Vivint Authorized Retailer Gainesville
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Entire Gainesville Metro Area

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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Gainesville smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's evident that a monitored fire alarm is the superior alternative"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in guarding your place from emergency situations, but they have several drawbacks. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms provide more means to detect an emergency and are able to reach out to your support team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also results in many other advantages that your ordinary smoke detectors would only hope for.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in Gainesville may be falling short

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors perform a critical part in safeguarding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have some limitations. To illustrate, they can only detect smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is a blaze starting in your residence, you may not be cautioned before the smoke rises to the smoke detector. While there are additional unmistakable signs of fire -- such as a marked heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, you won’t have a triggered smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only beep when they find an adequate amount of smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be alerted until it's too late. Some smoke detectors utilize dual sensors, which means they will be able to perceive smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. Whenever they sound their alarm, it falls to the resident to call first responders after exiting the premises.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than regular smoke detectors

Although they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When linked to a comprehensive home security package, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with multi-sensor technology: Like a standard smoke detector, your monitored alarm will engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-volume alarm whenever it recognizes danger.
  • Identify fire with a abrupt heat surge: A monitored fire alarm may also trigger if it discerns an abnormal increase in heat. Frequently, heat arrives before smoke. More methods to identify a fire means extra ways to safeguard your family.
  • Warns trained monitoring representatives: Fires will occur whether you are at your house or not. Either way, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring agents, who can quickly call the fire department. When every moment matters, it's comforting to have the knowledge that somebody is constantly keeping a watch of your house.
  • Connects to home automation: While the main job of a fire alarm is to recognize dangerous situations and notify monitoring agents, it may also integrate with other automated components. For instance, a triggered alarm could induce your system to start the exhaust fan to slow the fire or trigger smart light bulbs so you may see the best exit out of the house.

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

The simplest approach to get the most from your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint specialist today and find the ideal smart home for your needs. Call (352) 922-3696 or send in the form on this page to begin.