A Beginner’s Guide to Home Security Systems: Types, Features, and Costs

Home security systems can be a great way to keep your home safe and secure. Once you know the benefits, it’s easy to see why so many people are starting to incorporate them into their lives. 

You might be wondering if there is anything that can help you secure your home more effectively. After all, not everyone is blessed with an attractive home or great neighbors. 

If that’s the case, then it’s imperative that you take steps to protect your investment and assets. 

However, before you do anything else, you should read this article and learn about the ins and outs of home security systems so that you don’t make any costly mistakes down the road. 

Keep reading to learn everything from the different types of home security systems to how much they cost.

What Are Home Security Systems?

A home break-in occurs every 26 seconds in the US and 83% of criminals planning a break-in check for alarm systems. 

Of these break-ins, 65% occur between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm when most individuals are at work. 

Home Security systems were designed to protect your home whether you’re there or not. A combination of several electronic components are used simultaneously to protect your home.

Often you find a combination of these devices:

• Cameras
• Glass break sensors
• Motion sensors
• Sirens
• Entry sensors
• Keypads
• Key fobs
• Smoke and CO detectors
• A base station

Simple Benefits

• As you already know, the presence of a home security system will deter home invasion in most cases. Using a sticker or sign giving the impression you have a security system has often proved enough of a deterrence. 
• With professional monitoring and even self-monitoring, the police or other first responders can be contacted much faster when you’re not at home.
• You can keep an eye on your home and property from anywhere. Know right away if you did forget to close or lock the door or who that person is in your driveway.
• Many insurance companies offer deep discounts on homeowners’ premiums on homes that have a security system.

Types of Home Security Systems 

Local Only

These simple devices are easy to install and notify you with a loud alarm when a door or window is open. 

There’s no remote control or notifications. It only works when someone is there to hear it.  These systems are not connected to the internet.

The most inexpensive way to protect your home and family from fire and poisoning are smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. 

Wired Systems 

These systems are hardwired into your home for integration. Usually controlled via a keypad or base station, these systems can be remotely monitored if they are also linked to your internet network. Batteries are usually available as a backup in case of a power outage.

Wireless Systems

As the name suggests, this system depends on batteries and either Wi-Fi or cellular network connections. 

The available monitoring depends on your preferences but can be sent to an app for self-monitoring or to a company-run center that offers 24/7 monitoring for a fee. In many cases, it’s a combination of the two. 

Smart System

As part of a smart home configuration, these systems are connected to your internet for mobile access and provide some automation via artificial intelligence or smart speaker systems. 

Through a centralized app, users can view and save footage, get notified of activity or alarms, and control the entire system from anywhere. 

DIY Systems

You as the homeowner buy and install the components for these systems. There are several options available, and they vary in size. Most DIY systems are part of a wireless, local, or smart system. 

You can get a basic kit or pick and choose what devices you’d like to include in your system. Often, you are also responsible for monitoring this system, but some companies now offer monitoring for a yearly fee. 

Monitored Home Security Systems

There’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with a professionally designed and installed home security system that comes with 24/7 monitoring and suits your life and your home. 

You don’t have to do anything, let the experts do it for you while you know that your home is fully protected. 

The Security Experts at Smith Thompson support can curate a system that suits all your needs with add-on devices that make sure your property is protected at all times, even when you’re away. Travel at ease because even though you may not be home, your 24/7 home monitoring agency is watching. 

Common Features

Three Types of Alarms

• Burglar alarms are a combination of devices that detect intrusion and alert to it with noise, lights, or a combination of both.
• Fire Alarm sensors are designed to detect smoke, flame, and heat and send out an alarm.
• Safety detectors also will detect changes in high temperatures in the case of fire, but some are also designed to detect water in the case of flooding, and the presence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. 

Cameras

• Motion Sensor cameras will engage in recording when motion is detected in a pre-defined area. 
• Doorbell Cameras can help monitor your porch and driveway and are usually equipped with motion sensors to record even those who don’t actively ring the doorbell.
• Security Cameras will always monitor your property with live feeds.

How Much Investment? 

There’s no denying that a home security system is a good investment. How much of an investment are you looking at though?

The average security system costs between $199 and $399 in equipment with anywhere from between $0 and $199 for installation.

Once it’s up and running, monitoring systems run from between $25 and $50 per month on average. 

Final Thoughts

Installing a home security system is one of the best ways to protect your residence from intruders.  When you have an alarm system in place, it will alert you whenever dangerous individuals try to get into your house. You will have time to escape and not worry about anyone breaking in. 

But how can you know if the time is right to install an alarm system? And what are the options available for home security systems? Now that you know the different types of security systems available and what they can offer, you can plan out how you’re going to protect your home.

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