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Is there a difference between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Ithaca?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Ithaca smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, it's evident that a monitored fire alarm is the better choice"> for your house. Smoke detectors are an essential line of defense in guarding your place from emergency situations, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms offer more means to detect a fire and are able to notify a monitoring team in the event of a disaster. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also results in extra perks that your common smoke detectors could only hope for.

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

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors take on a vital part in shielding your family. However, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For example, they can only react to smoke, not high temps. In the event there is an emergency in your home, you would not be cautioned unless the smoke reaches the smoke detector. Even though there are further telltale indications of fire -- including a marked heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no sounding of your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only activate when they find an adequate amount of smoke. In the event a fire begins slowly, you may not be warned until it's too late. Various smoke detectors use dual sensors, which means they will detect smoke from both a blazing inferno and smoldering remnants. Then when they do go off, it falls to the homeowner to call first responders after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than ordinary smoke detectors

Even though they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When integrated to a comprehensive home security installation, they can:

  • Identify fire with multi-sensor technology: Like an ordinary smoke detector, this monitored device has the ability to engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-decibel alarm whenever it senses danger.
  • Discover fire with a sudden heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm can also trigger if it discerns an abnormal fluctuation in temperature. Many times, heat is noticed in advance of smoke. More methods to detect a fire means extra ways to safeguard your family.
  • Alerts your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires will happen when you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring team, who are able to quickly place a call to first responders. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's great to have the knowledge that a trained professional is constantly keeping a watch of your residence.
  • Integrates with home automation: Even though the chief task of a fire alarm is to identify fire and call for monitoring agents, it can also join forces with other automated devices. To illustrate, a tripped alarm could make your system engage the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or initiate smart light bulbs so you can find the best way out of the house.

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

The simplest way to optimize your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint specialist today and find the ideal smart home for your family. Call (607) 600-9658 or send in the following form to take the first step toward a safer property.