How to pick the best security system for your home

If you have found yourself looking for a new alarm system for your home, there is no doubt you have seen the thousands of alarm companies that are out competing for your business. While many of these alarm companies are great choices, there are a few that stand out from the crowd. If you want to find the right alarm company that is right for you, start here by reading some of the FAQ’s that alarm companies are asked these days. When you contact potential security companies for estimates, ask them some or even all of these questions. Based on the answers the company provides, you can make a secure choice when choosing the best alarm company for your needs.

Is my alarm system considered a lease or do I own it?

While some alarm companies offer “sold installed” alarm systems, others offer alarm systems that are leased. It is important to ask your potential alarm company if your system is leased or if you own it. Most people believe that they own an alarm system because they paid costs upfront for it. They are then surprised to find that the costs were strictly for the installation of the alarm system, or were costs associated with the installation—not for the alarm system itself. Other alarm companies will not charge any installation costs or will charge very little upfront costs in exchange for the customer signing a multi-year monitoring agreement. Leased systems are a great idea if you want to save on upfront costs. Just make sure to ask if the option is open for a buy-out if you plan to keep the system longer than the term of your alarm monitoring contract.

Will the company provide a warranty for my newly installed home alarm system?

Most alarm companies provide warranties for the alarm systems that they install. Alarm systems, just like any electronic, can have immediate technical issues shortly after installation. While it is not common, problems can occur with newly installed alarm systems. If you have a warranty, you are covered. If not, replacement costs for a newly installed alarm system can be costly. Steer clear of alarm companies that do not offer warranties on their newly installed equipment.

Does the alarm company provide maintenance agreements or service contracts?

If you can get away with paying a couple of extra dollars for a maintenance or service agreement—do it! Transmitter batteries and missing magnets are easy to replace and can be done by almost anyone. However, when it comes time to replace a transmitter or rerun a wire—things can get complex. Many alarm companies offer service contracts and it is highly recommended that you get one.

Do you install pet immune motion detectors?

If you have pets in your home, make sure to tell your alarm company representative about them. Alarm companies are aware that many households have pets, and offer pet immune motion detectors installed in homes with them. Pet immune motion detectors make it easy for your pets to roam freely around the protected areas of your home—without causing false alarms in the process.

What happens to my alarm system when I move?

Alarm companies have gotten a lot more flexible with their terms over the years—including moving. Some alarm companies, like ADT for example, offer a Mover’s Security Guarantee. This entitles the homeowner or renter special incentives to secure their new residence with an alarm system. If you plan on moving shortly after your installation, or within two years, make sure to pick only the alarm companies that offer flexibility for movers.

If you have found yourself confused by all the different home alarm systems and options that are available today—you are not alone. Home security is important and you want to get it right. Listed below are a few of the many questions that are asked about home alarm systems today. Some questions are basic, while others are more detailed. The more you know about home security systems and how they operate, the more you will understand why it is so important to have on installed in your home.

