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Is there a difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Houston?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Houston smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, one device rises over the rest. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in protecting your place from emergency situations, but they have some notable limitations. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to discover a fire and are able to contact your support team in the event of a disaster. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also results in additional advantages that your ordinary smoke detectors could only hope for.

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

Defending against fire is important, and smoke detectors perform a critical role in safeguarding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For example, they are only able to react to smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is a fire in your residence, you may not be cautioned unless the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are some other unmistakable signals of fire -- such as a marked heat increase -- if there’s a lack of smoke, there is no sounding of your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only beep if they find enough smoke. If a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be cautioned until it's too late. Many smoke detectors use more than one sensor, which means they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. Then when they sound their alarm, it falls to the resident to contact the fire department after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

Even though they look about the same as traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If linked to a complete home security package, they will:

  • Detect fire with multi-sensor technology: Like an ordinary smoke detector, the monitored alarm will trigger from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-volume alarm whenever it senses danger.
  • Discover fire from a rapid temperature increase: Your monitored fire alarm can also activate if it notices an unusual fluctuation in temperature. Many times, heat arrives prior to smoke. Having additional means to uncover a fire leads to more methods to protect your loved ones.
  • Alerts your dedicated monitoring representatives: Fires can occur when you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring specialists, who are able to rapidly place a call to emergency services. When seconds count, it's great to realize that a trained professional is constantly looking out for your house.
  • Integrates with home automation: While the main purpose of a fire alarm is to recognize fire and call for help, it may also connect to other automated equipment. To illustrate, a tripped alarm might make your system start the exhaust fan to slow the spread of fire or trigger the lights so you may find the best way out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a complete smart home

The best approach to get the most from your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint specialist today and customize the ideal smart home for your family. Place a call to (713) 597-3506 or submit the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.