With the increase in domestic burglaries, the security of our homes and families has become crucial. Security systems are a great way to ensure the full protection of what is important to you. In fact, the Home Alarm System is one of the efficient burglar deterrent systems that will help you overcome the challenge. It may be overwhelming for some of us who have no prior knowledge of these systems when exposed to different brands and models to choose from. However, it is crucial to choose the right system that fits your needs. There are a couple of things to consider when you are looking to get the ideal home alarm system.
The alarm systems come in various forms and with different specifications serving a different purpose.
Firstly, you should know why you want a security system at your property. What is the purpose? Do you want to protect your family, or is it a business property wherein you want to monitor your property?
Secondly, what features you are looking at? Are you looking for a smart alarm or a basic call alert system or an alarm system with a camera sensor?
Thirdly, how much you are willing to pay for it? Are you looking for a cost-effective solution or looking for a highly advanced system irrespective of the cost?
We shall discuss in detail each aspect of home security that you should consider that will help you to identify your ideal home alarm system.
Types of home alarm systems
- Audible home alarm system: This is the most traditional home alarm system that makes a loud noise to alert you when there is an intrusion. It is beneficial if you are living in a densely populated area.
- Call-alert home alarm system: This is a standard alarm system that gives you a call alert when there is an intrusion. You are allowed to feed a limited number of contacts on the list who will be contacted first in case of a break-in.
- Wired home alarm system: These are the traditional form of alarm system that requires cablings and wires to connect all the alarm components to the main control panel. However, they meet the basic purpose to alert you but are complicated to set-up and requires professional help. They give you trouble when you are planning to upgrade it.
- Wireless home alarm system: These are modern alarm systems that use a cellular network to communicate and send an alert to the homeowner. They do not require any cables to set up and are easier to install and upgrade.
- Monitored home alarm system: Monitored alarm systems, as the name suggests, monitor your home 24*7 with the help of a professional security company. The alarm system immediately notifies the security team in case of a break-in.
- Smart home alarm system: Smart alarm systems let you access your alarm through a smartphone app. It makes it easy for the user to arm, disarm the system remotely.
What to consider when choosing a home alarm system
1) Ease of operation
While you are choosing your alarm system, always look for how the system can be operated. Make sure you are choosing the best way to operate your system that is easy and reliable. You can either operate it using a standard keypad manually, or you can use a proximity tag that requires a single tap to arm and disarm the alarm. You can also use a keyfob and can control your system from anywhere in the house, convenient when you are on your bed at night.
2) Zone Partitions & Controllability
It lets your system to be operated when you are out or during the night when you are on your bed. Zone partitions decide how a security system should control the sensors throughout your property. The sensors are dedicated to each zone and these sensors, when triggered due to unauthorized entry, inform you of the zone where the sensor has been triggered. The control panel displays the zone number, and you know which area has been breached. Therefore, you must plan the sensors at all the key entry and exit points.
3) Communications
If you are deciding to have a telecommunicating alarm that alerts you, you need to know how the control panel sends you an alert. There are 3 ways it can communicate:
a) PSTN
The control panel uses your landline (PSTN) connection to send you an alert. It is a cheaper way wherein you connect your control panel to your landline through a cable.
b) GSM
The control panel uses a cellular network to send you an alert. It comes with a GSM sim that supports all communication from the control panel to your phone.
c) IP
The control panel uses your internet connection to send you an alert. It connects to your wi-fi and uses it to transmit and receive communication.
