If you rent or own a home or apartment, you likely place security high on your list of things to worry about. Home security systems may have come to your mind as a good way to keep potential burglars away. While this is a good idea, you must first consider what kind of alarm system you want. Below is a short list of different kinds of systems so that you can pick the best one for your home.
Monitored and Non-Monitored
This is one of the most fundamental differences in different alarm systems. Monitored systems are connected through the phone lines directly to the issuing company, who constantly have operators watching the lines. If the alarm is triggered, it sends a signal to the company who then calls the homeowner and asks for a predetermined password to make sure it was not set off by accident. If the password is not given or if no one answers, the operator will immediately contact the police. The disadvantage to this kind of system is that it is always possible that phone lines will be down, or even that a burglar could have cut the lines, making communication impossible. Non-monitored systems are not directly connected to any outside resource. When these alarms are tripped, they set off loud sirens and sometimes flashing lights, alerting neighbors to a problem and often scaring off the potential burglar. However, the main downside is that it does rely on neighbors or passers by to actually contact authorities.
Indoor or Outdoor
Deciding where to install your system is also crucial. An indoor system typically has sensors around all the entry points to your house, usually doors and windows. They also tend to include motion sensors inside the house to detect any movement. This type of alarm is turned on and off with a code or a remote control that the homeowner has access to so the alarm is only activated when no one is at home, or at night when no one is moving around. An outdoor system works essentially the same way. However, instead of just monitoring your home it also places sensors and floodlights in the yard and driveway to potentially catch intruders before they even make it to the home. Of course, the disadvantage to an outdoor system is that this is much easier to accidentally set off, for example by an unexpected guest or stray animal.
Hardwired vs. Wireless
The main difference here is a balance of reliability and convenience. Wireless systems have the advantage of convenience and ease of installation. Because they are not wired in they can also be taken anywhere the homeowner may move to in the future. Yet they are also seen as less reliable because certain types of interference can potentially make the signal go out, just like wireless internet or a cell phone signal. Also, the homeowner assumes the responsibility of checking and changing the batteries periodically. All components also must be sure to be placed within sensing range of each other. Hardwired systems have no issues with distance or signal interference, and since they are electric one never needs to worry about batteries running out. However, they do require professional installation and cannot be taken along if you decide to move.
Home security systems are a great way to protect your home from would-be burglars and robbers. It is up to you to decide which kind is right for you.
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