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

In the Riverside smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, there’s easily only one winner. Smoke detectors are an essential line of defense in shielding your house from fire, but they have several limitations. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to identify a fire and may reach out to help when the unthinkable happens. Linking your fire alarms to a home security system also brings out additional perks that your common smoke detectors would only dream about.

Regular smoke alarms will only do this one thing

Protecting your home from fire is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play a critical part in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their drawbacks. For instance, they will only identify smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is a fire in your home, you would not be warned unless the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Even though there are some other unmistakable signals of fire -- including a marked heat increase -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you will fail to get a sounding of your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only activate if they find ample smoke. If a fire starts small, you may not be warned until the flames are out of control. Many smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, which means they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and smoldering remnants. Then when they do go off, it’s required of the resident to contact the fire department after safely leaving the premises.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than regular smoke detectors

Even though they look about the same as traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If linked to a comprehensive home security installation, they will:

• Identify fire with multi-sensor technology: Similar to an ordinary smoke detector, the monitored alarm has the ability to activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will resonate an easily audible beeping whenever it recognizes a potential disaster.

• Identify fire from a rapid heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm may also activate if it senses an abnormal increase in heat. Many times, heat arrives before smoke. Added ways to uncover a fire leads to additional methods to safeguard your family.

• Alerts professional monitoring specialists: Fires may take place whether you are on site or somewhere else. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring specialists, who are able to swiftly place a call to first responders. When seconds count, it's comforting to know that someone is constantly watching over your residence.

• Pairs with home automation: While the primary job of a fire alarm is to detect fire and request help, it can also join forces with other automated equipment. For instance, a triggered alarm might make your system turn on the exhaust fan to slow the fire or turn on the lights so you can find the best exit out of the house.

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

The best approach to optimize your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint specialist today and discover the perfect smart home for your needs. Call (951) 477-3741 or complete the form below to get started.