• Are home alarm systems expensive?
  In the past, home alarm systems were considered a luxury to have. People who had alarm systems in their homes were either wealthy or had something very valuable to protect. Today, millions of homes are being protected by home alarm systems. No matter how big or small a home is, or what kind of neighborhood a home is located in, the threat of a burglary is imminent. More and more people are turning to home alarm systems to protect their homes and their loved ones from harm. The demand for home alarm systems has increased over the years, resulting in more home security companies and competition in the home security market. This, along with advances in technology has made having a home alarm system more affordable than ever before.
• By having a home alarm system installed in my home, am I guaranteed not to be burglarized?
  Having a home alarm system installed in your home is one of the best ways to keep your home safe and secure. However, home alarm systems will only work if used correctly. While a home alarm system is a great deterrent, having a monitored home alarm system is the best way to go. There are other things you can do around your home as well that can help protect it from intrusion such as locking your windows and doors, installing outdoor lighting to provide adequate lighting around the exterior of your home, keeping your garage door closed when it is not being occupied, and more. There are many little things you can do around your home that can help make it more secure.
• What is the difference between hardwired home alarm systems and wireless home alarm systems?
  Basically, hardwired home alarm systems are wired into your home. Wireless home alarm systems are just that—wireless. The wireless devices run on batteries and do not require any wires to be ran around your home. A hardwired home alarm system installation is more detailed and takes longer than a wireless home alarm system installation. Both options are great and will protect your home. Choosing between the both of them comes down to budget and preference.
• Do I need to have my home alarm system monitored?
  Many people decide not to have their home alarm system monitored because they do not want to pay a monthly monitoring fee. Home alarm systems are great, but if they are not being monitored, then they aren’t protecting homes the way they could be. Alarm monitoring is one of the best options available, and is one of the most valuable services out today. No, you do not need your home alarm system monitored, but with monitoring rates as low as they are, why keep your home unprotected? An alarm monitoring company watches out for your home 24/7. Whether you or home or not, your home is being protected. The peace of mind monitored home alarm systems provide is incredible. There is really no reason to go without it.
• Can security systems be monitored without a phone line?
  If you have no phone service at your home, or if you are like many people today and use VOIP service in your home, it is recommended you have a cellular radio installed with your security system as a form of alarm transmission. Cellular radio service is inexpensive and very reliable. Most home security companies are now offering cellular alarm monitoring to their customers at affordable rates.
• If I lose power in my home, does that mean I have no security system?
  Most home security systems are installed with a back-up battery that will keep your security system going until your power is restored. An alarm back-up battery is only there to offer a temporary solution. Therefore, if you feel your power will be out for a longer period of time, it is wise to call your home security company for assistance.
• Do I really need to have a home security system professionally installed?
  There are several DIY security systems being offered today that do not require any professional installation or even any technical skills to install. Remember, however, you are dealing with the security of your family and your home—isn’t their safety worth more than saving a few bucks? Home security systems work best when installed correctly. Professional alarm installers know what they are doing and will install your security system fast and efficiently. It may cost a little more to have a professional handle your security system installation, but it will be worth it in the long run.
• Can I get any discounts for having a home security system?
  Yes. The discounts you are speaking of are homeowners and renters insurance discounts that are currently being offered to those with homes being secured by home security systems. It is recommended that you contact your homeowners insurance company and inquire about how you can save money on your homeowners insurance premiums by having a home security system installed in your home.
• I don’t know what kind of home alarm system I should get. Who can I call?
  We work with only the best home security companies around. By filling out the form here on our site, we can put you in touch with some of the best in the business. If you have questions, they have answers. The form is easy and quick to fill out, and can save you time and money. You can discuss all the different home alarm systems that are out and go over any additional questions with representatives from some of the leading alarm companies around today.

Still have questions?

Save time searching for answers by filling out the simple form on our site today. We will put you in touch with many top home security companies that can answer any questions you may have about security systems and how they can make your home safer.

When choosing a new home security system for your home, you will need to decide if you want a wired security system, or a wireless alarm system installed. Any professional alarm technician will tell you that both types of home security systems do an excellent job when it comes to home security. There are of course, a few unique features to each one of them that set them apart from each other. By going through what each system has to offer, you will be able to determine if a wireless alarm system will be right for you, or if a wired alarm system is the way to go.

Fast & Easy Installation

Wired alarm systems have been around for years. Their reliability has been proven, and many families still have their homes protected by one today. Wired alarm systems are not easy to install, but once they are in, they are virtually maintenance and problem free. The downside to having a hardwired alarm system is the fact that wires need to be run from the main control box to individual devices throughout a home. Some people find this very esthetically displeasing. For many homeowners, even a small wire run inside of their home is enough to make them say no to a hardwired alarm installation. Although many trained alarm technicians do a great job at hiding wires in a wired alarm installation, most people still choose not to get one. For these people, a wireless alarm system is the perfect answer.

Ideal for Apartments & Rentals

A wireless alarm system is not only easy to install but it is also takes minimal time to install one. A standard sized home can be protected with a wireless alarm installation in as little as a few hours. A wired alarm installation can take hours or even days to complete. Since wireless devices are simple to install and can be mounted almost anywhere, a wireless alarm system is the perfect solution for homes that are two-story or have high ceilings. Another great place for a wireless alarm system is in rental homes where damage to walls can become a renter’s and homeowner’s worst nightmare. Besides, most renters do not want to pay for a wired alarm installation only to leave it behind in a year or so when they decide to move. Removing a wired alarm system to reinstall it in their new home is never a good idea. If they choose to install a wireless alarm system, they can easily uninstall it and move it with them to their new rental home. (Read more about rental home alarm systems).

Future Upgrades

Many home security companies today prefer to install a wireless alarm system in their customer’s homes. Not only are they easier for home security companies to install, but they make for a cleaner looking alarm installation too. It is also easier for the customer and the home security company to add additional options to a wireless alarm system. Sometimes it only takes minutes to mount and program a new device into an already installed wireless alarm system.

