How to Choose a Home Alarm System

For many first-time homeowners, the days following their move bring a number of questions that they have likely never needed to consider in the past. Some of the most important amongst these new questions are those pertaining to home security as they address not only the protection of the largest investment that most people will ever make, their home, but more importantly, the family that inhabits the home. One of the first considerations of homeowners contemplating home security is the installation of a home alarm system, which in itself can be a complicated process. However, by following a few easy steps, homeowners can quickly identify the home security system that best fits their needs.
The first step when considering available home alarm systems is for homeowners to familiarize themselves with the basic components of a standard security system. Generally speaking, control panels, contacts for all external doors and windows and a siren or alarm are the absolute basics. Additionally, motion detectors, glass break sensors, security cameras, and additional security keypads, including those that include panic alarms are all important components to research.
Having familiarized themselves with the basic features available in home security systems, homeowners should walk the perimeter of their home, putting themselves in the shoes of a would-be burglar. This will likely expose easy entry points such as external doors in disrepair, or those hidden from the view of neighbors or the street, as well as areas that need additional lighting. Homeowners should also pay close attention to windows, especially those low to the ground and those that could be accessed by way of climbing on the outside of a home or by overhanging tree branches. Any problem areas found in this exercise should be secured, whether by way of motion sensors, glass break sensors, or additional lighting.
Armed with some basic information about home alarm systems and a general idea of the problem areas of a house, homeowners are ready to contact a few home security companies. Many will offer risk assessment of their own, which homeowners can compare with the assessment that they already performed, and should provide some additional input on types of systems to consider. With this in mind, homeowners can request an estimate for the type of alarm system that they have deemed most appropriate, and begin to compare quotes.
When comparing quotes, it is also a good idea to request some references, which most home security companies should be able to easily provide. Some important questions include those regarding the accuracy of their quote, how the service has been, if the contracts were clearly explained, and what their response time was like if the references have had a break-in. Homeowners should also do a little research on the equipment listed in the quote.
After comparing the quotes, chatting with references, and finishing their research, homeowners should be ready to make a decision. Having followed these easy steps, homeowners will know that they have done everything they could to ensure that their home and their family have the best home security system for their new home.

Considerations When Choosing a Home Security Alarm System

A home security system is not only a monetary investment, but it is an investment in your family's safety. Therefore, it's important that you carefully consider each potential home security system before making your purchase. Do you want wired or wireless, security cameras or just entryway sensors, an indoor alarm system or one that monitors both indoors and outdoors, self-contained or monitored by an outside agency? As you can imagine, more features typically mean more money. You can save more than 50% or more if you can install the home security system yourself and depending on the features you choose.

Wireless alarm systems are easier to install and can often be handled by a do-it-yourselfer with a few basic tools. While wireless systems tend to be more expensive, installing it yourself can make it comparable or even cheaper than a hard-wired system installed by an outside company. However, if you're going to choose a continually monitored system (a home security alarm system that calls you and your security monitoring agency with a prerecorded help message), installation will become tricky, and you may need to call in a professional. If you do want to tackle everything yourself, make sure you check and comply with the local codes and regulations.

For large houses full of valuables, you'll probably want to have a security system designed specifically for your needs by a professional security company. They will typically handle installation also as both wiring and programming tends to get quite complicated when covering larger areas.

