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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Dallas smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, one alarm rises over the rest. Smoke detectors are an important line of defense in shielding your residence from emergency situations, but they have several limitations. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms provide more methods to discover a fire and can contact your support team when disaster strikes. Linking your fire alarms to a security system also results in various additional perks that your regular smoke detectors would only wish for.

Your traditional smoke alarms in Dallas may be inadequate

Fire safety is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors take on a vital part in shielding your family. However, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. To illustrate, they are only able to detect smoke, not high temps. If there is an emergency in your residence, you may not be warned before the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are some other telltale indications of fire -- including a sudden heat increase -- if there's no smoke, there is no warning from your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only beep if they detect ample smoke. When a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until it's too late. Various smoke detectors use dual sensors, meaning they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and smoldering remnants. Then when they do go off, it's up to the homeowner to notify first responders after they safely leave the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

Although they look like standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If linked to a comprehensive home security system, they can:

  • Identify fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Comparable to an ordinary smoke detector, this monitored component will engage from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will sound a high-volume warning whenever it senses danger.
  • Identify fire with a sudden heat surge: A monitored fire alarm will even activate if it senses an abnormal fluctuation in temperature. Frequently, heat is noticed before smoke. Having additional methods to uncover a fire leads to more methods to safeguard your family.
  • Warns your dedicated monitoring specialists: Fires may occur when you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who are able to quickly place a call to emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to realize that a trained professional is consistently looking out for your home.
  • Connects to home automation: While the main task of a fire alarm is to detect dangerous situations and call for monitoring agents, it can also integrate with other automated equipment. To illustrate, a tripped alarm can prompt your system to engage the exhaust fan to impede the fire or trigger lighting so you are able to find the quickest exit out of your home.

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

The simplest approach to optimize your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint specialist today and find the perfect smart home for your requirements. Place a call to (469) 812-8953 or complete the form below to get started.