Home security systems are networks of sensors and equipment linked to a central control panel for monitoring purposes. Common components include door/window sensors, alarm sirens, security cameras, home automation controls, floodlights, keychain fobs and more.
Professional monitoring systems offer professional monitoring that can contact emergency services when something goes amiss, whether that is at home or somewhere else. In addition, these devices can detect smoke, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning as well.
Cost
Security systems range in cost from $280 for basic wireless systems up to over $2,000 in large homes for advanced security solutions with sirens, sirens, motion detectors, door/window sensors (wired or wireless), keypads and more. Many homeowners find that home security systems help deter crime by alerting potential intruders of their presence while some qualify for homeowner’s insurance discounts, saving them money over time.
Professional installation adds to the initial costs associated with most security systems, while some models require activation fees, equipment fees, as well as monthly monitoring charges. If cellular backup is desired in case of power outage, consider getting one that meets this criteria.
Installation
Home security systems can help safeguard you and your family against burglary. In addition, these systems can also monitor pets or elderly relatives. Some even come equipped with features like heat detectors that notify if anything out of the ordinary occurs.
Home security systems consist of various sensors and equipment that communicate wirelessly between themselves. At the heart of such systems lies a base station or hub which serves both as an alarm siren and as a central control point for all other components.
The base station can take the form of anything from a wall-mounted touch screen, a concealed box in a cabinet or an app on your smartphone – serving as the centerpiece of your security system and connecting all sensors, key fobs, video doorbells and smart smoke/carbon monoxide detectors among others.
Reliability
Home security systems are intended to safeguard against intruders, but they also offer other advantages for both you and your property’s overall protection. This can include protecting from harmful gases like carbon monoxide; automating features within the home (like turning off lights or lowering thermostat settings); providing emergency assistance via pull cords or bells; as well as providing assistance should an emergency occur.
Home security systems that offer professional monitoring are usually the top consideration for most people. A monitored system will connect with a central monitoring station when an alarm goes off, notifying authorities immediately or calling 911 when required. Furthermore, such monitoring systems also give you the freedom of arming or disarming your system via app, website or key fob.
Flexibility
Modern homeowners now have more home security system options than ever before, including many systems with self-monitoring available for a monthly fee and without ongoing costs or contracts that come with traditional professionally monitored systems.
Most systems contain door and window sensors that connect to a central hub, which then sends notifications directly to smartphones or sounds an alarm when the system is armed. Some models even feature cameras which alert authorities if someone attempts to break into your home.
Customizing their system, most manufacturers offer add-ons such as outdoor cameras, indoor cameras and smart locks. When choosing a system to suit your individual needs, look for options with multiple app users so all household members can monitor it simultaneously. Also take into consideration how long you plan on living in your current residence before making a commitment.
Monitoring
Home security systems vary in cost, functionality and features to safeguard your family, belongings and loved ones against burglars and intruders. You have various options when it comes to installing one – do-it-yourself kits monitoring ground-floor doors and windows using wireless sensors, professional monitoring with keypad access or security cameras or more advanced systems involving professional monitoring with keypad access or cameras are just two examples – to keep them protected against intruders and thieves.
Professional monitoring systems send activity alerts directly to a central station where trained agents are prepared to notify law enforcement in case of an infraction or breach. Some systems also allow two-way voice, so you can communicate directly with monitoring agents through your control panel.
Some home security systems, like abode’s all-in-one Smart Security package, serve as an all-in-one hub for home automation devices (such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home) and offer options for remote monitoring. Others, like Eufy’s latest base station store security camera footage locally while providing optional professional monitoring at about $10 monthly cost.