Aoviding Burglary: Home Security System Basics

If you’ve ever had to live in a bad part of town, you know the stress it can cause. Even in good neighborhoods, things can happen. A home security system installation can not only give you peace of mind but can even improve your home insurance rate. While you’re at it, you may look into getting a safe installation for your valuable items and documents. You should also make sure to check your main entrances and find any details that may help a burglar enter your home, this includes your front, back and garage doors. By doing a quick inspection on your home, you can be sure to know if you need new garage doors, front doors or even windows. Now here are some main factors to watch out for:

Security System Components

Most home security systems have the following components that helps to detect intruders alert homeowners:

  • Main Keypad: Plenty of homeowners have theirs either by their front door or next to the door that leads to their garage to help them remember to arm the system on their way out of the house.
  • Sensors: You’ll see these distributed throughout your house. These are used to look for movement in your house when you’re not home and detect any open windows or doorways. Some systems have security cameras that begin recording once the sensors have been set off.
  • Premises Control Panel: This main panel is home to the main circuit board that monitors the sensors around the house. It is usually near a power source and covered in a metal case to protect it. Once sensors are tripped, it sends a message to a monitoring station elsewhere, where the police can be called or other appropriate action can take place.
  • Alarm: Perhaps one of the most important components of a home security system is the device that sounds off when an intruder sets off the alarm. Most alarms are either bells or sirens, but others can have flashing lights.

How Much Are They?

The rates vary from company to company, in addition to whatever features you opt for. If you’re looking for a great company that can install a home security system, check out House Tech. Generally, you’ll pay a set rate for the equipment and installation and then pay a monthly fee for monitoring services. Typically the monitoring services will call the police or perform other responsive actions if the alarm goes off, 24/7. Homeowners will pay a one time payment of $200 to $700 for installation and $30 to $80 per month for monitoring. Keep an eye out for deals from some home security system companies that offer discounts on electric gate costs to new customers. Also, you can often save money off of your home insurance premium when you get a home security system.

Are They Very Complicated to Use?

Again, it depends from system to system, but for the most part, home security companies want their products to be as user-friendly as possible. Ask as many questions as possible after installation during the system orientation, and be sure to keep detailed notes of what they say. The technician should run through how to set the alarm is when you leave, disarm it when you’re home, and arm it when you go to sleep at night. Also, find out about diagnostic testing. Alarms should be tested at least once a year, if not more often than that, to make sure they are working properly. Some alarm companies will send out a technician to help you perform a test if you please. Also, take this time to set up any mobile keypad access applications on your computer or smartphone. Remember: the alarm system isn’t going to set itself. You are responsible for using it consistently from day to day.

Emily Kaltman writes for Carroll Troberman Criminal Defense in Austin, Texas. She enjoys writing about criminal law and safety.

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