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

In the Sacramento smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, there’s easily only one victor. Smoke detectors are a vital line of defense in protecting your residence from emergency situations, but they have several limitations. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms offer more means to detect a fire and may reach out to your support team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a security system also results in extra benefits that your ordinary smoke detectors can only wish for.

Regular smoke alarms can only do this one thing

Defending against fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors perform a vital part in safeguarding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For example, they are only able to react to smoke, not heat. In the event there is an emergency in your house, you may not be cautioned until the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are some other telltale signals of fire -- including a sudden heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, you will fail to get a sounding of your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they encounter enough smoke. If a fire starts small, you may not be alerted until the situation is out of hand. Various smoke detectors utilize dual sensors, meaning they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. Then when they start beeping, it's up to the homeowner to contact first responders after safely leaving the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than standard smoke detectors

Although they have a similar appearance to regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. If connected to a comprehensive home security installation, they are able to:

• Detect fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to an ordinary smoke detector, the monitored device can engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-volume beeping whenever it senses danger.

• Detect fire from a rapid rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm may even go off if it notices an unusual fluctuation in temperature. Typically, heat is noticed before smoke. Added methods to detect a fire leads to more methods to keep your family safe.

• Notifies your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires may happen whether you are at your house or not. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who can rapidly call emergency services. When seconds count, it's comforting to have the knowledge that someone is constantly keeping a watch of your house.

• Integrates with home automation: Although the primary purpose of a fire alarm is to identify an emergency and notify help, it may also integrate with other automated devices. For instance, a tripped alarm could induce your system to start the exhaust fan to impede the flames or trigger the lights so you can locate the safest path out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a fully equipped smart home

The simplest way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint expert today and find the ideal smart home for your family. Call (916) 914-8674 or complete the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.