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

In the Yakima smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, one device rises over the other. Smoke detectors are an essential line of defense in guarding your residence from emergency situations, but they have some notable limitations. Conversely, monitored fire alarms offer more methods to detect a fire and can notify your support team when the unthinkable happens. Pairing your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also results in various other benefits that your common smoke detectors can only wish for.

Regular smoke alarms can only do this one thing

Protecting your home from fire is important, and smoke detectors take on a vital part in safeguarding your family. However, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. For instance, they will only detect smoke, not high temps. If there is an emergency in your residence, you may not be cautioned before the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Although there are additional telltale signals of fire -- including a marked heat increase -- if you don’t have smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.

In addition, smoke detectors only beep if they find ample smoke. In the event a fire begins slowly, you might not be warned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors utilize dual sensors, which means they will recognize smoke from both roaring flames and something less intense. If they sound their alarm, it falls to the resident to call emergency services after they safely leave the property.

Monitored fire alarms provide more value than standard smoke detectors

Although they have a similar appearance to regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. If integrated to a total home security system, they will:

• Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Comparable to an ordinary smoke detector, this monitored component can activate from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will emit a high-volume alarm if it recognizes a hazardous situation.

• Identify fire with a sudden heat surge: A monitored fire alarm will even go off if it notices an uncommon fluctuation in temperature. Frequently, heat is noticed prior to smoke. Having additional ways to identify a fire means extra ways to keep your family safe.

• Notifies your dedicated monitoring representatives: Fires may occur whether you are on site or somewhere else. Either way, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who will swiftly call first responders. When every moment matters, it's nice to have the knowledge that somebody is constantly looking out for your house.

• Integrates with home automation: Even though the main purpose of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and call for monitoring agents, it will also join forces with other automated devices. For instance, a triggered alarm might prompt your system to start the exhaust fan to impede the spread of fire or trigger the lights so you are able to see the quickest exit out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are an important aspect of a fully equipped smart home

The simplest way to optimize your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Consult with a Vivint security agent today and customize the ideal smart home for your requirements. Call (509) 790-6958 or complete the following form to begin.