Are there differences between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Manhattan?

In the Manhattan smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, there’s really only one victor. Smoke detectors are a vital consideration in shielding your place from fire, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms provide more ways to identify a potentially dangerous situation and can reach out to a monitoring team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also brings out extra advantages that your regular smoke detectors would only hope for.

Ordinary smoke alarms can only do one thing

Protecting your home from fire is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play a critical part in keeping your family safe. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have some limitations. To illustrate, they will only react to smoke, not extreme temperatures. When there is an emergency in your house, you would not be cautioned until the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are additional unmistakable indications of fire -- such as a marked heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they find ample smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you may not be alerted until the flames are out of control. Many smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, meaning they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. Then when they sound their alarm, it's up to the homeowner to notify the fire department after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than regular smoke detectors

Even though they have a similar appearance to regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If integrated to a total home security system, they can:

• Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, this monitored device will activate from an active or passive fire. It will sound a high-volume alarm if it recognizes a potential disaster.

• Discover fire due to a rapid heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm can also trigger if it discerns an uncommon fluctuation in temperature. Typically, heat arrives in advance of smoke. More methods to detect a fire means more ways to keep your family safe.

• Notifies your dedicated monitoring specialists: Fires may happen whether you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring agents, who can swiftly place a call to first responders. When every moment matters, it's nice to realize that someone is constantly keeping a watch of your home.

• Integrates with home automation: While the chief job of a fire alarm is to detect an emergency and request monitoring agents, it may also join forces with other automated equipment. For example, a tripped alarm could make your system start the exhaust fan to impede the flames or trigger lighting so you may find the safest exit out of the property.

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

The easiest approach to optimize your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint specialist today and discover the perfect smart home for your family. Place a call to (332) 208-9869 or complete the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.