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

In the Peoria smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, there’s only one champion. Smoke detectors are an important first step in shielding your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have a few concerning limitations. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to detect a fire and are able to contact help when disaster strikes. Connecting your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also delivers various other advantages that your ordinary smoke detectors can only dream about.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in Peoria could be falling short

Defending against fire is important, and smoke detectors take on a critical role in shielding your family. However, smoke detectors have their shortcomings. For example, they can only detect smoke, not heat. If there is a fire in your house, you might not be alerted unless the smoke rises to the smoke detector. While there are further significant indications of fire -- including a sudden rise in heat -- if you don’t have smoke, you will fail to get a triggered smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only activate when they encounter an adequate amount of smoke. When a fire begins slowly, you may not be cautioned until it's too late. Some smoke detectors use dual-sensor technology, which means they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. If they do go off, it falls to the homeowner to notify the fire department after exiting the residence.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

While they look about the same as standard smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. When integrated to a total home security installation, they will:

• Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Like an ordinary smoke detector, this monitored alarm has the ability to engage from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-decibel warning if it senses a potential disaster.

• Discover fire from a abrupt rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm can also activate if it notices an unusual heat surge. Frequently, heat arrives in advance of smoke. More ways to identify a fire leads to extra ways to protect your loved ones.

• Alerts your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires may occur when you are at your house or not. Either way, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring agents, who will quickly contact emergency services. When seconds count, it's great to know that someone is always keeping a watch of your residence.

• Connects to home automation: Even though the main job of a fire alarm is to recognize dangerous situations and notify help, it can also connect to other automated devices. For instance, a tripped alarm could make your system engage the exhaust fan to impede the fire or initiate smart light bulbs so you can find the quickest exit out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a complete smart home

The simplest approach to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and discover the ideal smart home for your needs. Place a call to (309) 332-1063 or send in the following form to begin.