Home Security - Choosing the Right Product

The bad news is that crime statistics, death, injuries, home intrusions, and loss of property continue to rise.  It is hard to believe, but according to FBI statistics a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States.

The good news is that there has never been a time when such a variety of quality security equipment has been available, and at such affordable prices.  Let's fight back!

When talking about home security equipment, one size does not fit all.  Security equipment must be tailored to meet the particular needs of each house or company.  One may need entry detection, while another needs camera surveillance, and another may need motion-detection floodlights.  Let us look at some of the many choices available. 

Home Security Systems - Many articles have been written on this subject and the basics are probably known by most readers.  Systems are either wired or wireless, just as the names imply.  For a renter, a wireless system is the logical choice, as the installation does little if any damage to the premises.  And, the system can be taken when the renter moves. 

Wired is the system of choice in an owned residence, but it has its pros and cons.  Because wires are run from every protected point to the alarm control panel, holes must be drilled and wires fastened.  However, when done by a professional company, the work is done with care and is mostly concealed.  Labor is the main contributor to the high cost of a wired system.  At today's labor rates, several technicians working in your house for a week can run up quite a bill.  A money saving tip here is do-it-yourself. 

If you have the basic knowledge to fix a lamp cord, you can read the wiring diagrams and install a wired system at a budget cost.  Your car, motorcycle, camper, or boat on trailer, can also be connected to the security system.  Many types of motion detectors are available, some even "pet friendly".  Regardless of wired or wireless, ultimately either system can sound a local alarm, connect to a monitoring station, call your mobile phone, or be custom tailored to meet the exact needs of the user.

Surveillance Cameras - Like home security systems, cameras come in two types, wired or wireless.  When the door bell rings, how comforting to see who is at the front door.  Now, even low cost systems can view multiple points, and display all cameras on just one split screen monitor.  Camera products change rapidly, offering more and more features at lower and lower prices.

One of the best recent offerings is an outdoor motion-activated floodlight and color camera combination.  It does not get any better than that!  Disturbing statistics show that we cannot always trust persons in our house, like the baby-sitter or a serviceman.  A wireless hidden camera provides an ideal solution for this case. It is, in fact, one of the most popular home security items.  Other uses for an indoor camera include keeping watch on your prized possessions, and of course keeping watch over your baby.

Home Automation - Here is an area of products you will want to look at while security shopping.  The evolution of security products has blended into a new category of home automation products.  We have traveled well beyond the wireless garage door opener.  Your home computer can now be used to control appliances, lighting, cameras, store camera video files, check on your home, turn on and off your security lighting and even your sprinkler system!

Home Security Systems - An Insiders Guide to Saving you Money

Monitoring your home security system has never been easier but there are several things you need to consider before committing yourself to a long term monitoring agreement with any alarm company

Alarm companies don’t make the majority of their profit from selling security systems, it comes from accumulating a large base of alarm-monitoring contracts. In fact these monitoring contracts are so profitable that they are frequently bought and sold like mortgage notes.

Tip #1 Ask if they are an authorized alarm dealer or a represent a marketing company.


Marketing companies have learned to flood a market with fantastic offers on security systems with the sole purpose of selling the contracts at a profit. They often use any sub-contractor available, which can lead to poor customer service once the marketing company leaves town. 

Once you find a reputable alarm company ask them to come out to your home and give you a quote. You’ll find that most will quote you a basic security system at a reasonable price. These basic security systems generally include an control panel, keypad, motion detector, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard sign and warning decals.

Tip #2 Make sure the equipment can be monitored by any alarm company not by just the one selling it to you.

If they use proprietary security equipment you could be left in a bind should you become dissatisfied with their service for any reason.  Ademco, DSC,& Caddx are well known manufacturers and can be monitored by any one.

Some companies offer low a low installation charge of $99.00 or will give you a “FREE” security system. Many do so if you put a security sign in your yard for advertising purposes and commit to a long-term alarm-monitoring contract.

