automation: While the chief purpose of a fire alarm is to identify an emergency and notify monitoring agents, it will also join forces with other automated devices. For instance, a activated alarm might prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the fire or initiate smart light bulbs so you may find the safest exit out of the house.

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

The simplest approach to get the most from your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint specialist today and discover the most suitable smart home for your family. Place a call to (507) 710-3863 or submit the form on this page to begin.