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Archive for the ‘Home Alarm Systems’ Category

How to Choose A Home Alarm

Posted by toni On January - 20 - 2010 Comments Off

After reading about the benefits and rewards a home alarm system can offer your family, you are now ready to take that final step and get your new home alarm system. This is great news and an exciting time for you and your family. As you may have read, you not only have many choices when it comes to home security companies, but you have many more choices with the many types of home alarm systems that are on the market today. Listed below are just a few tips and tricks to use to help you choose the home alarm system that would be best for you.

Do your homework.
Before you make a final decision on a new home alarm system, make sure you are choosing the one that is right for you and your family. You also want to make sure you understand the differences between the many different alarm systems that are available today. Some home alarm companies will tempt you with “free installation” offers and other incentives to get you to sign with them quickly, but if you are not getting the coverage you need and can afford—these offers are a waste of time and do little for the security of your home.

Ask questions.
If you are not familiar with how a home alarm system operates, ask potential alarm companies to do a demonstration for you. Many companies will be more than happy to accommodate your request. If you have a question or concern, ask. If you do not feel comfortable using your home alarm system, or you are unfamiliar with how to operate it—your new home alarm system will be useless to you.

Don’t go overboard with additional features if you can not afford them.
It is very easy to get caught up with all the latest and the greatest in home security products—there are many of them out today. Some features, while new and exciting, are often times not necessary in the security of your home. If you are on a limited budget for your new home alarm system, stick to it. A basic system that covers all of your openings will do just fine. Later, when your budget allows, add that talking keypad or key fob you always wanted.

Do not leave important areas of your home unprotected.
When you purchase your new home alarm system, make sure you have gotten at least the exterior doors to your home protected. If you have a lot of windows in your home and can’t afford to have them individually done, inquire about getting glass-break detectors or motion detectors to cover them.

Get more than one estimate for your new home alarm system.
Just like there are many home alarm systems, there are tons of home security companies to choose from. Do not sign on with the first home security company that offers you a good deal. Make appointments with at least 3 home security companies and ask for written estimates from each. You can then compare the different companies and their services and base your decision on that. You want to feel comfortable with the purchase of your new home alarm system, take your time when choosing one.

Don’t settle for just any home alarm system.
Some people prefer hardwired alarm systems, while others prefer the convenience of a wireless home alarm system. Many home security companies have gotten away from installing hardwired alarm systems altogether and will offer you only a wireless installation. Wireless home alarm installations are much more popular these days and are easier to get. However, if a hardwired home alarm is what you want, shop around until you find a company that will install one for you. There are many home alarm companies competing for your business and will be happy to install any home alarm system that you request.

House Alarm Systems Guide

Posted by toni On January - 20 - 2010 Comments Off

Whether you are looking to secure your home from burglars, or you want to protect it from the event of a fire, house alarm systems can help you do both. With home burglaries being on the rise these days, you can no longer afford to keep your home unprotected any longer. Fire protection is also another main reason why people turn to home alarm systems. Protecting your home with both burglary and fire protection can be easily done and is a smart decision to make.

Your decision on whether to choose to have a wireless or a wired alarm system installed in your house, is strictly a matter of preference. However, you can take comfort in knowing that both types of house alarm systems work exceptionally well and do a great job at keeping a home safe. The real difference between both types of systems is the way they are installed. One is obviously installed using wire, with the devices being wired to the control panel. The other requires little to no wire and uses RF frequencies to communicate with the control panel. The control panel is of course the “brains” of an alarm system.

As far as alarm devices, you can get contacts, motions detectors, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors either hardwired or wireless. However, wireless house alarm systems can have a few advantages when it comes to features. For example, one popular home security product that is available for wireless alarm systems, but not on a hardwired system, is any type of portable button. Whether it be a key fob, portable panic button, or a button used for medical emergencies—these buttons are all wireless and will need to communicate with a wireless receiver to work.

What happens if you have a hardwired home alarm system already installed and want to add panic buttons or any other wireless devices? This is a common question and one with an answer you may happy with. If your previous alarm company installed a system with wireless capabilities, but did not actually install a receiver, getting wireless zones is as easy as adding a wireless receiver to your existing system. Combination house alarm systems are systems that have a combination of hardwired and wireless devices installed. This actually a very common type of alarm system used in many households today. It is also a very convenient system to have.