Since the installation charge doesn't cover the true cost of the equipment and labor, you are charged a substantial monthly fee to recoup their investment. These “deals” or equipment leases aren't necessarily bad but make it hard to evaluate the true cost to you over time.

The best way to evaluate your contract is to ask the salesman to give you a quote to purchase the security system outright and show the home alarm-monitoring fee separately. Most of the time you are better off buying the alarm system because your monitoring fee will be much less.


For example. Say for $99 your monitoring fee is $35 per month for 3 years
you total cost for monitoring your home alarm is $1359.00 Your fee
will remain $35 per month or even increase.

On the other hand say you pay  $599.00 installation and $20 dollars a month your total cost is $1319. Not only is your overall cost less but from year 3 on your will be saving $180 per year.  This savings would be better spent on upgrading your alarm system to include fire monitoring and added perimeter protection

Tip #3  Don’t pay additional charges for medical or fire monitoring.

It’s ok to pay for the equipment needed but some companies charge $2-$5 extra     for these services.  These options are easily programmed into the alarm system and don’t require any additional effort to monitor.
   
Is A Basic Security System For You?

The answer is probably not. Basic systems only cover your doors and are supplemented by the use of a motion detector. This detector is usually mounted in the main hallway to catch a burglar crossing the center of the home. If they come through a bedroom window and never pass by the motion detector, the alarm system will never sound. Imagine being home at the time this happens. Basic security systems are best used as a deterrent to a break in and to notify the authorities  an alarm condition exist.

Adding perimeter protection such as window contacts or glass break detectors should be high on the list of upgrades. These types of upgrades not only activate the alarm system instantly but also will give you  piece of mind while you are home.


Protect Your Financial Interest Not Just Your Home

Get all quotes in writing and make sure the quote is a binding quote.
At a minimum the following should be included in your contract.

Length of contract and if / how it renews.  Does it renew automatically?
What type of notice do you have to give to terminate the monitoring agreement

Will your fee increase and is there a limit on the increase. If at all possible lock in your monitoring fee for the entire contract otherwise you could see an increase every year.
Don’t be afraid to walk away on this point alone.

Do you own the equipment or is it a lease? A lease means lower initial installation cost but high monitoring fees. 

Warranty:

Most of the alarm equipment comes with it’s own warranty in addition to what is offered by your company. Specify the warranty for each item so that you aren’t charged if it fails.
Also specify how long the warranty on labor is. Expect to pay some labor cost for replacing under warranty items

Service Calls

Alarm technicians are usually well trained to diagnose and fix problems with your security system. Be prepared to pay in the neighborhood of $55 per hour. The fee can seem high when compared to your original installation cost but is not out of line. Think about how much you pay for your car or computer to be worked on.

How long is the response time to service your alarm system.
48 hours is a reasonable time.

Do they provide an installation certificate for your home owner’s insurance
Many insurance companies offer a discount for monitored home security systems.

Don’t Wait Until You Have A Break-In To Get An Alarm System!

You can replace most things but you may never replace your sense of security in your own home.

Burglar Alarm – Protect Your Home

Burglar alarms have become things of common place in almost all super stores and business set ups. Private homes are not left out too far behind. Advancements in technologies and competition in the market have brought down the rates to around $10 for a basic alarm system.

How Does Burglar Alarms Work


Wired alarms are almost extinct. Wireless burglar alarms operate by either of the two means, today.

1.Connected by radio frequency

2.Connected by infra red light rays

Wired systems required power to operate continuously unlike the wireless alarms which run on battery power. There is the third type, which combines the features of the earlier two and is known as hybrid alarm. 

Burglar alarms operate on simple principles. When their ‘connection’ or circuit cuts, they get triggered. When intruders pass between two sensors or a door opens it is detected by their cut circuit.

Normally there are 2 types of circuits; open circuit systems and closed circuit systems. Let us not get into jargons and cliché words; closed circuit operates when the door is closed as electricity begins to flow. But when interrupted by opening doors, circuit also opens and the alarm goes off. And it is the exact reverse of this in open circuit alarms. The siren is triggered when doors are closed.

Closed circuit alarms are first choice for front doors for the fear of wiring being cut by burglars.

