Using Technology In New Ways

Living in an older home appeals to many people. Older properties are often filled with charm and character that can't be found in modern homes. Unfortunately, older properties are rarely equipped with the same types of safety systems that are standard in newly constructed homes.

Retrofitting your older home to include a fire alarm system is important when it comes to protecting your family against the potential harm of a house fire. There are many types of fire alarm systems available on the market today, so you can choose the system best suited to meet your needs.

1. Thermal Fire Alarm Systems

A thermal fire alarm system can be useful in a kitchen. Burning a meal or frying up some fatty bacon can generate a significant amount of smoke in the kitchen, even though there is no threat from a fire.

A traditional fire alarm system will sound when smoke is detected. Thermal fire alarm systems sound only when certain heat thresholds are exceeded. These smart systems can tell the difference between smoke generated by cooking activities and smoke generated by a real house fire.

2. Photoelectric Fire Alarm Systems

A photoelectric fire alarm system takes the idea of a traditional smoke detector and makes it more efficient.

Smoke detectors can sound off when a minimal amount of smoke is present within the home. A photoelectric fire alarm system will only activate when there is enough smoke present to interfere with light sensors housed within each detection unit. Usually, only a house fire can generate the level of smoke required to trigger a photoelectric alarm system.

You should consider placing these types of alarms in areas where a lot of combustible materials (like plastic, rubber, or foam) are present.

3. Wireless Alarm Systems

Many older homes are not equipped with the wiring required to support a traditional fire alarm system. Your property might benefit from a wireless alarm system instead. Individual alarm units can be installed throughout your home.

These units constantly gather data from the surrounding environment and send it back to a central control board. Any changes in environmental readings will cause the control board to activate all of the wireless units within your home.

You will enjoy the benefit of full house protection against fires without incurring the added cost of retrofitting your older home with all-new wiring when you opt for a wireless fire alarm system.