What’s the best home alarm system?

This is a question that is asked a lot. And the answer is, it depends. The best home security system for you will depend on a few factors, that will be unique to your situation. Whether or not you own or rent will also dictate the best choice for you.

Type of Home

The type of home you have will determine the best security system for you. Single family, townhome, condo, or apartment will all require slightly different security systems.

Size of Home

The second factor in picking a security system is the size of your home. The best home alarm system for you will be one that best fits the size of your dwelling.

Rooms and Entries

The number of rooms and number of entry points are important to consider when picking the best home alarm system. The more rooms, and entry points the more robust a system you should probably choose. Also how many vulnerable windows you have is a major consideration when deciding on the best unit for you.

Children?

If you have children there will be additional things to consider when picking the best home alarm system. Do you want their room alarmed, do they need access to the main controls or key pad, where will they most likely enter and exit the building from? All questions you should be asking when you pick out your system.

Other Factors

Other factors to think about are your travel patterns, the time you spend in the home versus out of the home, the presence of pets, other monitoring services you may want such as fire or monoxide monitoring.

When choosing the best home alarm system the above are things you need to think about. What is best for me may not be the best for you – pick a system that fits your unique situation and living arrangements.

Many different types of systems are on the market, and many different companies make house alarm systems.

Make sure you know the basics before signing a contract with any security systems provider, and know the total cost up front to get the system installed and running.

While cost can be a contributing factor when you compare home security systems the bottom line is we install the system to keep us and our loved ones safe. Keep this in mind that while the up front cost of the system could be kind of a shock, it is money well spend when it comes to piece of mind. If you are going to be making this investment in your safetey, do your homework up front to know what you are getting.

The crime prevention aspect of a security system cannot be underestimated. As an officer once told me, you want the burgalar to see your home as being “too much trouble” and go on down the line to your neighbors. Many homes with a security system in place will never have an attempted break in.

When you compare home security systems think about what best suits the needs of you and your family. How do you want the system installed, will it be wired or wireless, how many sensors, what kind of sensors, are you covering all the entry ways, and will their be motion and audible detectors are all questions you need to think through when picking a system.

You will most certainly want multiple deterrents. An alarm system is a big deterrent but so are keeping your outside areas well lit, making sure the windows and doors are locked, and keeping your indoor lights on timers will all go a long way in deterring crime.

These are all things to think through as you comapare home security systems.

Popular Choices

AAS 500 Wireless Home Security Alarm System Kit DIY $279

Easy to install and get up and running fast. Superior technical support if you need it during the install process. This device has 32 defensive zones containing up to three sensors in each Phone line anti-cut function [warning sound alerts to line tampering]. $0 alarm monitoring 24/7 and $0 installation You can also expect back-up power systems for continued service even during power outages. Can store up to six phone numbers and recorded messages. Is programmable with entry and exit delays. Allows for the addition of professional monitoring services if you so choose.

Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Alarm System $139

Extremely popular choice for a home that needs a robust wireless solution. A do it yourself monitoring system that eliminates the need for monthly monitoring fees. Includes motion door and window sensors to protect your entry points. Automatically calls for help in an emergency. Lighted keypad and super easy operations.

AAS 600 Wireless Home Security Alarm System Kit DIY $329

At the higher end of the price range when it comes to DIY alarms, but you get a lot for the money. The AAS Security System provides you and your family the piece of mind that only the most advanced wireless alarm system can provide. The AAS Security System is the most affordable, technologically advanced, sophisticated, yet easy to use and install wireless home or office security systems available today. The wire-free AAS will monitor your property continually whether you are home or away. A full-featured wireless security system that combines the most popular security features in a convenient and economical package. This system offers all the bells & whistles you need to effectively protect your home from burglars.

These are just a few of the many home security system reviews you can find. Read through as many as you can before you select a product.

Standard Monitoring

A very common and reliable form of monitoring. A signal from the alarm goes to a central station via telephone line in your home. Normally a back up telephone system will be recommended when using this kind of monitoring to ensure a live line in case the main is tampered with or cut.

Monitoring Over the Internet

Becoming very popular with the proliferation of the internet, and given the fact less and less people have home phone lines due to cell phones. The internet capability can be built into the control panel, and if it is not can be easily added with additional parts to the unit. It is recommended that an additional monitoring service be installed in case of power outage or internet disruption.

Monitoring without Phone Lines

If there are no phone lines in your home, many providers can set you up with a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) unit which sends signals through cellular channels. Can also be used as a back up solution if you are monitoring through a phone line or over the internet.

Video Monitoring

As the name states video monitoring records, and gives you visual proof of a break in.

Opening and Closings

Opening and closing of the secured area can be monitored and reported on. Some people, especially businesses find this option helpful so they can see who is coming and going.

Security system monitoring comes with many options and choices. Do your research and pick the one that is best suited to your needs.

If you have been a victim of a break in or burglary, you are not alone. The FBI estimates that a burglary takes place every fifteen seconds in the United States! It is no wonder that many home owners are taking steps to install house alarm systems in order to get their since of security, and privacy back.

Now, while there are many neighborhood programs out there that do a good job watching the neighborhood it does not guarantee that your home is fully protected? Also, if you have been thinking about taking justice into your own hands, and protecting your property with a gun or other self defense device I can tell you that there is a better, and safer way to keep your family protected. And what about those times when you are not home, on vacation, or just away at work – how do you keep your home safe then? The answer lies within good house alarm systems.

Choosing a house alarm system is a good and reliable way to protect your home and property. Below are some of the types of home security devices on the market, and a brief description of each so you can begin to think about what is right for you.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Alarm Systems

Essentially you will need to decide if you want to keep your indoors, outdoors, or both secure – and alarm systems are broadly identified in these two categories.

Most house alarm systems are designed to keep your doors and windows monitored. The overwhelming majority of home break-ins occur through these access points, so it’s no wonder most systems are designed to monitor these areas. Most systems will check for either movement inside the house, or doors and windows being opened and closed, if the system is armed this trips the alarm to alert that their is an intruder. Motion detectors are the most common way alarm systems of this type work.

Outdoor home security system monitor your property and out buildings. They are usually attached to flood lights, and also to motion detectors. Many outdoor systems can also be installed to keep watch over your entryway or drive way.

Electric or Battery Powered?

These are the two most common power sources. And many systems use both. They are primarily powered by electric, but then use battery backup in the case a power outage.

Add Video Surveillance?

Some of the more sophisticated systems on the market will also add video surveillance to the package. This means that you could monitor your entry points, or any place a the security cameras were set from any TV.
Personal Assessment

When you are trying to decide which system is right for you a thorough assessment of your needs will be necessary. Not only will you need to think about how many doors and windows you want to monitor, where you will want to install the keypads or control panels, or whether you want a wired system or wireless – you will also need to think about lifestyle, how often you come and go, whether or not you have pets that could trip motion detectors, etc. This personal assessment is something that is commonly overlooked.

Use Common Sense Too
Don’t forget that a lot of home security comes down to the common sense stuff. Don’t make your home a target by having it look obviously vacant when you go on vacation. Don’t leave items around your house that invite burglars. Keep outdoor lighting on in areas of entry at night. Trim bushes and shrubs around windows and doors. Be sure you have good solid doors that have deadbolts – and use them. The list goes on of easy ways you can protect your home, in addition to house alarm systems.

Choose a security system that also has an in-built smoke detector, so that you also protect your home from fires. Remember that installing a home security system only complements your own, more conventional means of protection. That is, don’t depend on your system to do all the work!