Don’t be alarmed, but you will not find a completely burglar-proof home alarm system. Nevertheless, a solid alarm system will detect and deter most intruders and will give you a peace of mind you deserve.
Thanks to technologically advanced home security devices that combine common sense and state-of-the-art technology, homes now have the potential to be safer than ever. The latest home alarm systems are very efficient as well as easy to operate.
However, any piece of home security equipment will not be effective in defending your house against burglaries unless you install it and use it properly.
Alarm systems have come a long way since the first models that were introduced to the market many years ago. The best selling security products are small and almost invisible and they have pretty reasonable price tags.
Nothing can beat a home alarm system when it comes to home security and paying a few hundred dollars for something that can save you thousands seems like a good idea.
Many studies have proved that homes equipped with alarm systems are far less likely to be burglarized than those without. This fact alone convinces many homeowners to invest in a home security system.
Despite the fact that an experienced and determined burglar will break into just about any house, by making his job harder there is a good chance of preventing the break-in. If it takes a burglar more than one minute to break into a house, he will not risk getting caught and will move on to his next potential target.
A burglar alarm system can detect break-ins and deter intruders, but buying one can be an alarming undertaking.
Before buying an alarm system, ask around. Your local police crime prevention unit might give you a security analysis of your home. Ask friends or your insurance agent for names of reputable security companies in your area.
Call a few agents to your home for inspection and ask for references, recommendations and price quotes. The companies they work for must be licensed with no complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau.
Make sure you don’t respond to random house calls by alleged salespeople and hang up if they ask you whether or not you already have an alarm system installed in your house. This could actually be a burglar calling to case your house.
Types of alarm systems
There are 2 basic types of home alarm systems. Perimeter alarms are triggered when doors or windows are opened. Interior alarms string a motion-detecting net inside your house. Many security experts recommend perimeter alarms as they stop a burglar before he gets into your home.
While all alarms feature motion detecting sensors which trigger an alarm, perimeter alarms detect forced entry through doors and windows as opposed to interior alarms that work inside the house and detect motion, heat, vibrations or even footstep pressure.
The perfect home security system will secure the whole outside perimeter of the home as well as areas inside the house where any valuable belongings might be kept.
All systems are operated using a control unit, where sensors are switched on and off with a code.
Some home alarm systems also come with optional features such as:
- Pet alley which will set the system so it won’t trigger the alarm in case your pet crosses the detection field.
- Window screens. They will enable you to leave your windows open. The alarm will be triggered in case the screen is touched.
- Backup power an cut-phone alerts, which will allow you to have a functional security system even in the event of a power blackout or a cut phone line. Monitored home alarm systems have a private phone line that will alert the monitoring company in case a cut phone line is detected.
Most alarm companies will setup and maintain a local security system that will sound a siren in case of a burglary. They also provide central reporting alarms that will silently notify their headquarters to dispatch the police when an intruder is detected.
Such monitored home alarm systems are connected directly to the police station or to a monitoring company that will call you to verify the intrusion or, alternatively, cancel the alarm using a password prior to calling the police. These alarm monitoring companies charge a small monthly fee for such services.
DIY home alarm systems
Do-it-yourself alarm systems are priced reasonably. For a few hundred dollars you can buy a battery operated wireless system that will provide your home with basic protection
Such home alarm systems incorporate a control unit and perimeter sensors attached to doors and windows. In case of a burglary, these sensors send a signal to the control unit which then sets off the alarm.
However, many security specialists consider wired alarm systems to be more reliable, in case they are installed by professional and reputable contractors who use high quality equipment. As opposed to wireless systems, professionally installed wired systems connect perimeter motion detecting sensors to the central unit using wires.
Professional security contractors will sometimes require a subscription to their monitoring service. Their operators will call your house when they receive the alarm notification. If the person gives the wrong code, or if no one answers the call, then the police is dispatched.
To get a professional alarm system tailored to your special needs, make sure you choose a reputable contractor with good references and credentials. Ask around and interview at least a few installers. Don’t sign a contract before you have read it and understand it completely.
Only 20 percent of all houses are equipped with an alarm system. To join those ranks, you must first decide what kind of security system you need. There is no need to waste money on a professional alarm system if you only need a basic unit that you can install yourself.
Last but not the least, home alarm systems will not only protect you against burglaries, but they can also notify you in the event of fire or health emergency. Remote controls also have emergency buttons that will set off the siren for help. So, this is yet another reason to buy a home alarm system.