Home Owners Insurance Savings Tips

1. Car/Home Discount: Insuring your car and home with the same company often will give you a package discount. This is a good tool to use when shopping around. Usually the agent can tell you what percent the discount is for insuring your car and home together.
2. Deductible: Raising your deductible can lead to substantial savings. Furthermore, it is best to have a large deductible to prevent you from using your insurance for small claims since many insurance companies are now adding a surcharge to as little as one claim, and surcharges can range anywhere from 10-85% depending on how many claims you file during a given time period.
3. Home Security Alarm Systems: Special home security alarm systems can prevent losses and therefore make your house less of an insurance risk. Most any type of security system will help give you a discount, but the type that directly responds to local police and fire departments are most likely going to give you the most discounts.
4. Dead Bolt Locks: Most agents will ask you this, but check again to make sure you are not losing a discount if you already have them. If you don't, it is well worth it. Dead bolt locks are very inexpensive compared to the possible insurance savings, but make sure all of your doors have them because usually the discount only applies if there are dead bolt locks on every door.
5. Smoke Alarms: Preventing a fire loss is important to you and especially to you insurance company. Claims due to fire are very expensive and insurance companies often will give an additional discount for even one fire alarm permanently fixed in the home. Please, even if your company does not offer a discount, take the time to install one anyway.
6. Sprinkler System: Well, this may come into some additional cost, but if you have considered adding a sprinkler system (the indoor type) this is just another reason to do so. This would also be a something to consider if you are buying a new home or have plans to build or remodel.
7. Non-Smoking Household: Insurers are trying to cut costs too therefore are looking for people to insure that pose the least risk. Since a lot of accidental fires are caused by smokers, insurance companies are often giving a discount for non-smoking households. To qualify you would probably need to have a home in which you don't let anyone else smoke in the home in addition to the homeowners being non-smokers.
8. Organization Affiliation: Many companies offer a discount for being affiliated with certain organizations. These can range from credit unions, college sororities, or just having a certain credit card. Call your service center and ask them for a list of the organization affiliation.
9. EFT Payments: Many companies are now charging up to $5.00 or more for mail payments, but sometimes nothing if you choose to have payments automatically deducted. And sometimes the deductions can come from your credit card, so you don't have to worry if the money will be in your bank account when payment time comes.
10. Credit Rating: Yes, a lot of companies are checking your credit and basing your policy on what is found. Make sure you check to see if your credit is in good shape, and if it is not, you may want to seek out companies who do not do credit checks.
11. High Risk Property Insurance: Check with your state insurance commissioner if you feel you may be getting turned down for homeowners insurance or are paying ridiculously high premiums because your property may be a high risk such as in a high crime area. Your state may have an insurance plan especially for your high risk property that other insurers may be charging you an extremely high premium because of the higher than average risk.

Home Security Alarm System - Do You Really Need One

A home security alarm system is one of the effective ways in protecting our homes and families. Installing home security alarm system in our homes will make robbers, burglars and other criminals think twice. The home security alarm systems these days are more sophisticated and highly advanced. The word security means a condition of being protected against any threat or harm. Home security alarm systems are easy to operate. These home alarm systems have various interconnected sensors and control units.
Home systems are equipped to detect fire, burglar and any intrusion. The sophistication of home security alarm systems ranges from noisemakers to a more complex systems. When an unauthorized entry is detected, the home system sends a signal to the home monitoring company or to the local law enforcement agency. In some cases like fire, the security alarm system will then trigger an alarm to notify the occupants and then dials the local fire department. In other home systems, a sprinkler system is activated to contain a fire or slow down its progress.

The most important aspect in having a home security alarm system is that in time of emergencies like burglary, carbon monoxide poisoning or fire, the proper authorities are notified. Or in some security alarm systems, the security monitoring company employs specialist to determine the course of action needed on a particular emergency. No one compromises security, that is for sure. But now, danger have gone to such a level that padlocks, chains, fences and even doors and shuttered windows can not really afford a respite against such a looming threat.

Some home systems are monitored twenty-four hours a day by its local monitoring stations. When the security alarm system is set off, the monitoring station will contact the homeowner by telephone to find out if the alarm is false or not. In such case, the monitoring company uses a password to confirm that the one answering the telephone is not an intruder. The monitoring station will then contact the local law enforcement agency if necessary. Having an efficient and reliable home security alarm system is an effective way to protect your home and to provide you security at all times.