4) Remote Monitoring
One of the key aspects of the alarm system is that if it can be remotely monitored. It makes it easier for you to keep track of your alarm system even if you are out. This can be easily done through your smartphone wherein you can check the status and can arm and disarm the system. You can also visually verify every time the alarm is triggered as it sends you photos. This helps you to ignore the false alarms instantly.
a) Self-monitoring
A self-monitored alarm gives you full control of your home security. It is connected to your smartphone through an app, and you can remotely monitor your home from anywhere. It alerts you directly in case of a break-in.
b) 3rd party monitoring
This type of alarm allows a third-party to monitor your home security 24*7. Your alarm is connected to their alarm receiving centre (ARC). When the alarm is triggered, they immediately contact you or your contacts about the situation.
c) Keyholding service monitoring
This allows a private security company to monitor your home. In case of a break-in, these guys will access your property and take the necessary action as they have keys to your property. Most suitable for commercial properties.
d) Police monitoring
This type of alarm will directly alert the police when an alarm is triggered. However, it could lead to a problem if there are frequent false alarms at your property. The police sometimes either downgrade your property to a lower level or can blacklist. This means you will not get an immediate response when the alarm triggers next time. Most suitable for high-risk properties.
5) Add-on accessories
The alarm system supports a wide range of add-on accessories that help you fully protect your home. Some of the key add-ons for an alarm system that you must know
a) Door/window contacts
It is a wireless accessory that is paired with the alarm system and triggers when the door or window connected to it is opened.
b) PIR motion detector
It is a passive infrared sensor that measures infrared light which is radiated off moving objects that emit heat. It is paired with your alarm system and triggers when motion is detected. There are specialised pet-friendly PIR motion detectors as well that ignore any movement up to a certain level and helps in avoiding pet movement in the house. This helps people who have a pet at home that might trigger the alarm when on the move.
c) Smoke sensors
It triggers the alarm system in the event of a fire. The built-in siren sounds on the device when smoke is detected as well as on the control panel & external siren. It even includes a test button for range testing.
d) Carbon monoxide (CO) sensors
It is designed to detect the concentration of CO within the house and transmits alerts to the control panel.
e) Shock sensors
It activates when an impact exceeds a predetermined level.
f) Panic Button
It is a wireless device that is paired with the alarm system, and when pressed in the event of an emergency triggers the alarm.
g) Curtain sensors
It is designed to protect doors, windows, and all-glass walls. It provides full perimeter protection allowing you to use the premises freely without triggering the alarm. This detector causes the least false alarms as it distinguishes human motion from other disturbances.
h) Flood detectors
It is designed to detect the presence of water in basements, yachts and many other residential and commercial applications, providing early warning of developing floods.
i) Keyfobs
It is a wireless accessory that is paired with your burglar alarm to arm or disarm your alarm system remotely away from the panel. Sized to fit on a key ring.
j) Proximity tags
It is designed to arm/disarm the system without having to use the code on the panel. It requires a simple tap on the system using the tags to arm or disarm the system.
k) Smart doorbells
It is a smart add-on accessory that is connected to your smartphone and informs you when somebody is at the door through its in-built motion sensor. Its in-built camera sensor gives you a visual of the person at the door.
l) Smart locks
They are keyless door locks that give you access through your smartphone virtually. It gives you the authorisation to lock and unlock your door via a virtual key that is sent to your smartphone.
6) Installation
A basic alarm system with minimal accessories is easier to install on your own. However, if you are customising your alarm with additional sensors, then it is best to install it through a security installer. A professional company can make the overall setup quick and simple.
7) Maintenance & Warranty
Home security is an ongoing process therefore just buying a security system would not help you forever. You need to maintain your system, and this is where the warranty of the system comes into the picture. You should always check the warranty of the alarm system before you purchase it. In the future, make sure you are servicing your alarm at least once a year through a professional installer. Alarm servicing ensures that your alarm is up and running; therefore, it gives you additional peace of mind.
Conclusion
We understand choosing an ideal home alarm system can be a nightmare for most of you. And this is where we can help you with your home security goals.
We are a home security expert offering security solutions to residential and business property owners. And we offer a wide range of alarm systems and CCTV systems that help you protect your property.
If you are looking to buy a new security system for your property, you can get contact us. In under 15 minutes, we shall conduct a property survey and give you the best recommendations for your property. We even offer express installation services wherein we can fit your system within 24 hours from your purchase. We also offer flexible finance options for new supply and installation wherein you can get your new alarm fitted starting from £7.50 a month.