How to pick the best security system for your home

Deciding on which alarm system to get is a task of its own. But choosing between the many different home security companies can be harder. Here are the top 13 questions you should ask when interviewing potential home security companies:

1. How many years has the home security company been in business for?

   Home security companies that have been around for at least 3 years make a great choice for providing security for a home. While 3 years is certainly not a very long time, being around for at least that long assures the company has been around long enough to have some installations under their belts. This makes it easier to get feedback and referrals on the company from others who have used their services.

2. Who will be coming out to install my new alarm system.

   Oftentimes a representative will come out from one home security company, and an alarm installer will show up from another. This is standard practice for alarm companies that use sub-contractors for their alarm installations. Although some home security companies use subcontractors to do their installations, many don’t. Either way, it is always a good idea to ask.

3. Does the home security company have their own monitoring center?

   Alarm monitoring centers can be quite costly to run and operate. This is why some home security companies subcontract their alarm monitoring to other companies that do have their own monitoring centers. If you want the company that installed your alarm to do the monitoring, you need to ask upfront if they have their own monitoring center or not.

4. Will the company that installed my alarm system be the one to provide the service too?

   Some home security companies not only use their own personnel to sell alarms, but also install, monitor, service, and provide support to their customers. Ask your potential home security company if they use their own employees or if they subcontract their work out to other companies. This is an important question. Not only do you want to know who will be coming into your home to service your alarm—you want to know who will be watching out for your home at the monitoring center as well.

5. What happens if I cancel my phone service and I have no back-up cellular radio installed on my alarm system?

   Home security companies offer cellular radios to use as a back-up form of alarm transmission, and as a primary form. However, if you have no phone service and no cellular radio installed with your alarm system—your alarm system will be considered local. There is no way to have your alarm monitored without either one of these.

6. Does the company offer leased alarm systems or do I own it after a certain amount of time?

   There are pros and cons to both leasing and owning your new alarm system. Home security companies have different equipment and programs they offer to their customers. It is important to go over your options with a few home security companies to see what would be the best option for you.

7. Can I have an alarm system installed, but not have it monitored?

   There may be many home security companies that will install your alarm system without monitoring it. However, alarm monitoring is a very critical part of your home’s security. Besides, opting for alarm monitoring could save you money on your new home security system.

8. Will I be provided with alarm yard signs and decals to put up around my home?

   You may have seen all types of yard signs and decals around your neighborhood. Home security companies offer these to their customers to not only deter criminal activity ever further, but also to “mark” a home, so to speak. If an alarm signal is called in to the police, the dispatcher will usually ask for the alarm company name. When looking for your address, a police officer may be able to spot your home quicker by seeing the alarm company yard sign in front of it.

9. What type of alarm installations does the home security company offer?

   Many home security companies are offering only wireless installations to their new customers. This is because wireless alarm systems are faster, easier, and sometimes more cost-effective than installing a wired alarm system. If you don’t want a wireless alarm system, don’t get one. There are still several home security companies that will offer you a hardwired alarm installation.

10. If I am not happy with the company after my installation, can another home security company take over my alarm monitoring?

    Some home security companies install proprietary systems. This means the systems are exclusive to their company. Not only will other home security companies not be able to monitor your alarm system, you will not be able to add any upgrades to it through another company.

11. Will the company offer me something to show proof that I had an alarm system installed to give to my homeowners insurance company?

    Yes, many home security companies offer what they call a homeowner’s insurance certificate. When you have an alarm system installed in your home, take advantage of the savings you may be able to get by having it. Home security companies will be more than happy to provide this certificate to you.

12. What happens after hours if I need help with my alarm system?

    Home security is a 24-hour need, and you want to choose a company that will be there for you 24/7. The majority of home security companies in this day and age offer around-the-clock phone and technical support, but there are still some that do not. Try not to pick a company that turns their phones off at 5pm on the weekdays, and cannot be found on weekends and holidays. You need a company that will be there when you need them most. Sometimes that need does not come at convenient hours.

13. What happens if I move out of my home?

    If you are even considering moving within a few years after your alarm system installation, speak to home security companies upfront about it when obtaining quotes. You do not want to be stuck paying a multi-year alarm monitoring contract years after you moved out of your home. Things come up and people move all of the time; home security companies know this and can come up with an agreement that will benefit both you and the company.

