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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Nashville smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the better option"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an important line of defense in protecting your house from emergency situations, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms provide more methods to detect a fire and can notify a monitoring team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also brings out many additional benefits that your common smoke detectors would only hope for.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in Nashville could be falling short

Fire safety is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play an essential role in shielding your family. Even so, smoke detectors have their shortcomings. For instance, they will only detect smoke, not extreme temperatures. In the event there is an emergency in your home, you may not be warned before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are additional telltale indications of fire -- including a sudden increase in warmth -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you will fail to get a warning from your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only sound the alarm when they detect an adequate amount of smoke. In the event a fire creeps along slowly at first, you might not be warned until it's too late. Various smoke detectors utilize dual sensors, meaning they will recognize smoke from both a raging fire and something less intense. Whenever they do go off, it's up to the homeowner to contact emergency services after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

Although they look about the same as traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If connected to a complete home security system, they are able to:

  • Discern fire with different sensor types: Comparable to a standard smoke detector, the monitored alarm has the ability to activate from an active or passive fire. It will sound a high-decibel warning if it recognizes danger.
  • Discover fire due to a sudden rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm will even trigger if it senses an unusual increase in heat. Frequently, heat is noticed prior to smoke. Having additional methods to detect a fire equates to more means to keep your family safe.
  • Alerts professional monitoring specialists: Fires may occur when you are on site or somewhere else. Either way, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring team, who will quickly call first responders. When seconds count, it's great to have the knowledge that someone is always keeping a watch of your home.
  • Pairs with home automation: While the chief job of a fire alarm is to identify an emergency and request assistance, it can also integrate with other automated equipment. To illustrate, a triggered alarm might make your system start the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or trigger smart light bulbs so you can locate the quickest exit out of your home.

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

The best method to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint expert today and find the ideal smart home for your needs. Call (615) 908-3403 or send in the form below to get started.