House alarm systems are ideal for people who may have added an addition to their home, or want to add coverage to areas that were not included in the original alarm installation. If you moved into a home with an existing wired alarm system, and you want to add to it, call the professionals. They can determine just by the type of panel you have if you can add RF capabilities or not. If so, you can save money by not having to install a whole new wireless alarm system in your home. However, if the system does not have wireless capabilities, but you want wireless, don’t give up. Wireless house alarm systems are affordable and worth getting. If it means you need to spend the money now to update to one, it may be worth it for you in the long run; especially if you ever want to upgrade with even more wireless zones. With prices as low as they are for wireless house alarm systems, it is really something that would be worthwhile to look into.

How House Alarms Protect Your Family

Posted by toni On January - 15 - 2010 Comments Off

One of the best burglary deterrents out today are house alarms. House alarms are not only an extremely affordable way to protect your family and your valuables, but they are also very effective. If you take a look at the latest burglary statistics, the chances of your home becoming a victim of a burglary are very high. 1 in 6 homes in the U.S. will be burglarized this year. That is a very small number, and a very realistic one at that.

House alarms allow homeowners the flexibility of having security when they are away from their homes, and in most cases, while they are inside of their homes. If you are a person who travels a lot, a house alarm can provide you with peace of mind while you are away for extended periods of time. Simply arming your alarm before you depart will ensure that your home is protected from intruders while you are gone. However, just having a house alarm will not do. For the ultimate protection, you need to have your home alarm monitored. Monitored house alarms have been proven to be three times less likely to be broken into than houses that do not have an alarm system installed at all.

If you are wondering what all this home protection costs, you will be happy to know that it is a lot less than you might think. Thanks to advancements in the home security industry, and a rise in interest that homeowners have in protecting their property—house alarms have become extremely affordable. It is also a good thing for consumers that there is a lot of competition on the home security market, so it pays to shop pricing around. Just as house alarms have become affordable, so have alarm monitoring rates. When shopping around for a new home alarm system, inquire about alarm monitoring rates. For as much as you spend on a few cups of coffee each month, you can afford to have your home protected with some of the leading home security companies out today.

House alarms can come basic or with many options. However, if you can’t afford an alarm system with all the bells and whistles—don’t worry about it. If you can afford to get at least the basic alarm system for your home, it would be better than having no home alarm at all. Later, when you have more money in your budget to add additional features to your alarm system, do so then. Just make sure you ask any potential security company if the alarm system you are considering buying has the capability to be upgraded and can be done so easily.

You might think now that you can not afford to protect your home with an alarm system, but really, you can’t afford not to get one. House alarms can keep your family safe from burglars—even the brazen ones who will choose to invade your home while you and your family are inside. It is a scary thought, but it is happening all over our country every single day. You can help prevent your family from becoming a crime statistic by getting an alarm system installed in your home. Millions of families are being protected by monitored house alarms each and every day, shouldn’t yours be too?

Security Systems FAQ

Posted by toni On January - 13 - 2010 Comments Off

Anyone who is serious about securing their home should take a look into the many different types of security systems that are being offered today. It doesn’t matter if your house is large or small, or if you live in a gated community or not; having a home security system installed in your home will keep it safer than if you didn’t have one installed at all. Listed below are a few common questions and answers about security systems that can give you some insight about the different home security systems that are being offered on the market today.

What is the difference between hardwired and wireless home security systems?

This is one of the main questions home security professionals are asked each day. A hardwired home security system is installed by having wire run from a main alarm control box to alarm devices that are placed throughout your home such as motion detectors and transmitters. A wireless alarm system is everything a hardwired alarm system is—minus the wire. Instead of wires being ran to each individual wireless alarm device, they work off batteries. Both types of security systems are great choices, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference.

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.

I hear you get special discounts for having a home security system installed in your home. Is this true?

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.

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.

Besides protecting homes from burglars, what else can security systems do?

Security systems not only protect homes from burglars, but fires and carbon monoxide poisoning too. There are also many features that can be programmed into home security systems such as monitoring of the arming and disarming activity, medical alarm monitoring, and more. Security systems can also be programmed with duress and panic codes, and other special features.

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.

Security Companies

Posted by toni On January - 10 - 2010 Comments Off

Over the years, home security has become a big concern for many homeowners. While home security companies such as ADT and Brinks Home Security have been around for many years, demand for home security has opened the doors for new home security companies to emerge. While going with a larger, well known home security company is a good idea, it wouldn’t be against your best interest to look into some of the smaller, up-and-coming home security companies too.