You have a few options available to you when it comes time to choose your new home security system. You can choose a hardwired home security system, a wireless security system, or a system that integrates both wireless and hardwired devices. As far as securing your home, the possibilities are only limited by your budget. If however, you are on a limited budget, why not consider getting a wireless home security system installed in your home? By choosing to have a wireless home security system installed in your home, you will not only save on installation costs, but you will also be able to cut your installation time in half.

Wireless Security Features

Not only is a wireless security system an affordable way to protect your home, it is also one of the most reliable ways to protect your home and your family. Unlike hardwired devices, wireless alarm devices are easily placed in areas where protection is needed. One of the main faults of a hardwired home security system is the fact that if wire can not be ran to the device, it needs to be placed somewhere else. Often times, this leaves areas of a home unprotected. This is where a wireless security system picks up. There is literally nowhere in a home where a device can not be mounted. And if for some reason you need to relocate a wireless motion detector or a door transmitter, relocating them to their new area is easy.

Wireless Receiver

A wireless security system is also easy to upgrade. If you are starting out small, but plan to add to your new wireless home security system in the near future, ask about getting a wireless security system that has a receiver with enough spare zones on it. Wireless receivers are inexpensive and make it extremely easy to add wireless devices to your system later on. If your budget does not allow for a higher receiver at this time, updating it later on will be easy and will require very little effort. Starting off with a higher receiver from the beginning just saves you time from doing it later on.

Wireless Control Panel

Some of the options available with a wireless security system are high-tech, yet remain simple enough for even the least tech-savvy person to operate. Standard wireless security systems should come with a control panel (the brains of the alarm), a keypad, transformer for power, and devices that you choose. Some families will decide to not have any motion detectors installed, but will have all perimeter zones such as doors and windows protected. Others will strictly have motion detectors installed. Again, the possibilities are endless when it comes to protecting your home. There are also advanced options that really make having a wireless security system worth it. Wireless keypads, portable panic buttons, portable medical buttons/pendants, and key fobs are just a few of the many extra features that can be added to a wireless security system.

Wireless security systems are a great way to protect your home and provide safety for your family. Don’t just take our word for it though. Discuss your home security options with one of the many professional home security companies listed on our site. Better yet, save yourself some time by filling out a short form here on our site that will put you in contact with several home security companies to get free home alarm quotes. We have done our homework and will only put you in touch with the best in the business. Secure your home with one of the best security systems available today. Get your home protected with a wireless security system.

Over the past several years, a wireless home security system has become a great alternative to a traditional hardwired home security system. From the simple installation, to the reliability of coverage a wireless home security system offers, it is no reason why wireless home security systems are the premier choice for homeowners today. There are many advantages to having a wireless home security system installed, that it almost seems unimaginable that anyone would leave their home unprotected without one. Unlike traditional hardwired security systems, there are really no obstacles to overcome to get a wireless home security system installed in your home.

Ideal for Apartments & Renters

Do you rent? If you rent, a wireless home security system is a perfect way to secure your rental apartment or home. There are no wires to be run, no holes to be made in the walls, no carpets or floorboards to be lifted, and no other damage needs to be made to your home. Mounting wireless devices is as easy as hanging up a picture—maybe even easier. When it is time to move, you can easily uninstall your wireless home security system and take it to your new home where it can offer you protection there too.

Designed for Pet Owners

Have pets? If you are a pet owner, there is no need to worry about false alarms—thanks to wireless pet immune motion detectors. Some pet immune motion detectors offer pet immunity up to 80 pounds. So even if you have a larger dog, the chances of him setting off these motion detectors and causing a false alarm is nearly impossible.

Wireless Alarms & VOIP

No phone line? No problem. If you have no phone line installed in your home or if you use VOIP, you will be happy to know that you can still have a wireless home security system. In fact, you can have a completely wireless home security system that transmits alarm signals via a cellular back-up radio. This is not only the latest and the greatest in home security, it is also very affordable too.