Wireless Home Security Alarm Systems

It’s one thing looking at wireless alarm system reviews on the internet it’s a completely different thing understanding the basic concepts of what these alarms actually are, their advantages, their disadvantages and what it is they can actually do.


Advantage of a Wireless Home Security Alarm System

Let’s begin with the obvious fact that with the progression of technology especially in the security field we are seeing more and more fantastic alarms being released to the public. This is a great thing however with all products … some good and some bad.
With ever more alarm systems being realized the more sophisticated they become. The disadvantage of this is that not everyone knows or understands how to work these security devices to get the most out of them.
The Advantages of Wireless Home Security Alarm Systems
To get to the bottom of this lets first take a look at the advantages which wireless security alarms can bring the consumer (that’s me and you).
One obvious advantage there isn’t any wires to worry about. This is great for the consumer as they no longer need to be concerned with where they are going to set up the device or how the wires would be concealed.
Back in the day you would need to hide away ugly looking cables. With technology advancements and wireless alarm manufacturers are becoming aware of the general requirement from consumers that their products need to become more unobtrusive and the less of an eyesore the better.
Other issues that came with having a wired system were that if you didn’t actually know what you were doing (and many didn’t) you would need to hire out some professional help to install the alarm. Needless to say, this came at an extra unwanted expense to everyone who simply wanted to improve the safety of their homes.
Can you really imagine having to secure your garage or out house by using a wired system? It was very difficult, especially considering the fact that you had to also protect these wires from the elements.
Thankfully with the advent of wireless home security alarm systems you no longer need to worry about such things as set up for these devices are so much easier than they used to be!
Another advantage found from wireless devices is that now you can secure more than your domestic premise or property. In fact a majority of these alarms are able to act as a central control panel in your home and the user can now control many aspects such as different consumer appliances (think entertainment & electrical goods).
Look out for the home security devices that support the X10 protocol (ask the retailer if you are unsure). This X10 protocol ensures that you can control and observe all manner of home devices from one singular location. This greatly improves the ease of use for these alarms over any old hard wired cousin.
An example of the advantage that the X10 protocol can bring is that of your house lighting. You can have total control over the timing of the lights as well as having the ability to group sets of lights together giving the impression to any thief that there is someone already in the house.
The versatility of wireless home security alarm systems are a huge advantage. They come with wireless key fobs as standard that allow the user to arm and disarm the device at the click of a remote portable button. This removes the need to remember any code and also removes the need to have to input that code at least twice into the alarm each and every day for the rest of your lives! It then becomes obvious how valuable the wireless key fob is to the user. You can configure more alarms to the system, smoke alarms, panic alarms, flood alarms, etc., you name it you can add it to the wireless device making it a complete home security control hub.
To sumarize the advantages of wireless security systems are that they are really easy to install and set up. They have some really versatile functionality to them. They can be customized with many different useful accessories and extra alarm applications and hardware. They also can be moved and relocated after an initial setup.


The Disadvantages of Wireless Security

So, it’s rather easy to see the advantages to wireless security are but what exactly are the disadvantages of wireless security?
Most wireless security systems are powered through disposable batteries. This brings a few negative aspects to them as they will need to be monitored on constant bases. Well when we say constant we say check them once ever fortnight or week if you feel you need to be extra safe.
Yes, the devices themselves usually come with a warning light when the battery gets low but ether way this frequent checking on the battery power is a nuisance and is obviously going to go down as a disadvantage of wireless security.
Another potential disadvantage to wireless home security technology is that advanced hackers have been known to be able to hack into the security key fobs and obtain the code required for access to any protected premise. This is of course extremely rare and chances are it will never happen to you or anyone you know.
But it is however an aspect that needs to be pointed out if we are going to fairly assess the pros and cons of wireless alarms.
It is now becoming clear that the majority of alarm manufacturers are indeed focusing on wireless technology for the future production of their devices. This is of course rather obvious due to the attractive advantages this technology can bring.

