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Is there a difference between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Rochester?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Rochester smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the superior alternative"> for your house. Smoke detectors are a vital line of defense in protecting your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning limitations. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms have more methods to identify a fire and can notify your support team in the event of a disaster. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also results in other perks that your ordinary smoke detectors can only dream about.

Your traditional smoke alarms in Rochester may be inadequate

Defending against fire is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play an essential part in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have some drawbacks. To illustrate, they are only able to detect smoke, not heat. When there is an emergency in your home, you would not be alerted before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are further significant signals of fire -- including a sharp rise in heat -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only beep if they encounter enough smoke. In the event a fire starts small, you may not be alerted until the flames are out of control. Various smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, which means they will recognize smoke from both a blazing inferno and a more gradual burn. If they do go off, it’s required of the homeowner to call emergency services after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than ordinary smoke detectors

Although they look about the same as regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If connected to a comprehensive home security system, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with different sensor types: Like a standard smoke detector, the monitored alarm can trigger from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will emit a high-decibel alarm when it perceives a potential disaster.
  • Identify fire due to a rapid heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm will also activate if it discerns an abnormal increase in heat. Many times, heat is noticed before smoke. More methods to detect a fire means more ways to safeguard your family.
  • Warns professional monitoring agents: Fires can happen whether you are at your house or not. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who can rapidly place a call to first responders. When every moment matters, it's great to have the knowledge that somebody is constantly keeping a watch of your house.
  • Connects to home automation: While the primary purpose of a fire alarm is to identify dangerous situations and request help, it can also connect to other automated devices. For instance, a activated alarm might make your system start the exhaust fan to impede the flames or turn on smart light bulbs so you can see the quickest exit out of your home.

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

The best method to optimize your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint specialist today and discover the most suitable smart home for your needs. Diall (585) 534-3389 or complete the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.