Is there a difference between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Greenville?

In the Greenville smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, there’s only one victor. Smoke detectors are an important line of defense in shielding your residence from fire, but they have several limitations. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms have more ways to identify an emergency and may notify a monitoring team in the event of a disaster. Linking your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also brings out additional perks that your ordinary smoke detectors would only wish for.

Ordinary smoke alarms will only do this one thing

Protecting your home from fire is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play a critical role in shielding your family. However, smoke detectors have their limitations. To illustrate, they can only detect smoke, not heat. When there is an emergency in your residence, you may not be cautioned before the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are some other telltale signs of fire -- such as a sharp increase in warmth -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you won’t have a triggered smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they find enough smoke. When a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be warned until it's too late. Various smoke detectors use more than one sensor, meaning they will be able to perceive smoke from both a raging fire and a more gradual burn. Then when they start beeping, it falls to the resident to contact the fire department after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

Even though they have a similar appearance to standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When integrated to a total home security package, they are able to:

• Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a standard smoke detector, this monitored device will trigger from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will resonate an easily audible beeping when it perceives a potential disaster.

• Identify fire with a rapid temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm will even trigger if it senses an abnormal fluctuation in temperature. Many times, heat comes prior to smoke. More methods to detect a fire equates to more ways to keep your family safe.

• Notifies your dedicated monitoring specialists: Fires can take place when you are at your house or not. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring agents, who are able to swiftly place a call to emergency services. When seconds count, it's great to realize that someone is constantly watching over your home.

• Pairs with home automation: Although the main task of a fire alarm is to detect an emergency and request help, it may also integrate with other automated equipment. For example, a activated alarm can induce your system to start the exhaust fan to slow the spread of fire or turn on the lights so you may find the quickest way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are an important aspect of a fully equipped 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 ideal smart home for your needs. Place a call to (252) 648-6502 or complete the form on this page to get started.