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What's the difference between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Medford?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Medford smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, there’s easily only one champion. Smoke detectors are an important first step in guarding your place from fire, but they have a few concerning drawbacks. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms have more means to identify a fire and are able to contact your support team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a security system also brings out various additional advantages that your common smoke detectors could only hope for.

Your regular smoke alarms in Medford might be inadequate

Defending against fire is important, and smoke detectors play an essential role in keeping your family safe. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have some drawbacks. For example, they are only able to react to smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is a blaze starting in your residence, you may not be warned before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Even though there are further telltale indications of fire -- such as a sharp heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they encounter an adequate amount of smoke. When a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until the flames are out of control. Various smoke detectors use dual sensors, meaning they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. Whenever they do go off, it’s required of the resident to contact first responders after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than ordinary smoke detectors

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

  • Discern fire with different sensor types: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, your monitored device has the ability to activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will emit a high-volume beeping if it recognizes a hazardous situation.
  • Detect fire with a abrupt rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm will also trigger if it senses an unusual fluctuation in temperature. Many times, heat comes in advance of smoke. More ways to uncover a fire equates to additional methods to safeguard your family.
  • Notifies professional monitoring agents: Fires will take place whether you are on site or somewhere else. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who will rapidly contact emergency services. When every moment matters, it's nice to realize that somebody is constantly watching over your house.
  • Pairs with home automation: Even though the chief task of a fire alarm is to recognize dangerous situations and notify help, it can also join forces with other automated components. For instance, a triggered alarm can make your system engage the exhaust fan to slow the spread of fire or turn on smart light bulbs so you are able to find the quickest way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a complete smart home

The easiest way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint specialist today and find the perfect smart home for your requirements. Place a call to (541) 697-3284 or complete the form on this page to begin.