Wireless Keypads

Want a 100% completely wireless home security system? Ask your home security company for a wireless keypad instead of having a traditional keypad installed. Wireless keypads are great, but do not perform as good as a keypad that is wired in. For an easy comparison between a wireless and hard-wired alarm keypad: think of a wireless mouse versus a wired mouse. However, wireless keypads make a great option for homeowners who do not want wires ran or holes drilled in their walls to mount a keypad.

Quick & Easy Installation

Need a home security system installed quickly? A wireless home security system is your answer. Most wireless home security system installations are completed in as little as a couple of hours.

DIY Option

Are you a do-it-yourself type person? There are tons of DIY alarm options when it comes to wireless home security systems. Installing a wireless home security system is considered an easy project, but it is not a project that can be taken on by just anyone. You do not need special skills or experience installing alarms to install your own wireless home security system, but it will take some common sense. If you feel you can take on a task like installing your own wireless security system, consider using a company like Frontpoint Home Security. They cater to the DIY market and offer technical assistance to their customers who choose to install a wireless home security system on their own.

If you have answered “Yes” to any of these questions, getting a wireless home security system could be the right choice for you. Contact a security company today and see just how easy getting a wireless home security system can be.

Keeping our home safe from intruders is a worry many of us have on our minds each day. Using the proper home security devices will ensure that our homes are kept safe and secure from unsuspecting burglars or if a fire should break out when we are not there—or worse—if we are at home asleep. There are tons of new home security devices on the market today that can help us keep our homes safer and more secure; and they don’t stop at just protecting homes from a burglary or fire. Let’s take a look:

Are there any home security devices that protect against the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Yes. There are many carbon monoxide detectors on the market today that can help keep families safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. There are hardwired and wireless carbon monoxide detectors on the market today that can be easily added on to most home security systems. Carbon monoxide poisoning in a home is preventable, and having these affordable home security devices in our homes has become a necessity.

I have cats that love to claw at my wired burglar alarm screens and damage them. Having screens rewired is not cheap. Is there something else on the market that can protect my windows in the event of a burglary?
Having each individual screen in your home wired is a great way to protect your home. You are correct, it can also be expensive. Not only does it cost money to have your screens wired, it also costs to have them rewired or repaired when damaged. Cats love to claw at screens and damage them. This results in false alarms and expensive alarm service calls. Home security devices that would be ideal in this situation would be adding glass break detectors to your home security system. These home security devices can detect the sound of broken glass and can cover several windows at a time. Glass break detectors are an affordable solution for many homeowners who want to cover their windows, but do not want or can not have their individual screens wired.

My neighbor is able to arm and disarm her alarm from outside of her home. What home security devise will allow me to do that as well?
There are many security devices being offered today that will allow you to arm and disarm your alarm from outside of your home. These home security devices are referred to as key fobs and look similar to a car remote. Key fobs can be added to most wireless home security systems. Not only can you arm and disarm your alarm with a wireless key fob, some key fobs can also be programmed with a panic button for added security.

What home security devices can I have installed that can protect the interior of my home, but will not trip every time my dog walks by it?
It sounds like pet immune motion detectors are the answer to your question. Having non-pet immune motion detectors in a home with pets is just asking for false alarms. PI motion detectors are one the best and most popular home security devices available for homeowners today. Even if you have a large dog, or multiple pets, adjustments can be made to ensure that your pets do not get picked up by them. Don’t worry, the pet immune motion detectors will still be able to tell the difference between your pets and a real intruder.

There are tons of unique home security devices being introduced to the home security industry every single day. With greater technology, comes more of the latest and the greatest home security devices available for homeowners everywhere to enjoy. Browse home security products from the nations largest home security companies to decide what will work best in your home.

One of the best home security products being offered to homeowners today are wireless alarm systems. Not only are wireless alarm systems the most affordable, easiest, and the fastest way to get your home protected—they are the most popular with families today. Most people love the fact that wireless installations are not only seamless, they make for a very clean alarm installation. This also makes wireless alarm systems a great option for renters, or anyone else who does not want wire ran around their apartment or home.

