Home Security Alarms 2010

A home security system is one of the most serious investments you’ll ever make. Selecting the product which will protect your family, your house, and your belongings is not a process to be taken lightly. Over half of all break-ins happen in spite of doors and windows being adequately locked. Merely having a security system reduces the risk of break-in by encouraging criminals to move on to easier targets. But in order to have full peace of mind and guaranteed safety, a home security system is the way to go. There are many factors to consider when investing in your family and home’s security and certain names that are trusted in the field.

So without further adieu, I bring to you today this definitive guide to buying and installing the product that will stand in protecting you and your loved ones, as well as your possessions.

What To Look For


There are a few things to keep an eye out for when shopping for a home security system. A person gets robbed on an average of every 15 seconds in the United States, so you want to be absolutely sure you’re investing in the features you need and covering all the bases. The reason home security systems have become so popular is because they are very effective, but a professional criminal can find a weakness if there’s one to be found.

Two Main Types of Home Security


Home security systems are generally split up into two categories: Those which exist inside the home, and those which exist outside. Both are effective, but depending on your particular situation one may be more practical than another. Some people who are very concerned about being thorough may have both, but usually one solution will provide you plenty of security.

Indoor systems concern themselves with the opening and closing of doors and windows, and generally go off when this event happens when active. Beyond that, they often include motion sensors to be placed in rooms as a secondary form of protection.
Obviously if you live in an apartment, an inside-based home security system makes the most sense. Some apartment buildings already have security built-in, especially ones with card-key systems, but many do not. Either way, it is always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you live in a ground-floor apartment.

Outdoor systems are also based on motion detection and often include flood lights and driveway sensors. In the past both forms of motion detection were notoriously finicky for triggering over pets and wandering lawn animals, but most good home security systems today come with filters to distinguish between them and people based on size, shape, and mass. These, as you would imagine, are better for those who have yards and driveways and wish to secure these as well.

Other Factors That You Need To Consider


Beyond the general inside or outside system, there are other factors to consider when purchasing a home security system. Some systems are run completely from batteries, some need to be plugged in, and still others need wired into the grid. The most reliable of all, however, combines the two to become a grid-powered system with a battery backup.

You will have to decide if you want video functionality and if so, how elaborate. A CCTV, or closed-circuit television, is a camera that is sending a feed directly back to a central monitoring station to be viewed or recorded. These are often seen in department stores, malls, and other businesses prone to theft.

VSS is a wireless technology that performs essentially the same function as CCTV, however the camera can be placed anywhere within the range of a receiver without the use of cables. VSS tends to be slightly less reliable than CCTV in the same manner that DSL is less reliable than cable. That is, when dealing with any wireless technology, weather and other interference can often affect performance negatively or temporarily wipe it out altogether.

Of course the main function of a home security system is to be a deterrent to criminal invasion, but good home security systems today often go beyond that and offer extra security-related features. These include, but are not limited to, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and water damage detectors. While these are nice safety net features, they are no replacement for having an independent smoke detector in every room of the house.
The Bottom Line in Modern Security
Home security systems have been around now for a while, and while many have entered the market, the two names that are still the most reliable are GE and ADT. When it comes down to the amount of services offered, and the quality of those services, both ADT and GE are known to back their products well.

Sticking With The Gurus Of Home Security


When it comes to groceries or clothes or exercise equipment, you can afford to shop around a bit and try out new products made by lesser-known companies. But when dealing with the security of your loved ones and your possessions, there is no excuse to go any route but the tried and true.

Here are just a few things the big guys offer that others may not:

  • Competitive pricing for maximum features
  • Local service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Friendly, well-trained emergency call center staff
  • Landline-independent wireless call center connection
  • Full-featured wireless remote control
  • Deals on deductibles and homeowners insurance
  • Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, and Water Damage detectors

Can You Afford NOT To Go With a Reputable Name?


If you’ve already decided to make the leap and protect you and your family with a home security system, stack the deck in your favor and invest in either an ADT or GE. Other companies will generally cost you more and give you less. And by sticking with a reputable name, you know that the call center will be staffed with a competent individual should an emergency arise. Much like calling 911, these people are professionals and are there to do everything they can to help.

It would be a shame to invest in a home security system and find out in a time of crisis that something went overlooked or the call center did not perform to standards. GE and ADT maintain the utmost in quality control so that you are in control at all times. The products they provide to you are much more than just burglar alarms, they are all-around home security solutions. So give them a visit today and see what they have to offer.