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What's the difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Boulder?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Boulder smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, it's clear that a monitored fire alarm is the better alternative"> for your family. Smoke detectors are an essential line of defense in protecting your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have several drawbacks. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms provide more methods to detect a fire and may notify help when the unthinkable happens. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also results in various additional advantages that your common smoke detectors could only wish for.

The shortcomings of traditional smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Defending against fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on a vital role in keeping your family safe. Even so, smoke detectors have their drawbacks. To illustrate, they can only react to smoke, not high temps. In the event there is an emergency in your house, you might not be cautioned until the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are additional significant signs of fire -- like a marked heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep when they detect an adequate amount of smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be alerted until it's too late. Many smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, which means they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and smoldering remnants. Then when they start beeping, it's up to the occupant to notify emergency services after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than standard smoke detectors

While they look about the same as traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If integrated to a total home security system, they can:

  • Detect fire with multi-sensor technology: Similar to a standard smoke detector, your monitored alarm has the ability to engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-volume beeping whenever it senses danger.
  • Detect fire due to a rapid temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm can even trigger if it discerns an unusual fluctuation in temperature. Many times, heat comes in advance of smoke. More ways to uncover a fire means more methods to safeguard your family.
  • Warns professional monitoring agents: Fires will happen when you are on site or somewhere else. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring specialists, who are able to swiftly contact the fire department. When every moment matters, it's comforting to know that somebody is constantly looking out for your home.
  • Integrates with home automation: Although the primary purpose of a fire alarm is to detect dangerous situations and notify help, it can also connect to other automated devices. To illustrate, a tripped alarm could make your system start the exhaust fan to slow the spread of fire or turn on smart light bulbs so you may see the best path out of your home.

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

The best approach to optimize your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint security agent today and find the ideal smart home for your family. Diall (720) 807-9203 or submit the following form to begin.