Wireless Alarm Equipment Features

Wireless alarm systems work pretty much the same way wired alarm systems do. There is a control panel, keypad, power supply, battery back-up, alarm devices; and may include other alarm components such as a wireless receiver, RJ31X Jack for your telephone connection, or a cellular radio. Wireless alarm systems are also very popular due to the fact they are the easiest to add features to and upgrade. There are also many new and exciting wireless products that are frequently being introduced to the market each year. A wireless alarm system is a great choice for the tech savvy consumer or for those who enjoy convenient features such as wireless keypads, wireless medical buttons, or any other wireless devices.

Hardwired vs Wireless Alarms

What sets wireless alarm systems apart from hardwired alarm systems, is the fact that the system requires almost no wiring to be ran during the installation. The minimal wire that does get ran for a wireless alarm installation is limited to a power wire, keypad wire, and a phone wire. However, these days even most of that wiring can be eliminated with wireless keypads and cellular radios. Instead of wire being ran to individual alarm devices, wireless devices are simply mounted with double-stick tape or screws. There is never a need to drill unnecessary holes in walls or rip up carpeting for a wireless alarm system installation.

Versatile & Affordable

Many people think that since wireless alarm systems offer so many options and convenience, that they will be more expensive than their hardwired counterparts. These people are pleasantly surprised once they find out just how affordable owning a wireless alarm system can be. And since the wireless system itself is affordable, many people find that they can afford extra options that they might not have been able to afford with a wired system. Extra wireless options such as carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and medical buttons are only some of the many popular features being offered today. These features will not only protect a home in the event of a burglary, but also against carbon monoxide poisoning, a fire, and even a medical emergency.

Wireless alarm systems are a great burglary deterrent, but they are even better when they are monitored. Having a monitored wireless alarm system installed in your home will make your home less likely to be broken into. Some studies suggest that a home with a monitored alarm system is three times less likely to be burglarized than one that does not have one. Isn’t it time you got yours? If affordable and convenient home security is what you want, wireless home alarm systems are your answer.

Having a home security system has become a necessity these days. Companies like ADT and Brinks Home Security are two of the industry leaders offering affordable protection for homes and families across the country. Both companies have become popular with homeowners, and for good reasons. If you are deciding on whether one company is better than the other one is, it is important to note that they both have proven themselves excellent providers of home security and both companies have been around for many years. If you are narrowing down your choices of home security companies, ADT and Brinks Home Security (now known as Broadview Home Security) should definitely be at the top of your list. While both of the companies are excellent providers of home security, it all comes down to personal choice. Here is a little information on both ADT and Brinks Home Security:

ADT Security

ADT is currently considered the #1 home security provider and has won numerous awards for their exceptional service. They have been in business since the late 1800’s and show no signs of slowing down. Over 5 million homes are being protected by an ADT home security system today. Not only does ADT offer modern and the most up-to-date home security systems out there, but they do their own alarm monitoring which is a great service to have. ADT systems are also affordable and can be easily tailored to fit any family’s home security needs. An ADT home security system can not only protect your family and home against unwanted intruders, but it can also be customized with carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors and more. ADT also offers wireless home alarm system installations making installation of your new home alarm system virtually wire-free. They also offer many guarantees with their service such as a Money Back Service Guarantee, Theft Protection Service Guarantee, and a Mover’s Security Guarantee.

Brinks Home Security

Brinks Home Security is considered one of the most trusted names in the home security industry today. They have also been in the home security business for many years. Like ADT, Brinks Home Security has received many awards and has even been recognized by JD Power and Associates 6 years in a row for their outstanding customer service. Not only does Brinks Home Security offer exceptional customer service, they also offer state-of-the-art home security systems. A Brinks Home Security System protects over 1.3 million homes in the United States and Canada today. Brinks Home Security systems are user friendly and can also be tailored to fit any security need or budget a family might have. Brinks Home Security also does their own alarm monitoring which is always a great option for any security company to offer.

Which Company Will You Choose?

ADT and Brinks Home Security are both leaders in the home security industry with proven results. The best way to know if one of these companies is a good fit for you is to get a free alarm estimate from both. If you have been researching several home security companies and you are going by the facts and the results, you can clearly see both companies are more than competent to handle your home security needs. Whether you choose to go with ADT or Brinks Home Security, you can rest assured that no matter which one you choose, an industry leader will be protecting your home around the clock. You owe it to yourself and your family to get the best home security protection there is to have. A home security system from ADT or Brinks Home Security will do just that.