ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Richmond & Surrounding Areas
ADT smoke detector in a Richmond family room
May 24, 2021

Monitored Fire Alarms Vs Smoke Detectors In Richmond

The National Fire Protection Agency recommends you install a smoke detector.  At a minimum, your home should use a smoke detector in every bedroom, the hallways outside sleeping quarters, and on every floor of the structure (don’t forget the basement). However, should you just place a common smoke detector, or is it better for you to you go for for a more sophisticated monitored fire alarm? Let's break down the monitored fire alarm vs. smoke detector in Richmond discussion and learn which detector you ought to use for your loved ones and living space.

Ordinary Smoke Detectors Only Sense Smoke

As the name suggests, typical smoke detectors only trip when they detect an ample amount of smoke. Then they sound off -- usually with a high-decibel tone -- until you re-arm the device. However, there's no promise that anyone will react to the sound if you’re [[away|absent|not home].

Optimally, you need to buy dual sensor smoke detectors that are responsive for both smoke from both roaring and smoldering fires. You may also want to pair your detectors so all alarms go off in unison. This way, you will hear if there's a flame from a floor up, even if it happens from a spark in the ground floor.

Monitored Fire Alarms Alert You To A Fire Emergency When You Are At Home Or Away

A monitored fire alarm aesthetically appears and hangs the same way as your ordinary smoke detector. If they sense fire conditions anywhere in the home, they'll create a high-volume alarm. But, there's a myriad of functions that your monitored fire alarms are going to provide that your smoke detectors isn’t able to.

First, modern sensors will look for rising thermal energy in addition to smoke. When they discover a blaze, they'll tell a monitoring team as well as set off the high-volume alarm. That lets you concentrate on getting out of the situation while your monitoring specialist sends emergency services. And because your monitoring specialist is always alert, your alarms will always alert a professional even when you're not home.

Monitored fire alarms commonly hook into your Richmond home security system. Other tools synced to the same system can be told to react when your fire alarms spring into action. For instance, your linked thermostat can automatically turn on the vent fan, which should help stifle flame spread. Or have your whole house dive into motion making the lights power on, your smart locks unlock, and your security alarms deactivate. You can also have your system issue your phone a message to know that your house is in danger while you're out on vacation.

ADT monitored heat detector in Richmond 

The Verdict Of Monitored Fire Alarms Vs. Smoke Detectors in Richmond

It's pretty easy to determine what comes out on top in a direct match-up between monitored fire alarms and smoke detectors. You just get so many additional benefits with a monitored fire alarm.

Run-of-the-Mill Smoke Detectors:

● Triggers high-decibel bell when the device detects ample of smoke

Monitored Fire Alarms

● Sounds high-decibel alarm when the device detects excessive amounts of smoke

● PLUS can detect high heat

● PLUS works with your home security system

● PLUS informs a 24/7 monitoring center which will send emergency professionals

● PLUS shoots you a notification to your mobile device

Get Monitored Fire Alarms In Your Richmond Home Security System

To pull the most from your monitored fire alarms, use a powerful security system, like ADT. Luckily, Secure24 Alarm Systems can tailor-make your ADT home security deal to contain fire and safety alarms. Just call (804) 294-0619 or submit in the form below to begin.