What Everbody Ought To Know About Home Alarm Systems

If you are thinking of getting home alarm systems, then join the crowd. Did you know that each year around 1.8 million home alarm systems are installed in homes all over United States alone? According to a recent research, a home without security systems has tripled its risk to be broken into. Even as you read this, every 16 seconds there is a home burglary somewhere going on, and over 90% of the time the homes are empty. To begin with, there are two sorts of robbers: amateur thieves who might be kicking doors and windows, and professional thieves who monitor a house before actually robbing it. But, with the right security treatments you can discourage both amateur and professional burglars. Fortunately, today there are many options available, but before we have to get to know a little the standard home alarm systems terminology.

Panel – a metal „box“ which is the brain of home alarm systems, along with the reserve battery that powers the alarm in a case of a blackout. In a home, it is usually installed in a basement close to the point where your phone line first enters your home. In apartments , it is normally installed above a drop ceiling or in a closet. Just make sure you install it somewhere it is not likely to be tampered with.

Keypad – when you enter a code to activate or deactivate the system, you will be using the keypad. And it also tells you which of the installed devices activated the alarm. It will be used frequently by your installer to program your alarm.

Zone – a way of dividing devices (window sensor, motion sensor and so on) that are attached to your panel. For example, if your window is attached to zone 2, then every time that window is opened, the „zone 2“ will light up on the keypad. Also, if your alarm is activated by „zone 2“, the monitoring station will know that it was the window that activated the alarm. Normally, panels have 6-8 zones, but some of them have the possibility of expansion.

Hard wired – the panel is physically connected to every device. If you can, try to have hard wired home alarm systems. A hard wired device is more dependable than a wireless device which is not physically connected to the panel.

Wireless devices – it is device attached to the panel, and it communicates with the rest of wireless devices. Wireless devices need batteries in order to function which can sometimes have a reflexion on alarm performance since batteries as we all know grow weak in time. Because of technical and insurance issues, some companies even insist that only an „official“ technician replaces the batteries.

Hybrid – a system that combines wireless and hard wired devices in home alarm systems. Mostly in houses with two stories, where the first floor is hard wired, but the second floor can not be.

Rent or Lease – an agreement where you pay a monthly fee for monitoring of the alarm. But you do not get to pick who services or monitors your home alarm systems, and you you are not the owner of it either. It is better of you own the home alarm systems, but there are times when this renting or leasing is more convenient. For example, if you live in a rented apartment. There are companies that will allow you to move the home alarm systems, but you will probably have to qualify first meaning that you have to be their customer for about 2 years. Here „all in one“ wireless system is the best option, since you will most likely not be able to drill holes and run wires through the walls of you landlord.

Own – the opposite of renting/leasing the system. An agreement where you own home alarm systems, pay one time fee for the actual system and the installation, and have the freedom to choose who monitors and services the system for you. This also makes your home more valuable. If you ever sell your place, the one who buys it will be able to pick out who services and/or monitors it.

Pay attention to your doors and windows. How many of them are easy accessible? Those who are, you should include them into the security system. Also, you need to decide where do you want your keypad to be installed. Wherever is more convenient for you – near the front or back door, close to the bedroom or down the stairs. This is where most people install it. As I stated before, it is recommended to have hard wired home alarms systems if possible, but sometimes that is hard because it requires drilling a lot of holes and running wires. The best situation would be that your home is under construction, that would make it a lot easier.

So make sure to establish the distance between the panel and doors/windows. Why? Because if you go with the hard wired home alarm systems, you know how far the wires will need to be routed. And if you choose wireless home alarm systems, then you want to know how far the wireless device will need to communicate with the sensors. And lastly, there are the little things that have to be considered. Do you or your family members get up in the middle of the night? Do you have pets? All that has to be taken into consideration when choosing home alarm systems due to its influence on motion sensors type and place of installation.

The company has to be ULC (Underwriter´s Laboratory Canada) or UL (Underwriter´s Laboratory) approved because in order for a company to get their marking they have to meet their high standards of service requirements.

Look for letter of reference. A company for home alarm systems with a good reputation and status will have testimonials from former and present satisfied customers. If not, move along to the next company.

Search for a company that provides complete home alarm systems service. From sales to service and monitoring. Because some companies do not provide monitoring, and you have to hire another company for that. So when there are problems, it is harder to solve them when there are more than one company involved.

You want your alarm company if possible to be locally operated and owned. Why? Because they are more eager to please their customers to live up to the community where they work.

Get a 24 hour service home alarm systems because you do not want to have problems with your home alarm systems on Saturday and then wait till Monday for someone from the company to come over to get it fixed.

1. Door sensor

Surface door contacts - cheapest and easiest to install. Use magnetic contact sensors when the door is opened. The magnet is installed on the door, and the sensor is placed on the door frame. When these two lose communication ( by opening the door), the alarm activates. The same thing goes for garage door contacts,window surface contacts and recessed door & window contact ( installed inside the frame and the door and therefore less visible). A must have for home alarm systems.

2. Window sensors:

There are two types of glass break detectors. The first ones use omnidirectional microphone to detect breaking glass. The second ones use shock waves and vibrations. But the best ones combine these two structures to decrease false alarms such as the sound of breaking glass on the tv or dropped drinking glass etc. Pick the one that can detect the sound as far as 25 feet distanced. Also vital for successful home alarm systems protection

3. Motion detectors:

Motion sensors detect movement in area that is protected by that device. There are two types of motion sensors. Those that use microwave sensors, and those that use infrared sensors. Advantages of microwave sensors: big coverage range, penetrates walls. Disadvantages of microwave sensors: strong sensitivity. Advantages of infrared sensors: cheaper and more dependable. Disadvantages of infrared sensors: shorter coverage area.

Pet immune motion sensors – sometimes people are concerned how will they handle having a pet and home alarm systems together. But fortunately, alarm companies thought of a couple of smart ideas and adjusted motion sensors to be immune to pets ( for example, installing the sensor upside down) and are getting more dependable each day.

Outdoor motion sensors – works the same as a regular motion sensor, it is just placed outside. This will stop the burglar before entering the house and activate home alarm systems. Make sure it has 2 detection zones so that is is able to distinguish people from animals and vehicles.

4. Sirens

No need to elaborate here. A quick tip though, most companies will install 15-20 watt siren, but do not let them. Tell them you want 30 watt siren so that way it can be heard from the outside, even if everything is shut. And this will assure the burglar that your home alarm systems are not fake and completely in function.This would improve your home alarm systems greatly and stop any thief.

5. Security camera:

Choosing an adequate camera for home alarm systems depends on your situation and your needs. Your cheapest option is buying a webcam for $20, it can not get any lower than that. Logitech has a few of them which will serve its security purpose, but do not expect too much regarding picture quality. Then there are spy cameras which are great if you want to catch your nanny or housekeeper in illegal activities. You can locate them on Ebay for $30-40, and that includes shipping. Next are "permanent" security cameras which allow changing viewing angles, zooming in and out, and adjusting lighting. Not to forget spy camera disguised as clocks, stuffed animals etc., but this type is not web compatible, and is recommended to use temporarily. And the last is highly recommended "memo cam" with sensor/DVR unit/security camera. This would be a great addition to your home alarm systems, although all these functions come with a higher price.