Is there a difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Colorado Springs?

In the Colorado Springs smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, one alarm rises over the rest. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in protecting your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have some notable limitations. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms have more ways to discover a fire and can reach out to help when the unthinkable happens. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also delivers other perks that your common smoke detectors can only wish for.

Ordinary smoke alarms will only do one thing

Defending against fire is important, and smoke detectors play an essential role in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have their limitations. For example, they will only detect smoke, not high temps. When there is a blaze starting in your house, you would not be warned before the smoke rises to the smoke detector. Even though there are further unmistakable signals of fire -- such as a marked increase in warmth -- if there’s a lack of smoke, you will fail to get a sounding of your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they encounter enough smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you might not be warned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors utilize more than one sensor, which means they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. If they do go off, it falls to the resident to call emergency services after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than ordinary smoke detectors

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

• Identify fire with different sensor types: Comparable to a traditional smoke detector, this monitored component can engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-volume beeping if it recognizes danger.

• Identify fire with a sudden heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm may also activate if it discerns an uncommon increase in heat. Many times, heat is noticed before smoke. More methods to detect a fire leads to more ways to safeguard your family.

• Notifies professional monitoring agents: Fires will take place whether you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who can rapidly call emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's comforting to know that somebody is always watching over your residence.

• Pairs with home automation: While the primary job of a fire alarm is to detect an emergency and notify assistance, it can also join forces with other automated components. For example, a triggered alarm can induce your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the flames or trigger the lights so you may locate the safest path out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a complete smart home

The easiest method 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 discover the ideal smart home for your needs. Call (719) 666-9853 or submit the form below to begin.