How to Choose the Best Alarm for Your Home?

by Alarm Force

Introduction

Choosing the right alarm system might seem easier on paper than it really is. Not only do you have systems in all ranges of prices, with differing contracts that might make the cost go up tremendously, you also have access to varying types of alarms that will not always protect your house the same way.

In order to make the perfect choice for you and your family, you first need to get informed. In this presentation, we will show you what to pay attention to and how to pick the best fit for your specific needs.

What’s in an Alarm?

To better make our choice, we first need to understand what’s really in an alarm. Basically, any alarm is just a system that will detect a trespasser and then signal his presence.

So, it is usually made of:

• Sensors: that will detect the unwelcome guest, by monitoring movement, vibrations or any other evidence of breaking in

• Signaling Devices: that will act on what the sensors pick up and alert the occupants

• PCU: which will be the link between all components; it’s the "brain" of the whole

• Keypad: that serves to arm or disarm the alarm by punching in a code

Wired VS Wireless

One of the first questions to address is whether to go wireless or wired. In short, with a wired alarm system, your sensors will be directly connected to the PCU, whereas – with the wireless option – sensors will communicate with the panel control through a transmitter.

To make your choice, here’s a summary of their pros and cons:

Wired: generally more robust, it’s an expensive solution that takes a lot of work/time to install

Wireless: easy to put into place (it doesn’t require drilling into your walls like wired systems do), wireless alarms can however be subject to interference

Types of Systems

Once you’ve decided between the wireless transmitter and the hardwired model, you need to turn to the type of sensors you will use.

Here, the fact that you have small children or pets will greatly determine your final choice. Indeed, if most people install movement detectors, this can’t be an option for you if you have a cat or a dog that’s inside 24/7. It would just set the alarm off all the time.

While "pet immune" sensors can be found, a better alternative for pet owners is simply to place windows and doors sensors. Whenever a point of entry will be breached, the PCU will signal the disruption and the sirens will go off. And if no one can enter, no one can steal from you…

Types of Systems

Another point to take into consideration is the level of output. Do you just want to scare the burglars away with a siren or do you also need constant monitoring?

Remote systems (that warn you – and possibly the police – by phone as soon as the sensors pick up suspicious activity) might be the best option for people who own valuable items or a safe, as these will ensure a quick reaction. However, this added level of security has a direct impact on the price you will have to pay.

If you’re living in a busy neighborhood where the sound of an alarm should suffice, monitoring might be overkill.

Choosing a Partner

Looking to secure your home is not all about the types of sensors or the alarm package to use. Choosing the right company to make the installation is as much, if not more, important. You want to ensure that not only do you deal with a reputable team with a proven track record, but that you can also turn to them for advice or if you have any question.

• Do they have a website you could check for testimonials?

• Have they been in business for long?• You can contact your local better business bureau

and ask if there’s been any complaint filed against them• The best way to choose a company is still to rely on

word-of-mouth. Did any of your relatives have an alarm system installed recently? Would or could they recommend someone?

Home Protection Tips

To wrap this presentation up, here are some more tips to help you protect your house effectively. While alarm systems show great deterrent effects, some burglars will still look for a way in. So, make it hard on them by considering :

•Installing roller shutters to your windows•Installing motion-sensor lighting that will go off when someone gets too close to your house•Getting a dog

Conclusion

The right alarm system for you might not be the same as the right system for your friend who lives 5 blocks away. That’s why, when getting ready to make your choice, you first have to assess your specific needs.

With the tips we shared here, you should now have a clearer idea on the type of protection your home requires and how to go about having it installed. For the rest, contact your local security expert…

Want to find out more about alarm systems and how to choose the right solution for your house? Visit: http://www.alarmforce.com/