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

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Des Moines smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, it's evident that a monitored fire alarm is the superior choice"> for your home. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in protecting your residence from emergency situations, but they have several shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to detect an emergency and can notify a monitoring team when disaster strikes. Linking your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also delivers many extra benefits that your regular smoke detectors can only hope for.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in Des Moines might be inadequate

Fire safety is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play an essential role in keeping your family safe. Even so, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For instance, they can only detect smoke, not heat. If there is a blaze starting in your residence, you would not be alerted before the smoke rises to the smoke detector. Even though there are some other unmistakable indications of fire -- like a marked increase in warmth -- if you don’t have smoke, you will fail to get a sounding of your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only sound the alarm when they detect ample smoke. When a fire creeps along slowly at first, you may not be alerted until the situation is out of hand. Some smoke detectors employ dual-sensor technology, which means they will detect smoke from both a blazing inferno and something less intense. Whenever they do go off, it falls to the occupant to contact emergency services after safely leaving the premises.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

Although they look about the same as regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When linked to a total home security installation, they will:

  • Identify fire with different sensor types: Like a standard smoke detector, the monitored component will trigger from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will resonate a high-volume beeping when it perceives a potential disaster.
  • Identify fire from a rapid rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm will also go off if it notices an uncommon heat surge. Many times, heat is noticed prior to smoke. Added ways to uncover a fire means additional ways to protect your loved ones.
  • Alerts your dedicated monitoring specialists: Fires can occur whether you are at your house or not. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring specialists, who can swiftly contact first responders. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's nice to realize that somebody is consistently looking out for your home.
  • Connects to home automation: While the main job of a fire alarm is to recognize dangerous situations and call for assistance, it may also join forces with other automated components. For example, a triggered alarm could make your system turn on the exhaust fan to slow the spread of fire or initiate lighting so you are able to find the best exit out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a fully equipped smart home

The best method to get the most from your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and find the perfect smart home for your family. Call (515) 972-5232 or submit the form on this page to get started.