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

In the Lexington smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, one component rises over the rest. Smoke detectors are an essential first step in shielding your place from emergency situations, but they have a few concerning shortcomings. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more means to detect a fire and are able to notify a monitoring team when disaster strikes. Pairing your fire alarms to a home security system also results in many additional benefits that your common smoke detectors could only hope for.

Regular smoke alarms can only do this one thing

Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors play an essential part in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their limitations. For instance, they will only identify smoke, not extreme temperatures. If there is an emergency in your house, you may not be warned before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Although there are further significant indications of fire -- such as a sharp heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, there is no warning from your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only beep if they encounter an adequate amount of smoke. When a fire begins slowly, you might not be cautioned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors employ dual-sensor technology, which means they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. Whenever they start beeping, it's up to the homeowner to notify the fire department after exiting the property.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than regular smoke detectors

Even though they look like regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. When linked to a comprehensive home security package, they can:

• Identify fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to a traditional smoke detector, the monitored device has the ability to trigger from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will emit an easily audible beeping whenever it recognizes a hazardous situation.

• Identify fire with a rapid temperature increase: Your monitored fire alarm can even trigger if it discerns an abnormal heat surge. Typically, heat comes in advance of smoke. Added means to detect a fire means more means to keep your family safe.

• Notifies professional monitoring specialists: Fires will happen whether you are home or away. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring specialists, who are able to rapidly place a call to emergency services. When every moment matters, it's comforting to realize that someone is always keeping a watch of your residence.

• Pairs with home automation: Even though the main job of a fire alarm is to detect an emergency and request help, it will also integrate with other automated devices. For example, a triggered alarm could prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to slow the flames or turn on lighting so you can locate the safest path out of the property.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a comprehensive smart home

The simplest method to get the most from your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint expert today and customize the perfect smart home for your requirements. Place a call to (859) 203-1366 or send in the form on this page to begin.