Alarm Systems
Home alarm systems help provide protection to the people and things that matter most to you.
With a variety of national and local security companies, you’re sure to find a qualified provider in your area. Depending on where you live, a larger nationwide company may be the only option for alarm systems available to you, since national providers cover larger areas than smaller security businesses.
Whichever type of alarm provider you decide to go with – or even if you choose to install your own system – make it a point to research all the home security alarms on the market first. Plenty of reviews are available online, or you can always check out the company’s official website to learn more.
Homeowners who have specific safety concerns – frequent travelers or parents of small children, perhaps – may want to choose alarm systems with features that meet their exact needs, rather than just choosing a standard package that a home security provider offers.
If you contact a company directly, consult with a home alarm systems specialist to confirm that they offer the features you need. In addition to the many benefits alarm systems give you, you can also find numerous home security tips — best practices to help keep your home, pets and family members out of harm’s way.
Home security alarms: Equip your home with sophisticated technology
Security alarms usually consist of an array of equipment including:
- A high-decibel alarm siren – Emits a wail nearly as loud as a police siren and can be heard by your neighbors several houses away
- A digital touchpad keypad – Easy to use, and many have one-touch access to call for help just by pressing a button
- A wireless keychain remote (keyfob) – For easy access to home security alarms, homeowners can keep this handy gadget close by and arm and disarm their systems or use the panic-button feature
- Entryway contact sensors – When activated, these devices alert you of when a door or window has been opened or closed
- A motion detector – Sets home security alarms off when an intruder walks through the device’s infrared beams
- Security signs – Yard sign and window decals to warn potential burglars that your home is protected by a home alarm provider
- Optional alarm systems technology – Check with the different security companies on the market to find out which features they offer
Some home alarm systems also come with a warranty or quality service plan. They may be built into your monthly monitoring fees or appear as an extra charge on your statement, depending on which home security company you do business with. These features act as insurance for your alarm system by covering costs, labor, and parts if you need defective equipment replaced.
DIY home alarm systems or professional security companies?
The biggest – and first – decision you’ll have to make is whether you’ll sign up with a home alarm provider to help protect and monitor your home or whether you’ll commit to setting it up on your own. You can also choose to hire a professional security technician to ensure that your DIY system is properly installed.
Of course, there are pros and cons that come with DIY home alarm systems. For instance, professional security providers monitor your home 24 hours from monitoring centers. A DIY system is monitored only by you.
Also, home security alarms are professionally installed by skilled technicians. Unless you’re an experienced installation technician yourself, or well-versed in electrical work and carpentry, you may wind up doing more work than you planned – or even calling in the professionals to correct your mistakes.