Some of the ins and outs of home security companies are few and far between, but it is important for anyone looking for a new home security company to know about them. It is important to note that smaller home security companies have faults, but some of the larger ones do too. Remember, some of these home security companies are dealing with millions of customers every day. And while they strive to do their best to keep there customers happy—sometimes they will not succeed. That is why it is so important to not only look at the bad reviews about home security companies, but pay attention to the good ones too. As anyone knows, you can’t make everyone happy, and home security companies are no exception to that rule.

One of the main differences between a smaller home security company and larger home security companies is personalization. A smaller home security company will more than likely have an office close to your home and will be more familiar with your personal situation such as the neighborhood crime rate, City Alarm Ordinances, permits needed, and other pertinent important information. Larger home security companies may not be able to offer you the personal attention but an upside to them is their pricing. Since bigger home security companies have more customers and complete more installations, they are able to offer lower prices than smaller companies.

An upside to smaller home security companies is the fact that the majority of them do their own security system installations. While many of the larger home security companies do their own alarm installations, a majority of them rely on subcontractors to get many of the installations completed. On the other hand, when it comes down to alarm monitoring, larger companies have the advantage over smaller home security companies. This is because running an alarm monitoring center is not only expensive, it requires special alarm monitoring equipment, dedicated phone lines, trained staff, and other important factors. Large home security companies have the resources and can afford their own alarm monitoring center. Some smaller security companies do have their own monitoring centers—but not too many. Many small home security companies will install an alarm system for their customer and pay a larger home security company to monitor it.

Another important factor when deciding between home security companies is the type of home security system you want installed in your home. Some of the bigger home security companies prefer to install only wireless home security systems, while some smaller home security companies will offer both. Installation of a hardwired alarm will cost more, thus making a smaller home security company money on installation costs. Big alarm companies prefer wireless because they are quick and easy to install and they can do several wireless installations in a day—versus 1 hardwired installation. If a hardwired system is what you prefer installed in your home, it is important to ask your potential home security companies what type of installations they offer.

Each home security company offers something unique to their customers. Choosing between the both will be a tough choice to make. Now that you know the ins and outs of both types of home security companies, you will be able to make a more secure and informed decision.

Safety and Burglar Alarms

Posted by toni On January - 10 - 2010 Comments Off

Burglar alarms were created to keep our homes protected from potential burglars and to help keep our families safe from harm. However, the burglar alarms of yesterday are nothing compared to the burglar alarms of today. Over the years, the whole home security industry has evolved and it shows no signs of slowing down. This is great for consumers because it not only gives us access to the best home protection products on the market, but it also helps increase competition, making it more affordable to secure our homes and protect our loved ones.

Burglar alarms do not need to be expensive to be effective. Any family can find a burglar alarm that will fit their budget, and their needs. Most families have found that if they need to start out small because of a limited budget, getting the minimum protection helps them feel better than having no protection for their home at all. The best advise would be to get at least the exterior doors of the home protected—preferably the front door and the back door. This is the first place a burglar will try to enter a home through. If they are unsuccessful, they will try the next best thing: the windows. Adding protection to each individual window can be costly, but it is the absolutely best way to protect them. If you can not invest in getting your windows secured, ask about getting motion detectors or glass-break detectors to cover them—especially if you have a lot of windows.

You will also need to make an important decision when it comes down to your home’s security—choosing between a hardwired or wireless burglar alarm. There is no right or wrong decision on this one. Both types of burglar alarms are excellent tools in home protection and do a great job at keeping families safe. Hardwired burglar alarms have been around a lot longer than wireless burglar alarms and have proven their reliability. However, for some people, a hardwired burglar alarm is just not an option. If a hardwired burglar alarm can not be installed because of lack of attic space, high ceilings, or other reasons, a wireless burglar alarm is an excellent alternative.

Burglar alarms, whether hardwired or wireless are necessary in the times we are in. They are no longer exclusively offered to the wealthy or business owners only—anyone can get a burglar alarm system if they want one. However, if you are a renter, some property owners will not allow a hardwired burglar alarm to be installed on their property. If this is the case, ask them what their policies are as far as wireless burglar alarms. Most property owners and landlords have no problems having wireless burglar alarms installed in their rentals. In fact, many landlords and property owners recognize the need for home security and are offering monitored burglar alarms as one of their rental features.

If you do not have a burglar alarm in your apartment or home, don’t leave your home unprotected another day. Burglar alarms are proven to help keep your home safe and secure. There are too many burglaries happening that never make the headline news. Don’t let your home turn into another burglary statistic. Talk to a home security company today and discuss your options as far as burglar alarms and burglar alarm monitoring.