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

In the Erie smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, one alarm rises over the other. Smoke detectors are a vital first step in guarding your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have several drawbacks. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms have more means to identify a fire and are able to reach out to a monitoring team in the event of a disaster. Pairing your fire alarms to a security system also delivers many other advantages that your common smoke detectors can only hope for.

Traditional smoke alarms will only do one thing

Protecting your home from fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on an essential part in keeping your family safe. Even so, smoke detectors have some drawbacks. For example, they will only identify smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is a fire in your home, you might not be cautioned until the smoke rises to the smoke detector. Although there are further significant indications of fire -- such as a sudden heat increase -- if there's no smoke, you won’t have a triggered smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they detect ample smoke. If a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be warned until the situation is out of hand. 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 do go off, it’s required of the occupant to notify emergency services after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

While they look about the same as regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. If connected to a total home security system, they can:

• Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Like a standard smoke detector, your monitored component can activate from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will resonate a high-decibel alarm when it senses a hazardous situation.

• Detect fire due to a abrupt temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm can also trigger if it notices an uncommon heat surge. Typically, heat arrives in advance of smoke. More ways to uncover a fire means more ways to protect your loved ones.

• Alerts trained monitoring agents: Fires will happen whether you are at your house or not. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who are able to rapidly place a call to first responders. When seconds count, it's nice to know that a trained professional is always keeping a watch of your home.

• Pairs with home automation: Although the primary purpose of a fire alarm is to identify fire and call for assistance, it will also connect to other automated equipment. For instance, a activated alarm could prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the fire or trigger lighting so you can see the quickest way out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a fully equipped smart home

The best way to get the most from your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint security agent today and customize the most suitable smart home for your needs. Call (814) 992-4902 or submit the form below to begin.