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Are there differences between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Orlando?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Orlando smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's clear that a monitored fire alarm is the preferred option"> for your home. Smoke detectors are a vital consideration in guarding your house from emergency situations, but they have some notable limitations. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more methods to detect an emergency and are able to reach out to a monitoring team when the unthinkable happens. Linking your fire alarms to a home security system also brings out other benefits that your common smoke detectors can only wish for.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in Orlando may be inadequate

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on an essential part in keeping your family safe. However, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. For example, they are only able to identify smoke, not heat. When there is a blaze starting in your house, you would not be alerted before the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are additional telltale signs of fire -- including a sharp rise in heat -- if there's no smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only sound the alarm when they detect ample smoke. In the event a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until it's too late. Various smoke detectors employ dual sensors, meaning they will detect smoke from both a raging fire and smoldering remnants. Then when they do go off, it falls to the occupant to call the fire department after they safely leave the premises.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

Even though they look like regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If integrated to a complete home security installation, they are able to:

  • Identify fire with different sensor types: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, your monitored component has the ability to engage from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will emit a high-decibel warning when it recognizes danger.
  • Detect fire from a abrupt heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm will even go off if it senses an unusual increase in heat. Frequently, heat arrives in advance of smoke. More methods to identify a fire leads to additional means to safeguard your family.
  • Notifies trained monitoring agents: Fires may happen when you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring specialists, who will swiftly contact first responders. When seconds count, it's nice to realize that a trained professional is constantly keeping a watch of your home.
  • Connects to home automation: Although the main task of a fire alarm is to recognize fire and request assistance, it will also connect to other automated equipment. For instance, a activated alarm might induce your system to engage the exhaust fan to impede the flames or initiate smart light bulbs so you can locate the best path out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a comprehensive smart home

The simplest approach to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint specialist today and find the most suitable smart home for your needs. Call (407) 972-1223 or submit the form below to take the first step toward a safer property.