Are there differences between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Charleston?

In the Charleston smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, one alarm rises over the rest. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in shielding your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have some notable shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms have more means to discover a fire and can contact help when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also results in other advantages that your regular smoke detectors can only hope for.

Regular smoke alarms will only do one thing

Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors take on a vital role in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. For example, they are only able to detect smoke, not high temps. In the event there is an emergency in your residence, you may not be warned before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are additional significant indications of fire -- including a marked increase in warmth -- if there’s a lack of smoke, there is no triggered smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate if they find an adequate amount of smoke. When a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until it's too late. Many smoke detectors employ dual-sensor technology, which means they will detect smoke from both a blazing inferno and a more gradual burn. Then when they do go off, it falls to the resident to contact the fire department after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

Even though they look about the same as standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When linked to a complete home security installation, they are able to:

• Discern fire with multi-sensor technology: Comparable to an ordinary smoke detector, your monitored component can engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound an easily audible warning if it perceives a hazardous situation.

• Identify fire with a abrupt temperature increase: Your monitored fire alarm may also go off if it senses an uncommon heat surge. Frequently, heat arrives in advance of smoke. Having additional ways to uncover a fire means more ways to keep your family safe.

• Warns your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires can happen when you are at your house or not. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who will quickly contact first responders. When seconds count, it's great to have the knowledge that someone is constantly keeping a watch of your residence.

• Connects to home automation: Even though the main job of a fire alarm is to identify fire and notify help, it may also integrate with other automated equipment. To illustrate, a activated alarm can induce your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the spread of fire or trigger the lights so you are able to find the safest path out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a comprehensive smart home

The easiest way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and customize the ideal smart home for your requirements. Diall (843) 892-5638 or submit the form below to get started.