What's the difference between standard smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Bakersfield?

In the Bakersfield smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm debate, there’s easily only one winner. Smoke detectors are a vital consideration in shielding your residence from a dangerous blaze, but they have several limitations. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to identify an emergency and are able to contact a monitoring team in the event of a disaster. Linking your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also brings out many extra perks that your common smoke detectors can only dream about.

Regular smoke alarms can only do this one thing

Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors take on a vital role in keeping your family safe. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have various drawbacks. For example, they can only detect smoke, not heat. If there is a fire in your house, you may not be alerted until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. While there are some other unmistakable signs of fire -- including a sudden rise in heat -- if there's no smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only sound the alarm if they find an adequate amount of smoke. In the event a fire begins slowly, you may not be alerted until it's too late. Many smoke detectors employ dual sensors, which means they will recognize smoke from both a raging fire and something less intense. Then when they start beeping, it's up to the occupant to contact the fire department after exiting the property.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than standard smoke detectors

Even though they have a similar appearance to traditional smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms offer more benefits. When integrated to a complete home security system, they are able to:

• Identify fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Similar to an ordinary smoke detector, the monitored component can trigger from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will sound an easily audible warning when it recognizes danger.

• Detect fire from a rapid rise in heat: A monitored fire alarm may also trigger if it notices an unusual heat surge. Frequently, heat arrives before smoke. Added methods to identify a fire leads to more means to safeguard your family.

• Warns your dedicated monitoring representatives: Fires can happen when you are at your house or not. No matter of the situation, your fire alarms will alert your monitoring agents, who are able to rapidly call first responders. When seconds count, it's great to have the knowledge that someone is constantly keeping a watch of your home.

• Connects to home automation: Even though the chief purpose of a fire alarm is to detect fire and call for assistance, it may also join forces with other automated devices. For example, a tripped alarm could prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to impede the spread of fire or trigger smart light bulbs so you can find the safest way out of the house.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a fully equipped smart home

The easiest way to maximize the functionality of your fire alarms is to integrate them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint expert today and customize the most suitable smart home for your family. Call (661) 732-2557 or send in the form below to begin.