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Are there differences between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Gaithersburg?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Gaithersburg smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, there’s easily only one victor. Smoke detectors are a vital line of defense in shielding your house from emergency situations, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. Conversely, monitored fire alarms offer more ways to discover a potentially dangerous situation and may contact your support team when the unthinkable happens. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also brings out many extra perks that your regular smoke detectors could only wish for.

The limitations of ordinary smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Fire safety is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play an essential role in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. To illustrate, they can only detect smoke, not extreme temperatures. If there is a fire in your home, you might not be cautioned unless the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are additional telltale signals of fire -- such as a marked increase in warmth -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you will fail to get a warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate when they find an adequate amount of smoke. When a fire begins slowly, you might not be cautioned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors utilize dual sensors, which means they will be able to perceive smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. Then when they sound their alarm, it falls to the occupant to notify emergency services after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than ordinary smoke detectors

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

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, this monitored alarm has the ability to engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-volume alarm if it perceives danger.
  • Identify fire due to a abrupt temperature increase: Your monitored fire alarm will also trigger if it discerns an unusual fluctuation in temperature. Many times, heat comes prior to smoke. More means to identify a fire leads to more means to protect your loved ones.
  • Alerts professional monitoring specialists: Fires can occur whether you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring specialists, who will rapidly call emergency services. When every moment matters, it's great to know that somebody is consistently keeping a watch of your residence.
  • Connects to home automation: While the primary task of a fire alarm is to detect fire and notify help, it will also connect to other automated devices. For example, a activated alarm might make your system engage the exhaust fan to hinder the spread of fire or trigger the lights so you are able to locate the safest way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a complete smart home

The easiest method to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint security agent today and find the most suitable smart home for your family. Call (301) 923-4670 or send in the following form to get started.