Home Security and Alarms: What You Need To Know

So you've decided that a security alarm is the best way to protect your home. But now comes what many homeowners consider to be the most difficult part; choosing the best system for your situation. Finding the right system for your home can be daunting, mainly because there are so many different types of alarms.

But when you base your decision on the size, type and condition of your home, choosing the right system can become much less of a long and drawn out hassle.

Where You Live
This makes a big difference in how much you will pay, and which security system you will choose.

• Renting
 If you live in an apartment, townhouse or rowhouse and pay monthly rent, then it may make sense to lease or rent your security system. As well, renting usually means that holes in the walls must be kept to a minimum, and so a wireless system may work best for you. If you own your residence, protecting your home with a wireless system that you purchase outright may be your solution. You can also use a hybrid system - one which uses wires and wireless components - so that all entry points on every floor can be armed.

• Owning
If you lived in a detached home that you own, this is also a situation where owning your system makes the most sense. In addition to having a system that covers entry points into your home, you may also want to consider purchasing a system that will protect the perimeter of your home.
A home that you own, but that is under construction is the perfect scenario for a security system, because a hard-wired solution can most easily be installed.

Readying your home for an alarm system, also called 'pre-wiring' not only gives you the opportunity to know your home will already be ready for a system, but you may even be able to get a discount from alarm companies when you decide which system type to go with.



• Choosing a System
While there are far too many systems available on the market to cover in one article, one way that will make the choice far easier is to conduct some research. The first thing to do is talk a walk in and around your home. Count the number of entry points that you want to be protected. Then, check and see if there are any ideal locations for the system's control panel and keypads. Keypads located near a front door and close to bedrooms are common choices.

The distance your home's entry points are from your control panel will affect the amount of wires which need to be run, or where sensors will need to be placed if you choose a wireless system.
Monitoring is another decision that will need to be made. Do you prefer around-the-clock monitoring, or do you only want to notify your security company when a breach occurs?

• Contracts and Moving
Before signing up with any company, there are a few questions that should be asked. Most companies will want you to sign a contract, which needs to be reviewed carefully to see if it answers your questions.

Some common questions about a security systems company include:
-          Whether or not there are penalties for early cancellation;
-          If you are locked in to your contract for a particular period of time;
-          Whether or not your contract is transferrable to a new tenant if you live in an apartment but are moving.

If you have a security system installed in your home, but will be moving, your company may offer to move your system at no cost. But you may have to have a history with the company before this can be done. If you don't qualify to have your system moved at no charge, then you may have to pay a fee.

Deciding which alarm system is best for your home is a process which may take some time to complete, but that can greatly benefit you and all you wish you protect when you need it the most.

Emma Prior

About the Guest Author:

Guest author Emma Prior writes on a variety of topics, but is especially well-versed in home security systems. You can also find Emma on Google.