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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Joliet smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, one alarm rises above the other. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in protecting your residence from emergency situations, but they have some notable shortcomings. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms offer more means to detect a fire and may notify help when the unthinkable happens. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also results in various other advantages that your common smoke detectors can only wish for.

The limitations of ordinary smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Protecting your home from fire is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors perform an essential role in keeping your family safe. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have some shortcomings. For instance, they are only able to detect smoke, not extreme temperatures. When there is a blaze starting in your house, you might not be cautioned before the smoke rises to the smoke detector. While there are further telltale signs of fire -- including a sharp heat increase -- if there’s a lack of smoke, there is no warning from your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only beep if they find ample smoke. When a fire begins slowly, you might not be cautioned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors utilize more than one sensor, which means they will detect smoke from both a raging fire and something less intense. Then when they do go off, it falls to the occupant to call first responders after they safely leave the premises.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than ordinary smoke detectors

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

  • Discern fire with multi-sensor technology: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, this monitored component has the ability to activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will emit a high-volume alarm if it recognizes a hazardous situation.
  • Discover fire from a rapid heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm may even trigger if it senses an unusual increase in heat. Frequently, heat comes in advance of smoke. Added ways to uncover a fire leads to extra methods to safeguard your family.
  • Notifies your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires can take place when you are on site or somewhere else. Either way, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring agents, who will swiftly contact emergency services. When seconds count, it's nice to have the knowledge that a trained professional is consistently keeping a watch of your house.
  • Integrates with home automation: Even though the chief purpose of a fire alarm is to identify an emergency and notify assistance, it can also connect to other automated components. To illustrate, a activated alarm could induce your system to engage the exhaust fan to slow the spread of fire or trigger lighting so you may find the best way out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a comprehensive smart home

The easiest approach to get the most from your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint specialist today and find the perfect smart home for your requirements. Call (815) 427-4864 or complete the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.