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Is there a difference between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Muncie?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Muncie smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, one device rises over the other. Smoke detectors are an important line of defense in protecting your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms provide more means to discover an emergency and are able to reach out to your support team when the unthinkable happens. Connecting your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also delivers extra advantages that your regular smoke detectors would only dream about.

Regular smoke alarms can only do one thing

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors perform an essential part in shielding your family. However, smoke detectors have some drawbacks. For example, they will only react to smoke, not high temps. If there is an emergency in your house, you would not be alerted until the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Even though there are some other telltale signs of fire -- such as a sudden heat increase -- if there's no smoke, you will fail to get a warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate if they encounter ample smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be cautioned until the flames are out of control. Many smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a raging fire and a more gradual burn. Whenever they start beeping, it falls to the resident to call the fire department after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than ordinary smoke detectors

Although they look like regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When integrated to a total home security package, they can:

  • Identify fire with multi-sensor technology: Comparable to a standard smoke detector, the monitored alarm has the ability to activate from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-decibel beeping if it recognizes a potential disaster.
  • Identify fire from a rapid rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm will even activate if it senses an uncommon fluctuation in temperature. Typically, heat is noticed in advance of smoke. More ways to uncover a fire leads to additional means to safeguard your family.
  • Alerts your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires may occur when you are at your house or not. Regardless, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring agents, who can swiftly place a call to the fire department. When seconds count, it's great to know that a trained professional is always looking out for your house.
  • Integrates with home automation: While the chief job of a fire alarm is to identify fire and notify assistance, it may also integrate with other automated equipment. For example, a triggered alarm could prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to impede the fire or initiate smart light bulbs so you may see the safest way out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a complete smart home

The best method to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and discover the perfect smart home for your family. Place a call to (765) 562-9379 or complete the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.