Home Alarm System
By on Jun 16, 2008
After having my home broken into twice I invested in my first residential home alarm system. It should have happened after my first break-in, or, better yet, before, but I have it now and it provides me with a sense of security while protecting my investments.
I see a home alarm system as a natural extension of conventional locks and I'm not alone in feeling like this. Security alarms (also known as burgler alarms) have become increasingly common in private homes, from the basic do-it yourself kits available from under $50, to advanced whole-house security alarms that must be installed by a professional.
Most homeowners opt for a basic home alarm system that includes sensors on doors and windows and/or a motion detector. When you are at home you deactivate the motion detectors so that you can move around your home but, if you choose, you can still have the perimeter devices, such as windows and doors, activated.
The main difference in how these home alarm systems react is that the door and window sensors, for example a glass break detector, sounds the alarm when an intruder tries to enter the home. Motion detectors, however, respond to unauthorized movement and detect an intruder who is already inside the home.
The kind of security alarm that best suits you depends on the size and the number of entry points to your home (windows, doors and balconies), your budget and the level of security that provides you with peace of mind.
Depending on what type of home alarm system you decide on you may pay a monthly monitoring fee, and that generally runs from $20 up. The monitoring fee ensures that if the home alarm system is activated help, either security guards or the police, will be on their way, usually after making a phone call to you first in order to verify the alarm.
Whatever type of home alarm system you decide on here are a few things to keep in mind:
The home alarm system should be easy to operate. If not you will have numerous false alarms and odds are you'll grow frustrated with your home alarm system and stop using it - defeating the purpose of installing it in the first place. Look for a home alarm system that fits easily into your daily routine so that you will remember to use it everyday. Your whole family should understand how the home alarm system works. They should know the code to activate and deactivate it and should also know how to notify the alarm company if the alarm has gone off accidentally.
Make the best use of your alarm. If windows or doors have been left open when the home alarm system is armed you're not using it effectively.
Maintain your home alarm system. Simple, routine maintenance checks will help keep your security alarm reliable. Do-it yourself security alarms should come with information on maintenance, or your alarm installer can advise you - it will depend on the type of security alarm system you choose.
Keep your home alarm system company informed. Let them know of any visitors or cleaning staff that may be in your home when you are away.
