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Is there a difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Denver?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Denver smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, it's clear that a monitored fire alarm is the superior choice"> for your family. Smoke detectors are a vital consideration in protecting your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have some notable drawbacks. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to discover an emergency and can contact help when disaster strikes. Linking your fire alarms to a security system also delivers many additional benefits that your ordinary smoke detectors could only dream about.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in Denver may be inadequate

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors take on an essential role in safeguarding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. For instance, they are only able to detect smoke, not extreme temperatures. When there is a fire in your home, you may not be alerted until the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are additional telltale indications of fire -- such as a sharp increase in warmth -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only beep if they encounter an adequate amount of smoke. In the event a fire begins slowly, you may not be cautioned until it's too late. Some smoke detectors utilize dual-sensor technology, meaning they will be able to perceive smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. If they do go off, it falls to the homeowner to contact the fire department after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

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

  • Discern fire with different sensor types: Like an ordinary smoke detector, your monitored device can trigger from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will resonate an easily audible alarm if it senses a hazardous situation.
  • Discover fire with a abrupt temperature increase: Your monitored fire alarm may even go off if it notices an uncommon heat surge. Many times, heat is noticed prior to smoke. Added methods to identify a fire leads to additional means to safeguard your family.
  • Warns professional monitoring representatives: Fires may happen when you are on site or somewhere else. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who will rapidly contact first responders. When every moment matters, it's comforting to have the knowledge that somebody is constantly watching over your house.
  • Integrates with home automation: Although the main purpose of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and notify help, it will also join forces with other automated components. To illustrate, a triggered alarm might prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to hinder the fire or turn on the lights so you can find the best path out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a comprehensive smart home

The simplest way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and discover the perfect smart home for your requirements. Call (720) 807-3060 or complete the form on this page to get started.