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What's the difference between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Las Cruces?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Las Cruces smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, one device rises over the other. Smoke detectors are a vital line of defense in shielding your house from emergency situations, but they have some notable shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more ways to detect a fire and can contact help when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also results in many extra perks that your regular smoke detectors would only dream about.

Ordinary smoke alarms can only do this one thing

Fire safety is a crucial consideration, and smoke detectors play a vital part in safeguarding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. To illustrate, they will only detect smoke, not high temps. If there is an emergency in your house, you might not be warned before the smoke rises to the smoke detector. While there are additional unmistakable indications of fire -- like a sudden heat increase -- if there's no smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they detect ample smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you may not be warned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors employ dual sensors, meaning they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and smoldering remnants. Whenever they start beeping, it falls to the homeowner to call first responders after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than regular smoke detectors

Although they look like regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. If connected to a complete home security installation, they are able to:

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Like an ordinary smoke detector, the monitored alarm can activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will sound an easily audible warning if it recognizes a potential disaster.
  • Identify fire from a rapid rise in heat: Your monitored fire alarm may even go off if it senses an uncommon fluctuation in temperature. Typically, heat arrives prior to smoke. Added means to uncover a fire means more ways to safeguard your family.
  • Alerts your dedicated monitoring specialists: Fires may occur when you are at your house or not. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who can rapidly call emergency services. When every moment matters, it's nice to know that a trained professional is always looking out for your home.
  • Pairs with home automation: While the main purpose of a fire alarm is to detect fire and request help, it may also join forces with other automated components. For instance, a tripped alarm might induce your system to turn on the exhaust fan to impede the spread of fire or turn on the lights so you can see the safest way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a complete smart home

The best way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint specialist today and customize the most suitable smart home for your needs. Place a call to (575) 567-8689 or send in the following form to begin.