Evolution of Wireless Systems

A wireless security system was fast and easy to install at first, but did not come without faults. In its earlier days , a wireless home security system was considered less dependable and not as reliable as its hardwired counterpart. For instance, since wireless devices worked off of radio frequency, normal household items such as cordless phones and baby monitors would interfere with its transmission. Pets and wireless motion detectors also proved to be a bad combination and caused many false alarms. However, over the years, wireless security systems have really evolved. Not only have they becomes more technologically advanced, they are much more dependable and reliable. Today, wireless security systems can be found installed almost anywhere. In fact, most home security companies will only install wireless security systems for their customers.

Choose the Right Alarm System for Your Needs

Is a wireless security system the right choice for you? If you live in an apartment or a home where wires cannot be run—yes, a wireless security system would probably be your best option. Having pets with wireless security systems is no longer a problem thanks to wireless pet immune motion detectors. If you have a pet, it is advised that you let your alarm company representative know. That way he can make sure that only pet immune motion detectors are installed with your new wireless home security system.

If you are serious about protecting your home and want an affordable way to do so, why not get in touch with a few home security companies that can offer you a way to do it? By completing a short form here on our site, we can put you in touch with several home security companies that can not only offer you the best deal on your new wireless alarm system, but can also monitor it at an affordable rate too.

If you’re looking for home alarm systems as a means of making your home more secure and giving you piece of mind, you’re probably being inundated with choices that need to be made. Will you seek equipment that relies on door and window alarms? Do you need to be concerned about small children triggering your alarm by accident? Here are some easy ways to narrow your choices:

1. Determine the Type of Alarm System You Need
   Do you have young kids? How about large pets? If the answer to either question is “yes,” then you should think about the practical issues involved in having children or animals that can’t understand how to shut off home alarm systems once they’ve been triggered, and may not know how to keep from setting the alarm off by accident. In this case, avoid putting motion sensors in places where your kids or pet might accidentally trip them. (Read more about children and home alarms). Which system will best protect your home and family? At the end of the day, the reason people buy home alarm systems is to make sure that they and their loved ones are protected. To decide which alarm system will accomplish this for you, you need to know what your options are and then make educated choices about both your provider and the equipment you purchase for installation. Read online reviews of companies and products they offer. Speak to friends and relatives who have recently installed their own security equipment, and get a sense for what they think are the best and worst parts of their decisions. Learn from their example to build yourself a system that is well-suited to your needs!
2. Establish a Budget
   What kind of budget do you have to spend on outfitting your home appropriately? Home alarm systems can range from a few hundred dollars to multiple thousands of dollars, depending on the intensity of the system and its components. Those with high budgets can consider panic rooms, security monitoring companies, and video surveillance, while those whose home must be protected with less money should opt for effective coverage of the most likely entry points.
3. Determine What Security Equipment You Need
   What is available and practical for your geographic region? If you live in a crowded city, then home alarm systems will rely heavily on things like blocking window access points. There is little point in having video surveillance unless you have a much larger area to cover, including space outside where a thief might be caught before they have the opportunity to enter your home.
4. Compare Quotes from Multiple Companies
   Many reputable home security companies will offer to come out to your home and give you a free estimate for a new security system for your home. It is wise to have family members home at the time of the appointment so that way everyone can go over their security needs and concerns while the representative is there.
5. Discuss Your Options with a Sales Representative
   Do you want a hardwired or wireless security system? Do you have an active phone line or will you be using cellular communication as a way for your security system to be monitored? How long is the contract? What happens if you move? These are all questions to ask upfront and based on the answers you receive, should be enough to help you make your choice for a new home security company.
6. Make Your Final Decision
   Now that you have narrowed down your choices, it is time to make your final decision on which company and security system you will go with. Always remember that cheaper is not always better. It is always a good idea to use a company you feel the most secure with and who you feel can provide the best security for your home. Sometimes that means paying a little more money for the peace of mind. However, this is the security of your family you are dealing with, you can’t really put a price on that. How knowledgeable are your contractors, and do you feel comfortable talking to them about your needs for your home alarm system?   You can click the link below to get an idea of some companies that can install your home alarm systems, but since our system returns several matches you’ll need to pick between a number of well-qualified companies. Take the time to discuss your options with their sales representatives, and never hesitate to ask for more information or a better deal. If your salesperson makes you uncomfortable when you ask questions about how your system will work, what components will best serve your needs, or any other details, then you should not hesitate to take your business elsewhere.

If you’re ready to get started, you can get fast, free home security system quotes now!