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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Reno smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, one device rises over the rest. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in protecting your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have some notable shortcomings. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms have more methods to identify an emergency and are able to notify a monitoring team when the unthinkable happens. Pairing your fire alarms to a security system also brings out additional perks that your common smoke detectors could only dream about.

The drawbacks of standard smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors perform a critical part in keeping your family safe. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their drawbacks. For example, they will only identify smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is an emergency in your home, you would not be cautioned until the smoke rises to the smoke detector. While there are further telltale signs of fire -- such as a sharp heat increase -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you will fail to get a triggered smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep if they detect an adequate amount of smoke. When a fire begins slowly, you might not be alerted until it's too late. Many smoke detectors employ dual-sensor technology, meaning they will detect smoke from both a blazing inferno and something less intense. If they do go off, it's up to the occupant to call emergency services after safely leaving the property.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

Although they have a similar appearance to traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When linked to a complete home security installation, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a traditional smoke detector, this monitored component will activate from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-decibel warning whenever it recognizes a hazardous situation.
  • Identify fire from a abrupt rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm can even activate if it senses an abnormal increase in heat. Typically, heat comes before smoke. More methods to uncover a fire leads to additional means to protect your loved ones.
  • Alerts professional monitoring agents: Fires will occur when you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who are able to quickly place a call to first responders. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's comforting to realize that a trained professional is consistently keeping a watch of your home.
  • Integrates with home automation: While the chief job of a fire alarm is to identify dangerous situations and request monitoring agents, it will also integrate with other automated equipment. To illustrate, a triggered alarm might make your system turn on the exhaust fan to hinder the fire or trigger smart light bulbs so you may locate the quickest way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a comprehensive 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 security agent today and discover the most suitable smart home for your requirements. Call (775) 259-9515 or submit the form below to begin.