The Most Important Factors to Consider in a Home Alarm System

Home SecurityAl Feldman
Security is one of the biggest concerns that any homeowner will have — and for good reason. Putting the right protective measures in place not only secures your valuable possessions, it also gives your family peace of mind. When considering home security, most people typically start with looking for a home alarm system. The trouble is that while the wide selection of security providers and systems on the market today gives consumers plenty of options to choose from, it also makes it tougher to choose. With so many bells and whistles to sort through, how can you be sure you're investing in the right technology? Let's take a look at some of the most important factors you'll need to think about as you shop for a home alarm system.

1. What Kind of Alerts Do You Need?

If something goes wrong at your home, how do you want to be informed? Would you prefer to have a message sent straight to your smartphone when your alarm goes off, or are you happy simply knowing that local law enforcement will be arriving on the scene? As the security market grows more intelligent, the alerts available are almost limitless. There are even applications that allow you to view your home from your smartphone through connected cameras. The key is to find an alert system that gives you comfort while also not overwhelming you with alerts every time a stray cat walks past your front door.

2. How Should Technology Balance with Ease of Use?

There are some truly incredible home camera systems on the market today — including some that identify when you’re gone in order to manage energy use and keep your utility bills low. The question here is: How far can you go with your security strategy before the device you've chosen is just too difficult for you to use? While it's important to consider the available technology out there, make sure that you understand what it is you'll be using. For instance, if you choose to get a device that allows you to check who's at the door through a camera on your phone, be sure that you feel comfortable using the associated app that comes with that alarm system.

3. What Kind of Sensors Do You Need?

A great security system is more than just alarm bells and cameras. The sensors placed throughout your home determine how advanced and nuanced your protection strategy is. For instance, infrared motion detectors located in specific rooms around your house can instantly inform you if someone is skulking around your property. There are also advanced motion detectors that use machine learning and intelligent algorithms to tell the difference between a human presence and that of your dog or cat. In addition to motion sensors, there are plenty of advanced security options you can add to your protection package. Depending on your situation, you might invest in ultrasonic sensors that detect sound waves or magnetic switches that can easily be turned off by using a special kind of key. Combined with a remote access application, modern services allow you to access and control your sensor set-up no matter where you are.

4. Do You Want a Monitored (Back to Base) Strategy?

A home security system can either be “non-monitored,” which means that you essentially look after your security yourself, or “monitored” — also referred to as “back to base.” A back to base security strategy gives you peace of mind knowing there's someone there to respond instantly if something goes wrong. If you're away from home often, this security is invaluable. When you invest in a monitored device, you get stickers and signs that you can place around your home to deter criminals. What's more, because the activation of an alarm siren instantly informs the police of a break-in, thieves will often spend less time looking for valuables because they don't want to risk capture. Of course, you may have to pay extra for a monitored service, but the added benefits may be worth it to you.

5. Which Provider Do You Feel Most Comfortable With?

Once you know what kind of alarm system you want, think about the customer service and support you’ll get from available providers. The right service provider can make all the difference when it comes to an effective home security system. Generally, it's best to go with someone that has several years of experience in their field, as well as a good reputation for consumer support. The more advanced your provider is, the more you can rely on quick help in an emergency as well as modern, updated equipment. It's also worth considering the distance between you and the monitoring location. The farther away your monitoring location, the longer it can take for the alarm relay to go through, potentially giving a burglar more time in your home.

Keep Your Valuables Safe

No matter what kind of home security system you choose, it always helps to know that if someone should gain access to your home, he or she won't be able to lay hands on your valuables. The right home safe offers an additional layer of protection for the belongings you simply can't afford to lose. Reach out to Western Safe today to discuss which kind of safe is right for your home.
Tags: Home security