Home Security System Design

Designing a Home Security System

Making your home secure isn't a matter of buying certain products-it's an overall strategy that combines locking the house tightly, eliminating the ways that intruders can conceal themselves on your property, and giving the appearance that you are home, whether you are or not. This will help your home security system.

Intruders aren't the only problem. Your home security system strategy should also involve preventing accidents on your property. Many of the same things you do to protect your property from intruders are the same things you do to prevent accidents and to make your home more secure, convenient and comfortable.



Home security systems used to be wired in during new construction, and retrofitting a system was an expensive job that could only be done by professionals. Today, combination home automation/home security systems are available that are so easy to install that they hardly qualify as do-it-yourself projects. This blog describes the procedures involved in setting up such a system as part of an overall home security system strategy.

The most important aspect of any home security system is balance-it does no good to make your windows burglarproof when your doors can be opened more easily with a pry bar than with a key. Before you invest in an automated home security system, first take stock of the simple, everyday security measures that should already be in place.

SECURING DOORS

* Every entry and utility door in the house should be a solid door-either stile-and-rail construction or a solid-core flush door. As a rule, doors that swing into the house are more secure than outswinging doors, both because the gap between the door and jamb is not exposed and because the hinge pins are on the inside.



* If you have an outswinging door, make sure it has at least one nonremovable pin hinge. You can tell by opening the door and looking at the hinge pins. A nonremovable pin hinge has a set screw in the pin that prevents the pin from being removed adding to making your home secure.

* All entry doors should also be fitted with deadbolts. There are two common types of deadbolts-single cylinder and double cylinder. Single-cylinder deadbolts are operated with a key from the outside and a turn button inside. Double-cylinder deadbolts must be operated with a key from both sides. Keyless deadbolts add higher security to your home. Keyless could be keypad or fingerprint deadbolts.

* Sliding patio doors are notoriously easy to break into. One of the first things a burglar looks for is a door that is loosely fitted and wiggles a little, and sliding doors can't be built to be totally tight. Alarm bars will sound of to alert you and scare way unwanted breakins to make you home security system safer.

* Modern patio doors often have a three-point locking system that throws a hardened bolt up into the head jamb and down into the sill to supplement the hook-type lock at the handle. If you have an older patio door, one inexpensive alternative is a hinged bar mounted on either the active door panel or the jamb that swings down to wedge the door closed.

SECURING WINDOWS

* The general rule of thumb is that all sliding windows (both horizontal sliders and single- or double-hung) are more difficult to secure than swinging casement or awning windows. Most modern swinging windows have cam locks that draw the sash tightly into the frame.



* Obviously you want to make sure all window locks operate properly, but you can add to the security of sliding windows by installing key locks in place of the standard sash locks.





LIGHTING

* Outdoor lighting is one of the best deterrents available-as well as an important safety feature to any home security system. Low-voltage lighting kits can be installed in an afternoon, while adding to the appearance of your home. Most operate from a transformer that can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet, so no wiring is required. With the development of more reliable solar cells and batteries, solar outdoor lighting is now more dependable and even easier to install than the low voltage lighting systems. On most of these types of lights, you mount them, allow them to charge up and then turn them on. The only problem associated with many of them is placing them in the wrong location so they don't get enough light.




* Make sure, too, that the entire area around your house can be well lighted. Install floodlights over the driveway and at the back of the house; if you can position lights so every door and window in the house is covered, you can scare away nearly any burglar.
* Once you have the basics taken care of, then a home security system may be a worthwhile investment. Modern home security systems operate from your existing wiring. They allow you to operate incandescent lights and appliances remotely, whether they are plugged into an outlet or wired to a wall switch.

