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Archive for December, 2009

Security Equipment Checklist

Posted by toni On December - 29 - 2009 ADD COMMENTS

As you may have read by now, there are tons of home security systems and security equipment that you can use to help keep your home safe. You may even have a security system installed in your home that has sat dormant since the day you moved in. These days, people are doing all they can to secure their homes; and one of the best ways they are doing it is by having a security system installed. So if you have a security system already in place, now is the time to get it activated. If you do not have a security system in your home, now is the time to get one.

Security equipment such as hardwired or wireless home security systems are installed in homes differently, but they both offer protection against unwanted intruders. Equipped with smoke detectors, heat detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors—these simple wired or wireless security systems can do much more than just protect homes against burglars. Security systems with equipment such as those just mentioned, can offer lifesaving advantages to families who choose to have them installed.

There are times when certain security equipment such as a hardwired alarm system will not be an option for many families. This is because their home can not take a hardwired installation, for one or more reasons. Most times it is simply because the home lacks attic space or the homeowner does not want wire ran around the home. In this case, a wireless home security system would be a great option for these homeowners. Additional security equipment can be added to both hardwired and wireless alarm systems. Some of these options are:

-Motion Detectors
-Audio Detectors
-Carbon Monoxide Detectors
-Smoke Detectors
-Panic Alarms
-Medical Pendants

If you have a wireless security system or you plan on having one installed—you will be happy to know that most of this security equipment can easily be added onto a wireless system. If you have a hardwired security system, you may or may not be able to add most of these security devices to your system. While it is easier to add many options to a wireless system, you should not rule out the possibility of adding many of these devices to a hardwired security system.

Security equipment is advancing with technology and is only getting better with time. Everything from the way our alarm systems look, to the way they operate, has changed dramatically over the years. Even the way we have our alarm equipment installed has changed tremendously. We no longer have a wired-only option, and we have more choices when it comes to options and features. Another major change in the security industry is the way our security systems transmit alarm signals and how they are monitored. With special security equipment called cellular radios, we can eliminate the need for a traditional analog phone line for alarm signal transmission. We can now have our alarm signals transmit over a cellular radio, the same way the majority of us make our phone calls.

Security systems are more important today than they have ever been. Speaking to a reputable home security company can help put your home security worries at ease. Professionals can help you come up with security solutions that will be a perfect fit for you and your family. They will also help you pick out security equipment that will not only fit your budget, but will keep your home and family safe too.

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 10 questions you should ask when interviewing potential home security companies:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Laymans guide to home security systems

Posted by toni On December - 28 - 2009 ADD COMMENTS

You work hard for what you have. Home security systems exist today to help you protect your most valuable possessions and keep them safe from harm. You may have wanted to update the security in your home, but don’t know how or where to begin. If all the talk about home security systems is enough to make your head spin, this article will break down the basics of home security systems for you. The security of your family and your home is important to you, and home security systems are the best tool out there to help keep them protected. By knowing a few basics, you can feel secure when dealing with the security of your family, your home, and your most valuable treasures.

Everyone knows that keeping doors and windows locked in the home is one way to keep unexpected and uninvited visitors out. However, times have changed and home burglaries have become increasingly popular. Once considered a luxury to have, more and more families are turning to home security systems as a way to keep their homes protected from burglars. A home security system does not need to be extravagant to protect a home. A good home security system will protect openings of your home that are vulnerable to a break in, such as a front door, back door, and windows. Since doors and windows are usually the first place a burglar attempts to gain access to a home, protecting those areas is the most important job home security systems have. Once you have those important openings covered, other devices can be added on for additional protection.

Home security systems can come basic, or they can be customized with many additional options such as motion detectors, glass break detectors, medical buttons, panic buttons, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and more. If you are working with a limited home security budget, it is wise to speak with a reputable home security company that can map out an affordable home security system for you, that will keep you covered—without breaking your budget. When inquiring about a home security system, ask your home security specialist to go over your options as far as hardwired home security systems or wireless home security systems.

If you opt for a wireless home security system, you will easily be able to add more alarm devices once your budget allows. Going with a wireless home security system can also save you money on installation costs, since the installation is not as detailed as a hardwired installation would be. Hardwired home security systems are a good option for smaller homes that don’t have many openings to cover, and where running wire will not be difficult. Unfortunately, some homes will not be able to have a hardwired home security system installed in them, thus making a wireless home security system the perfect solution for these homes.

Home security systems are an easy and affordable way to get your home the protection it needs. There are several home security companies that can help tailor a home security system to fit your needs and your budget. Home security systems have been keeping families and their homes safe and secure for years, and can help do the same for yours. Inquire about getting your home protected with one of the many home security systems that are out there to choose from today.

Why Choose a Wireless Security System

Posted by toni On December - 26 - 2009 ADD COMMENTS

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

Wireless Home Security Checklist

Posted by toni On December - 19 - 2009 ADD COMMENTS

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.

- 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.

- 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.

-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.

-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.

-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.

-Are you a do-it-yourself type person? There are tons of DIY 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.

Home Security Devices FAQ

Posted by toni On December - 19 - 2009 ADD COMMENTS

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.