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What's the difference between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Eugene?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Eugene smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, it's evident that a monitored fire alarm is the superior alternative"> for your house. Smoke detectors are a vital line of defense in guarding your place from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms have more ways to discover a fire and are able to notify help when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also brings out additional perks that your ordinary smoke detectors would only hope for.

The limitations of traditional smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Defending against fire is important, and smoke detectors play a critical role in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have their shortcomings. For instance, they are only able to identify smoke, not heat. In the event there is a blaze starting in your home, you might not be warned until the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Although there are some other significant indications of fire -- like a sudden rise in heat -- if there’s a lack of smoke, there is no warning from your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only beep when they find enough smoke. When a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be alerted until it's too late. Various smoke detectors employ dual sensors, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a raging fire and something less intense. If they do go off, it's up to the homeowner to contact first responders after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than standard smoke detectors

Even though they look about the same as traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If linked to a comprehensive home security installation, they are able to:

  • Identify fire with different sensor types: Comparable to an ordinary smoke detector, this monitored alarm can engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-decibel alarm whenever it perceives a hazardous situation.
  • Detect fire with a sudden temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm may even activate if it discerns an uncommon increase in heat. Many times, heat comes in advance of smoke. More ways to detect a fire means more means to protect your loved ones.
  • Notifies trained monitoring representatives: Fires will happen whether you are at your house or not. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who will rapidly contact emergency services. When seconds count, it's nice to know that someone is always watching over your home.
  • Integrates with home automation: Even though the main job of a fire alarm is to identify an emergency and request assistance, it can also integrate with other automated equipment. For instance, a activated alarm could make your system engage the exhaust fan to slow the spread of fire or trigger lighting so you are able to locate the best way out of the house.

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

The simplest approach to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and customize the ideal smart home for your needs. Call (541) 313-4091 or submit the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.