Your Home Security System Checklist

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By Jonathan Frase
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February 10, 2020
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Home Security Checklist Frase Protection

Your Home Security System Checklist

What To Look For In A Security System

Have you been thinking about going with one of the national alarm companies? The thought of a local professional company may have even crossed your mind. Or maybe you’ve considered one of the smaller DIY systems. If you’re just beginning your search for the perfect security system, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the thousands of options out there for you to choose from. Not to worry, we have the rundown on all things concerning your next security system!

Before you embark on your research, ask yourself these basic questions:

  • What is it that I’m trying to protect?
  • What are my plans for installation?
  • How big is the home I am trying to protect?
  • What works with my routine?
  • What is my budget?

Your answers to these questions will help determine the specific features you desire in a security system. For example, do you want a nanny cam for the kids or sensors to monitor for leaky pipes? Remember that security systems do more than just keep out intruders – they can also be used to communicate with your little ones getting home from school or talk to your delivery man at your door.

Home Secuirty Checklist

Security System Functionality Differences

The right equipment package, payment plan and features will vary depending on what you want from your system. So now that you’ve established your parameters, let’s go over some different security system features. There are three leading types of security system packages available on the market today: home automation, security equipment and environmental monitoring. Let’s explore each of these for their individual differences.

Smart Home Automation

Smart home technology is designed to fit your family’s lifestyle and schedule. Smart home automation gives you the ability to control your lights even while you’re on vacation or unlock a door for a dog sitter when you’re out of the house.

Security Equipment

Classic home security devices such as burglar alarms, glass break detectors, and outdoor cameras are particularly helpful if protecting your family from break-ins, burglary or vandalism is high on your priority list.

Environmental Monitoring

This category includes equipment such as smoke alarms, flood sensors, heat detectors, and temperature sensors for possible pipe freeze alerts. Homeowners – specifically those with older homes –should explore devices within this category.

Home Security Equipment and Features

Next, let’s review some of the security system equipment you are most likely to encounter. Keep your priority list in mind when browsing through these options since security providers tend to offer their devices in different bundle packages.

Doorbell Camera

Adults should avoid looking down at their phones while walking to ensure they’re always aware of their surroundings. With so many people around, circumstances can change quickly, and keeping an eye on your children as they approach people’s doors and cross the street can prevent things from going wrong.

Nanny Camera

This camera is made to watch over nurseries and children’s rooms as well as their caretakers. It is convenient in interacting with people inside your home such as the babysitter, aging parents, or your family pets.

Spotlight Camera

This camera lights up a designated area when it senses motion, allowing you to startle intruders or curious wildlife. New outdoor camera technology can even distinguish between a person, vehicle, or animal, and send you alerts specific to your needs.

Panic Pendant

This device is essentially a wearable shortcut to emergency help. This potentially life-saving gadget may be especially helpful for senior individuals or those with a disability.

Door/Window Sensor

This sensor alerts you when a door or window has been opened, to help protect the designated entrances to your home.

Glass Break Sensor

This sensor sounds off when it detects loud noises such as broken glass, helping to deter intruders in the event of a break in.

Motion Sensor

This device alerts you when it senses motion, alerting you of intruders. It may also be useful in keeping kids and large pets out of unwanted areas.

Smart Home Integration

This product combines your security system and smart home devices, allowing your system to be voice-controlled. It even lets you create custom schedules according to your family’s needs.

Wireless Monitoring

This feature utilizes cellular radio signals to connect your smart home security system to the monitoring center without the need for a landline phone. It helps simplify installation and, together with battery backup, allows the system to continue running during most power outages.

Two-Way Talk

This feature basically turns a device into an intercom you can speak and hear from. This can be useful for communicating with children or pets inside the home, or visitors as well as possible intruders.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector

This potentially life-saving device activates an alarm when it senses carbon monoxide from the air in your home.

Flood Sensor

Are you worried about leaks or water flooding? This device can help save you from serious water damage.

Freeze Sensor

Worried about temperature changes? This sensor can warn you against severe drops in temperature, preventing frozen pipes and plumbing issues.

Fire and Smoke Alarm

Essential for any home, this device alerts you to fire, smoke or extreme heat within the house.

Professional Monitoring

Finally, in case of an emergency, professional monitoring connects you or your family to a professional call center, who can dispatch emergency services if needed. This feature may be especially useful in providing professional, human guidance during a stressful situation or an emergency.
Wireless Home Security

Security System Installation

Now that we’ve reviewed the technology, lets discuss its installation. Recently, security systems adopted cellular technology, making it possible to install without professional help. There are definite pros and cons to both self-installed and professionally installed systems.

Professional Installation

While professional installation will come with its set of fees, it’ll also save you from having to do any of the work. The professional installing company will send a representative to your home for a consultation, so you can discuss your security priorities, budget, and expectations with a live professional. These consultants also offer product package bundling and years of industry experience so you can rest assured you’re selecting the right equipment.

DIY Installation

On the flip side, self-installation companies send their device bundles directly to your house, pre-programmed and ready for use. These offer a good choice for smaller homes or apartments in need of basic features. Installation for these systems is especially easy – majority of the equipment adheres to the surfaces of your walls, doors or windows.

The Security System Installation Verdict

While professionally installed security systems will set you back an installation fee, they don’t require you to lift a finger during the process. On the other hand, self-installed systems tend to be more affordable, but require you to correctly install all the equipment on your own.

Security System Size

Whichever installation system you choose, you will need to ensure there is enough equipment to fit the size of your home. An optimal system for an apartment, for example, would be a smaller DIY system with fewer sensors, while professional installers can recommend the right packages and add-ons to fit a larger home. Most importantly, make certain to cover all entrance and exit points in your home with a sensor or camera, and add any additional equipment to protect children or furry members of your family. Also, be sure to add sensors to basement entrances for extra safety measures.

Interested in talking with our professional security systems advisors about what is best for your home or business? Contact us today!

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