Have you been thinking of investing in one of the many home alarm systems that are out on the market today? You may be overwhelmed with the many options available. This is where this article comes into play.
Understanding the basics of home alarm systems is the first step in how you decide which system is best for your home and family. The following information will give you a foundational knowledge on how these systems work.
What is a Home Alarm System?
First, it’s important to know what a home alarm system actually consists of. Basically, this system provides added security to your home at different levels, depending on which system you choose.
This can range anywhere from having a basic video system that you can monitor frequently and be alerted when motion is detected, to having a more advanced system that alerts the owner when activity is suspected and can potentially contact police authorities if you are unable to respond.
How Are They Connected?
The two main options of how to connect a system is wired vs. wireless. Wired security systems provide a more promising connection back to the main control panel where it is monitored and less vulnerable to being hacked or interfered with. However, a wired system can also come with issues such as requiring a more difficult installation process and the possibility of wiring being difficult in certain spaces of the home.
On the other hand, a wireless system solely relies on it’s wireless connectivity which generally relies on radio signals. While the installation process is a bit more simple due to the wireless systems having their own batteries, connectivity and the possibility of radio interference are more likely.
Are There Additional Features?
While most home security systems come with the basic features such as motion detection, entry sensors, and more, smart security systems may be able to provide you with a few additional features.
Smart security systems now allow you to access your system via the internet. These systems therefore can provide you with live footage from your camera on a mobile app, have the capability of sending you notifications when alarms go off, and can also let you control the system remotely.
What Does it Cost?
This question can have a multitude of answers depending on what type of system you choose. The cost of installation and the actual equipment is typically a flat fee. However, if you would like the monitoring to be done by someone else and not rely solely on notifications sent to your phone, you are also looking at monthly fees for these services.
Every carrier has different rates which is why it’s important to do your research on what types of systems are available, what their prices are, and what system will meet all of your needs best.