A home security system is a network of integrated electronic components/ devices working together with a central control panel to protect the home against burglars and intruders. An ideal home security system comprises of:
- A control system, a computer that arms or disarms the security system. It is responsible for all communications within the system and alerts the security company in case of any security breach.
- A motion sensor is placed at the doors and easy access windows, the parts consist of two parts installed adjacent to each other such that when the door or window is closed creates an unbreakable circuit. When the window or door is opened suddenly the circuit is compromised and the alarm is tripped, the control panel interprets this breach and a high decibel alarm is sounded and the security company is notified of the breach instantly. Glass break detectors usually installed near the glass windows and doors. They use a microphone to detect any breakage of the glass pane.
- Surveillance cameras, both wired and wireless configurations for transmitting live feed to the homeowner, these cameras can be accessed remotely on mobile devices by homeowners and the security company in case of any breach.
- High decibel alarms are also a part of the system, these give warnings loud enough to create attention that security has been breached and also scare away the home intruders. Yard signs or window stickers that let others know the home is under the protection of a certain company. When an intrusion occurs, a high decibel alarm is sounded, and the security company is alerted instantly. The alarm company attempts to communicate with the homeowner via the control panel or use emergency contact provided by the homeowner.
In case of high-priority emergencies, the security company contacts a response team in the area including the police, paramedics, and even the fire department. It is greatly advantageous to have a home security system since it allows the homeowner to manage the house remotely since the control panel can be accessed remotely from any part of the world using a mobile device mostly a touchpad not to mention using voice controls for security devices compatible with google assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. The system also offers a source of peace of mind knowing that your home is secure even when on overseas travels and holidays.
Home security services start from as low as $14.99 and equipment at $229 hence very affordable. Having a home security system reduces burglary significantly, in a study conducted, 83% of buglers say they look for evidence of an alarm system and 60% do not break in if the owner has installed one. Ideal home security systems depend on many factors, some of them being home square footage and entry points that are potential sources of threats, the affordability of monitoring, smart home compatibility, and efficiency of the surveillance in terms of hours that surveillance is conducted, among many others.
For homeowners with kids and pets, there can be a false alarm of a security breach, this should be put under consideration as equipment should be put in places that are out of reach and are resistant to breakage. There can also be disadvantages to installing security system alarms in the home, the most common is the expense, wireless security systems are technologically advanced and are in higher demand compared to traditional wired systems hence they come at a cost of buying and installing the system as it is done by a trained expert. Installing the system by yourself can leave the system vulnerable to damage and hijacking. Another factor is security, since the systems operate under a narrow band of security codes, one system can easily be disarmed by an individual with the same model of the security system leaving the homeowner vulnerable to attacks and burglaries. Batteries are also a big cause of concern, all sensors and motion detectors run on batteries. When the batteries start to wear out then the system starts to be unreliable leaving the system vulnerable until you have to replace the batteries. When installing a home security system, it is best to conduct wide research and view plans that each company is offering to find one that suits you putting into consideration factors, pros, and cons of a home security system. Here are some of the best security system companies.
Vivint: Vivint is professionally installed and has stellar equipment, plans start from $29.99–$44.99 monthly for monitoring and a $599.00 base price. Read vivint reviews for more detailed information.
SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe is a DIY installation and plans run from $14.99–24.99/Mo for monitoring and 229$ as a base price.
ADT: ADT is a popular company. This system is professionally installed with plans running from
$36.99–$62.99 monthly inclusive of equipment.
Front point: Front point is a DIY system with friendly customer service their plans range from $44.99 monthly for monitoring and $391.95 as the base price.
Link Interactive: Link Interactive is a DIY system, it has all the sensors one could ever need and much more and above all has flexible contract (or no-contract at all) options, plans run from $30.99-$44.99 monthly for monitoring
Abode: Abode is a DIY system; it offers a wide variety of smart home protocols that allow for automation of your home. Plans run to a maximum of $20 monthly for monitoring and $229 as a base price.
Scout Alarm: Scout alarm, a DIY system that uses a unique RFID-enabled door panel in plc of the traditional keypad. Plans run from $9.99-$19.99 monthly for monitoring and a base price of $229.00.
Ring Alarm: Ring is the most affordable DIY security system with plans running to a maximum of $10 monthly for monitoring and a base payment of $199. This system I readily available on amazon.
Brinks: Brinks has DIY installation and uses multiple contact channels when the alarm goes off to cut back on false alarms. The plan runs to a maximum of $39 monthly and a base price of $199.
Cove: Cove costs the same as SimpliSafe, but its equipment is more sophisticated and has excellent emergency response features.
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