How do you choose the best home security system when there are so many in the market? If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’re not alone! There are many people like you who want to know more about choosing the right home security system, and luckily, there are answers out there for you. This article will tell you how to find the right home security system, what kinds of things to look for in one, and how to decide which one will work best in your situation.

Things You Should Consider Before Choosing a Home Security System

Every home is unique. However, not all security systems are created equal. So, before you decide on a system, think about what your home needs and wants—and why you need a security system in the first place. Whether you have an existing system that just needs a bit of maintenance or if you’re starting from scratch and want to implement something new into your life, here are things you should consider before selecting a home security system.

What Kind of Technology Should I Use?

There are a lot of options when it comes to home security systems. Key fobs, motion detectors, window sensors—they all help keep burglars out, but they don’t do anything to keep intruders from breaking in after you’ve left your house for work or school. If you want to get an idea of what kind of tech to use in your home, consider using these statistics from a 2016 survey that was done by Consumer Reports: When choosing home security devices, 73% say convenience is most important; 75% want simple installation; 82% want products that are simple to use; and 92% want smart tech devices that can be controlled via their smartphones.

What Type of Protection Do I Need?

The first step when looking into a home security system is determining what type of protection you need. Companies like ADT offer comprehensive packages that include door and window sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, flood sensors, carbon monoxide detectors and more. Alternatively, if you just want help keeping an eye on your front door or a couple of windows around your home, there are plenty of affordable stand-alone options available too. The best home security system is one that fits your needs as well as your budget. If you’re interested in learning more about these systems and how they can help protect your family from theft and other intrusions, take some time to speak with experts at companies like ADT or Front point.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

There are some good reasons why you might want to DIY your security system. You probably have some basic tools on hand and will be working in a place you know well. However, installing any security system is a major job that can leave you vulnerable if there’s ever an emergency. That said, if you’re going with a wireless DIY security system, it will be much easier than wiring something up professionally; many of them can be set up by even novice do-it-yourselfers. If you do choose to go with professional installation, make sure whoever does it has years of experience and certifications as a licensed alarm installer; find out how long they’ve been in business and how many other systems they’ve installed.

  • Advantages of DIY Systems

With a do-it-yourself home security system, you get all of these great benefits at an affordable price. DIY systems are easy to install with just a screwdriver and a drill. They’re also customizable to your specific needs since they don’t have any wiring pre-installed. For example, you can choose which sensors come with your system and decide how many motion detectors or cameras are best for your home. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees on top of installation—everything is included in one easy-to-install package. A DIY security system doesn’t require much maintenance either; once it’s installed, you won’t have to pay for any extra equipment or monitoring fees.

Where Will the Security System Be Installed?

There are three main areas where most people choose to install a home security system. These are perimeter, interior, and mobile/portable. Perimeter systems monitor doors and windows; if someone attempts to enter without triggering an alarm (through a door or window), you’ll be notified. Interior systems set off alarms based on movement in specific areas; you could have one inside your safe room. With mobile or portable systems, everything is in one compact box that can go with you from room to room—like when you’re asleep and want constant monitoring of every corner of your house.

Where Will the Alarm Be Installed?

The best home security systems have a long-range outdoor motion detector and an indoor movement sensor. When you’re shopping around, think about where you want your alarm installed in your home. Do you want it placed on an upper level, so it will pick up anyone entering from outside? Are there certain rooms or hallways that require more protection? Think through how much of your house needs security coverage and plan accordingly before choosing a system that matches what you need.

  • How to choose the right alarm for your house

A basic alarm is a low-cost but highly effective option for protecting your house. Many security companies will offer a discount if you commit to purchasing an alarm system from them. You should check with your local police department to see if they offer a discount on the installation or purchase of an alarm system. Some states may require homeowners to have an alarm system in place, so check with local law enforcement before purchasing one. Lastly, you should decide whether you want a monitored alarm or a non-monitored (also called a self-monitored) system. Monitored systems connect directly to police dispatch centers and let them know when there has been a break-in as well as provide your location for them to send help quickly.

 

  • The Future of Burglar Alarms

Burglar alarms have been around for decades, with home security companies taking out expensive licenses to install an alarm system in your home. And yet, many of us don’t even bother. Burglar alarms are only installed in a third of U.S. homes, with 9 million households having no security system at all. At best, they scare thieves off—while also scaring your neighbors if they go off accidentally or when someone rings your doorbell late at night (which, let’s face it, is likely to happen eventually). But there is an alternative that keeps you safe without all of those aggravations – a smart burglar alarm that takes advantage of new technology to protect your home without all of those outdated issues and annoyances.

Do I Need Monitoring?

Many people think that home security systems are mainly about monitoring. In fact, many of today’s best home security systems provide full-featured automation for complete system control. A home security system can turn lights on and off and raise your window shades if you aren’t at home, but it can also automatically adjust your thermostat, lock doors, turn on entertainment centers, and more. A great home security system can be a great money saver as well, because you’ll never have to leave lights or electronics running when you aren’t at home.

  • A Way to Save Money on Monitoring

You’ll always pay more for professional monitoring than you will for self-monitoring. Professional monitoring typically costs $30-$40 per month, with some companies charging as much as $45 per month. A package of three self-monitoring devices and a six-month subscription is available from SimpliSafe for about $200, which includes free shipping. There are also no-contract plans from SimpliSafe that start at $15 per month, which may be cheaper than professional monitoring. It’s worth noting that SimpliSafe doesn’t offer all of its equipment at all four pricing tiers; if you need anything other than entry sensors (and key fobs), those plans start at $25 per month.

Securing Windows and Doors

To prevent intruders from entering through your windows and doors, you’ll need a security system. Of course, there are plenty of ways an intruder can get into your home—through unlocked windows and doors, by cutting holes in screens, or by climbing up drainpipes—but installing a secure door and window installation at your home will drastically reduce that risk. You can also install security cameras outside your home to give you peace of mind. When used in conjunction with smart locks that can be controlled remotely using an app on your smartphone (for example, August Smart Lock or Kwikset-Kevo), these cameras can serve as extra protection for when you’re away from home.

Securing Perimeters (Driveway, Backyard, etc.)

One of the easiest ways a home can be breached is through its perimeter. Most burglars will check these areas first in order to determine if a home is worth breaking into and what valuables may be on hand. Securing these areas—and your driveway in particular—can make your home significantly less attractive as a target. When choosing solutions, it’s best to aim toward making your property look as uninviting as possible; that way, criminals will move on rather than risk being seen or caught. It’s also important that you use products or services that are likely to actually deter criminals; simply spending money does not guarantee you’ll get results!

Fire Detection and Smoke Alarms

While smoke alarms alone aren’t enough to protect your home, they are key components of a good safety system. There are two types of smoke alarms: ionization alarms, which detect fast-burning fires such as those caused by flaming liquid, paper, or wood; and photoelectric alarms, which sense smoldering fires better than ionization ones. Ionization alarms can take longer to alert you to fire since they respond only when particles in the smoke enter their sensors. However, photoelectric units may be more sensitive to slower-burning fires. While older homes may need two systems—one type in each part of the house—newer homes should have all ionization sensors wired together so that one goes off if there’s an issue anywhere in your home.

Conclusion

When you’re thinking about a home security system, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are a lot of features and options on most modern systems, which can make it difficult to figure out what you need and what’s worth spending extra money on. If you’re considering making an investment in home security, we hope our blog have helped! And if you have any other questions or thoughts about what a home security system should include, let us know in the comments below!