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

In the Austin smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, it's obvious that a monitored fire alarm is the better option"> for your home. Smoke detectors are a vital consideration in shielding your house from emergency situations, but they have several shortcomings. Conversely, monitored fire alarms offer more means to detect an emergency and can reach out to help when disaster strikes. Connecting your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also results in various additional perks that your common smoke detectors could only hope for.

Your ordinary smoke alarms in Austin may be falling short

Defending against fire is important, and smoke detectors play a critical part in keeping your family safe. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have their shortcomings. For instance, they can only react to smoke, not heat. In the event there is a fire in your residence, you would not be alerted before the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are further telltale signs of fire -- including a sudden heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, you will fail to get a triggered smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only activate when they encounter ample smoke. If a fire starts small, you might not be cautioned until it's too late. Many smoke detectors use dual-sensor technology, which means they will detect smoke from both a raging fire and something less intense. If they sound their alarm, it's up to the occupant to call first responders after safely leaving the residence.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

While they look like traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. When linked to a total home security system, they can:

• Identify fire with multi-sensor technology: Similar to a traditional smoke detector, this monitored alarm can activate from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound an easily audible beeping whenever it senses a potential disaster.

• Identify fire due to a abrupt heat surge: Your monitored fire alarm can also activate if it senses an abnormal heat surge. Many times, heat arrives prior to smoke. More means to identify a fire means additional ways to keep your family safe.

• Warns your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires may take place when you are on site or somewhere else. Either way, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring team, who will rapidly place a call to emergency services. When every tick of the clock is critical, it's comforting to know that a trained professional is always watching over your residence.

• Pairs with home automation: Although the main purpose of a fire alarm is to recognize dangerous situations and call for monitoring agents, it can also join forces with other automated equipment. For instance, a tripped alarm might prompt your system to start the exhaust fan to hinder the spread of fire or turn on the lights so you are able to see the safest way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a comprehensive smart home

The easiest approach to optimize your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint specialist today and discover the perfect smart home for your needs. Place a call to (512) 229-9684 or complete the form on this page to take the first step toward a safer property.