* The home security system consists of the following components:
* The controller sends signals to each remote module individually or to all modules at once. Wireless controllers are also available.
* Plug-in modules are plugged into standard electrical outlets. Then the device is plugged into the module. The lamp module is designed for low-amperage use and includes a dimmer function. The appliance module is designed for heavier amperage use such as televisions, coffee makers and other small appliances.
* A wall-switch module replaces the standard wall switch and allows the system to control any incandescent light wired into the home's electrical system. Modules are available for both single-pole and three-way switches.
* A motion detector can be programmed to turn on any lamp plugged into a base module.
* A motion-detector-controlled floodlight can be programmed to varying degrees of sensitivity and to turn off again a specified amount of time after it comes on (see image).
* Setting up the system depends somewhat on your individual needs, although there are some basic guidelines you may want to follow. As a rule, the best way to deter burglars when you're away is to make them think you're home. If your system allows you to control eight modules, for example, consider the following locations:





* A front porch light or floodlights over the garage door. These lights should be set to go on in the evening at dusk and off again around 10 p.m.
* A main living room light. This light should be programmed to go on in the early morning, say from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., then off and on again at 6 p.m. until about 10 p.m.
* A television. Your TV can be programmed to go on and off at varying times during the day and evening; from outside, it can sound like people conversing in the house.
* A kitchen light. It should be set to go on and off again around common mealtimes.
* Bedroom lights. The lights in at least two bedrooms could be programmed to come on in the morning, then off around 8 a.m., then on again in the evening.
* A stereo or radio. Set the radio to a talk station and program it to go on and off at varying times.
* A bathroom light. Program it to go on, then off after 10 minutes or so, four or five times per day.
* A back porch light or floodlights. Program these to be on whenever it is dark, until bedtime.
* To install modules in electrical outlets, simply plug the module into the outlet, then plug the lamp or appliance into the module.
* To install wall-switch modules, you'll need to replace the existing switch. First, double-check the light by turning it on. Then turn off the power to that circuit, and tape over the breaker switch or fuse socket to prevent anyone from accidentally turning the power back on while you're working. Try the switch again to make sure the circuit is dead.
* Remove the switch-plate cover, then unscrew the two screws that hold the switch in the electrical box. Carefully pull the old switch out of the box and check the terminals with an electrical tester to confirm that the circuit is dead.
* Unscrew the switch terminals and remove the old switch. Attach the wires to the switch module, taking care to match the wires to the same terminals. Carefully push the wires back into the box, then screw the wall-switch module to the box. Replace the cover plate, then turn on the circuit. Test the light to make sure it works properly.

Security & Locks for Windows & Doors

Keeping would-be intruders out is an important concern for most homeowners.

Though hinged doors are relatively easy to protect with proper latches and deadbolts, windows and sliding glass doors are not as simple to secure. Windows and doors that slide can be forced open or lifted off their tracks, and glazing can be broken.

In addition to installing locking devices, you can enhance security by replacing all ordinary glass with tempered, laminated, or wire-reinforced glass or with plastic, as well as by installing perimeter alarm systems.

Several ready-made devices are available to make prying open a window and/or removing a sliding glass door from its track more difficult. The right locking device to choose will depend on whether you need to secure a sliding window or door, or a double-hung window.

To keep a panel from sliding, use track grips, which are tightened by a thumbscrew or key,

or metal stops that straddle the lower track and are secured with a lever or thumbscrew that clamps them in place. Or use a spring bolt, which is screwed to the sill or base track and has a pin that snaps through a hole drilled into the edge of the lower track and bottom of the sash.

Even more secure is a bar that screws to the doorjamb and swings up into a saddle on the edge of the door to lock it in place; an advantage of this type of bar is that it can be adjusted to allow the door to be partially open.

The easiest way to keep an inside panel from sliding is to drop a dowel or a piece of stiff tubing into the empty portion of the lower track. Cut it 1/4 inch shorter than the distance between the panel and the jamb.

Double-hung windows can be locked with wedge locks, key-operated latches, or locking pins that go through one sash and into the next.