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Is there a difference between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Wichita?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Wichita smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the better option"> for your house. Smoke detectors are an important first step in guarding your house from fire, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms provide more ways to detect a fire and are able to notify your support team when the unthinkable happens. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also delivers various additional perks that your common smoke detectors would only dream about.

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

Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors take on a vital role in shielding your family. However, smoke detectors have their drawbacks. For instance, they can only react to smoke, not heat. When there is a blaze starting in your home, you might not be warned unless the smoke rises to the smoke detector. While there are further significant signals of fire -- like a sudden increase in warmth -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they find an adequate amount of smoke. If a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until the situation is out of hand. Many smoke detectors utilize dual sensors, meaning they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and smoldering remnants. Whenever they sound their alarm, it falls to the occupant to contact the fire department after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

While they have a similar appearance to traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. When connected to a total home security installation, they are able to:

  • Identify fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a standard smoke detector, your monitored alarm can activate from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will resonate a high-volume alarm if it recognizes a potential disaster.
  • Discover fire due to a sudden rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm will also activate if it discerns an abnormal increase in heat. Frequently, heat comes prior to smoke. More means to detect a fire leads to extra ways to protect your loved ones.
  • Warns professional monitoring agents: Fires will occur when you are on site or somewhere else. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who can rapidly contact first responders. When every moment matters, it's great to realize that somebody is constantly keeping a watch of your house.
  • Pairs with home automation: Although the main task of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and call for monitoring agents, it can also join forces with other automated components. For instance, a tripped alarm could induce your system to start the exhaust fan to impede the flames or initiate the lights so you are able to locate the best exit out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are an important aspect of a fully equipped smart home

The simplest method to get the most from your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint specialist today and customize the most suitable smart home for your family. Place a call to (316) 844-6283 or complete the form below to begin.