How does a sensor work, after all? In a wired system, a magnet pulls the spring loaded switch to close circuit when door is closed. When the door opens, spring retracts causing the circuit to break and triggering the alarm. The principle is same for wireless infrared system too. In place of magnets and wires, there are infrared sensors and emitters. If sensors don’t sense infrared light for reasons like opened door or other obstructions, the circuit is broken.

Burglar Alarms are also useful in protecting cars. FM radio based car alarms are getting popular because of their simplicity. They have a two part system: a transmitter, fitted to the car and a receiver which can be out side the car (home or office). The receiver makes noise when burglars move the car a few meters out of your porch. If the wireless alarm (transmitter) is disconnected from battery, remote alarm still remains activated because the receiver still continues to make noise. So this type of burglar alarm is highly reliable.

While installing, ensure you follow specified codes by insurance companies or certify it by third parties like Underwriters’ Laboratory etc. After all, you need someone even after burglar alarms are breached.

Achieving Safety With A Burglar Alarm

Years ago, home burglar alarms were only found with rich homes.  These days however, the prices have dropped and they are becoming more common with homes of average folk.  A lot of people who invest in burglar systems go for the do it yourself systems.  They can be wired or wireless, setting off an alarm when an intruder attempts to break in or when they are moving around inside of your house.

With home burglar alarms, there are two types - open and closed circuit.  Open circuit systems work by setting off an alarm when the circuit closes.  When a window or a door is opened, the circuit is immediately completed and the alarm goes off.  Closed circuit systems work the opposite way.  When a window or door is opened, the circuit is broken - also setting off the alarm.

Another, more sophisticated option, are motion sensors.  Motion sensors sense any type of motion within a certain radius to the sensor.  Once it has sensed any motion, it sends a signal out to the control panel that will analyze it and see if the movement is considered suspicious.  If the movement is indeed considered suspicious, it will react to the way you have it set up and inform the proper authorities or sound the alarm.

If you have a home alarm system, make sure all the wires are concealed. If a burglar wants to break into your home, he may cut any wires he sees before following through with his plan. Depending on where the wires are, hide them with plants, rocks or other natural looking items.

Motion sensors can also be adjusted as well.  You can adjust them for things such as pets walking around or any other activity that is common with your home that wouldn’t signify a burglary taking place. Motion sensor alarms are very common these days, and one of the best ways to keep your home safe from a burglar - and give you peace of mind in knowing that you are protected.

Normally, it’s a good idea to use motion sensors and magnetic switches with your burglar alarm setup.  Magnetic switches will protect doors and windows while the motion sensors will help to protect larger rooms, such as living rooms and hallways.  The combination of the two is never a bad idea - and will go a long way in protecting your home.

Do you have any exposed wires on the outside of your home? If so, hide them. Burglars will often try to cut off power to your alarm system or phone before breaking in. If there are wires that they can see, you are just making their job easier on them.

Another available option that you have is a security camera.  Video cameras are also common these days, and can be mounted in very strategic areas throughout the parameter of your home.  They will pick up images in the area they are mounted, which will be displayed on the monitor.  You can also record the video to a videotape as well, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to keep track of the information that the camera picks up.

You can also get a burglar system from a home security company as well.  Most companies monitor their systems remotely, and always have someone in the office to look after the system.  Once the alarm is set off, the company will immediately inform the local police or send their own security personnel out to your home.  This way, night or day, no matter where you go, your home will always be protected.

Once you have your home security system in place, do not be scared to place a sign in your front lawn announcing you have it. When intruders see this sign, they will know you have an alarm system, so they will avoid your home. You can also place a "beware of dog" sign in your window or on your door if you have one.

Investing in a burglary system of any type is always a smart investment.  You have several different to choose from, depending on your needs.  If you’ve been worried about your home and the things you keep inside your home, you should invest in a burglary system.  They will help you keep peace of mind, and know that you are protected.  They don’t cost that much either, which makes them an even better investment.  If you own a home - you shouldn’t hesitate to invest in a burglar alarm system.