Home security is a rapidly growing field, with new and improved technologies popping up all the time. For the most part, these alarms are all built around the same basic structure. Home alarm systems are designed to make sound in the case of danger or intrusion. Home security equipment ranges from motion activated to video cameras or infrared sensors. But ultimately, whatever type of system you have will connect a sensor to a response device which either sounds an alarm, contacts a home security monitoring center, or both in the case of a break-in.
DIY Home Alarm Systems
Many home security systems can be purchased at home improvement stores and installed by homeowners. While this option may be appropriate for lower-levels of security, such as dorm rooms, garages or rental apartments, they are typically not as feature-rich as professional systems. Often times these home security systems will simply use a loud siren to ward off criminals, without actually contacting an emergency center. There are products that do allow you to subscribe to monthly monitoring, but this monitoring may not be as comprehensive as what you’d get from a local security company.
Monitored Home Security Systems
When you look at home security system prices, you’re really looking at two things: the cost of the system itself, and the monthly cost of having that system monitored. After your home security company professionally installs your system, you will need to pay someone to keep an eye on it in the case of emergency. That means when the alarm is triggered, your control panel instantly contacts a monitoring center who can deploy the appropriate emergency professionals to your home. Monitoring for Carbon Monoxide, Fire, Flood and Medical Emergencies can also be included in most security packages.
The company who makes your home alarm isn’t always the same company that will be monitoring it. Currently, the largest network of home alarm monitoring centers belongs to ADT.
Additional Home Security System Options
Children: While home security systems are designed to protect you against intruders, they can also protect your children from accidents. Some home alarm systems can be programmed to page you when the system is armed and disarmed. So if your kids are home alone- you can see when they leave. You can also set up a chime to ring each time someone enters or exits a door or window to protect wandering children.
Pet Sensors: Worried about your dog or cat setting off your home alarm? Pet-sensitive motion detection systems can help prevent accidental alarms.
Cell Back-Up / Parallel Protection: Cell phone protection is perfect for people who do not have a landline, or for those who’d like a backup plan in case landlines are down. A system with back-up cellular connection can use the cell phone network to contact the authorities.
Home Alarm System Troubleshooting
One of the biggest concerns with new home security systems is false alarms. And for good reason. False alarms can discourage you from wanting to activate your alarm. It also strains emergency resources and can become a community nuisance. A home security system is only as effective when it is used consistently. False alarms due to faulty equipment or acts of nature are rare. The single largest cause of false alarms is human error.
Here are tips for making sure your home alarm system is not activated accidentally:
- Remember your keypad code! Choose a code that is secure, yet something you will be able to remember in a stressful situation. Try a pneumonic device to help you commit it to memory. Or write down a hint that will help you use the right code.
- Train everyone in the home to use the alarm system.
- Make sure all doors and windows are secure before you arm your system. This should occur whenever you leave the house anyway!
- If you have pets, invest in a pet-sensitive motion activated system.
- Look into remote controls that allow you to active and disarm your alarm from areas in or around the home.
- If you have armed your alarm, do not re-enter without disarming. Never assume the exit delay is long enough to give you time.
- Make sure the areas around your motion detectors and window and door sensors are free of clutter and moving objects.
- Check batteries regularly
- Inspect equipment to make sure false alarms are not a result of faulty wiring or sensors. If you suspect any technical difficulties in your system, contact the security company immediately.
- Inform your monitoring center of any changes in the system, new pass codes or newly authorized alarm users.
