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Are there differences between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Harrisburg?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Harrisburg smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, one alarm rises above the other. Smoke detectors are an important consideration in protecting your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning limitations. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to identify a potentially dangerous situation and are able to contact help when disaster strikes. Linking your fire alarms to a home security system also results in many additional perks that your common smoke detectors would only wish for.

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

Protecting your home from fire is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play a vital role in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their shortcomings. To illustrate, they will only detect smoke, not heat. If there is an emergency in your residence, you may not be cautioned before the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are additional significant indications of fire -- such as a sharp increase in warmth -- if you don’t have smoke, you will fail to get a warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep if they encounter enough smoke. In the event a fire begins slowly, you might not be warned until it's too late. Some smoke detectors utilize more than one sensor, meaning they will be able to perceive smoke from both a blazing inferno and smoldering remnants. Whenever they start beeping, it’s required of the resident to call emergency services after exiting the property.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

While they look about the same as standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If linked to a total home security installation, they can:

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, the monitored alarm can trigger from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-volume warning if it recognizes a hazardous situation.
  • Detect fire from a abrupt rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm will also go off if it discerns an uncommon fluctuation in temperature. Typically, heat arrives before smoke. Added methods to detect a fire leads to more means to keep your family safe.
  • Notifies professional monitoring agents: Fires may happen whether you are at your house or not. Either way, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring team, who are able to rapidly call emergency services. When seconds count, it's comforting to have the knowledge that a trained professional is constantly looking out for your home.
  • Pairs with home automation: While the primary job of a fire alarm is to identify fire and request help, it may also connect to other automated components. To illustrate, a triggered alarm can induce your system to start the exhaust fan to slow the flames or trigger lighting so you are able to see the safest path out of the property.

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. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and customize the perfect smart home for your requirements. Place a call to (717) 844-9116 or submit the form on this page to get started.