Vivint Authorized Retailer St. George
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering St. George & Surrounding Areas

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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the St. George smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, it's clear that a monitored fire alarm is the superior alternative"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an important consideration in shielding your place from fire, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms provide more means to identify a fire and are able to contact your support team when disaster strikes. Connecting your fire alarms to a security system also delivers many other benefits that your common smoke detectors could only hope for.

Regular smoke alarms will only do this one thing

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors perform a critical part in shielding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have their limitations. To illustrate, they are only able to identify smoke, not heat. In the event there is an emergency in your residence, you might not be warned unless the smoke rises to the smoke detector. While there are some other unmistakable signals of fire -- including a sudden rise in heat -- if you don’t have smoke, you will fail to get a warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep if they find an adequate amount of smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you might not be alerted until it's too late. Various smoke detectors use dual-sensor technology, meaning they will be able to perceive smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. If they start beeping, it’s required of the homeowner to contact first responders after safely leaving the premises.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than ordinary smoke detectors

Even though they look like standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. When connected to a comprehensive home security package, they are able to:

  • Detect fire with multi-sensor technology: Similar to an ordinary smoke detector, this monitored device will trigger from an active or passive fire. It will sound a high-decibel beeping when it recognizes danger.
  • Identify fire from a sudden heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm will also go off if it senses an uncommon increase in heat. Frequently, heat is noticed prior to smoke. Added means to identify a fire equates to additional methods to keep your family safe.
  • Notifies professional monitoring specialists: Fires may happen whether you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring team, who can swiftly call emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to have the knowledge that someone is always looking out for your home.
  • Pairs with home automation: Even though the chief task of a fire alarm is to detect an emergency and notify monitoring agents, it can also connect to other automated equipment. To illustrate, a tripped alarm could induce your system to turn on the exhaust fan to impede the fire or trigger lighting so you can see the best way out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are a key element of a complete smart home

The easiest method to optimize your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint expert today and discover the most suitable smart home for your needs. Diall (435) 375-3735 or complete the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.