Tips When Buying Residential Alarm Systems | Trying to decide which residential alarm system is right for you can be frustrating sometimes, but the installation of an alarm system is a very important step towards protecting you, your family, and your home. Here are a few tips to consider when buying a residential alarm system and securing your family and possessions.
First things first, you need to know what you want to protect; the home itself, certain rooms, priceless possessions, outside garages and sheds, etc... Pay attention to easy access areas, flat roofs, weak doors and windows because these could be potential weaknesses for intruders to enter. After those risks are assessed, a security company and a residential alarm system can be chosen and installed.
When selecting a security company you can look locally first. Usually there are security companies locally that have a good reputation for quality and service. The local police department or the Better Business Bureau could tell you if there have been any complaints on the company in question. Find out if they have the proper state and local license before you make your choice.
Choosing a residential alarm system can mean more than just a burglar alarm because a fire alarm is just as important. There are two parts to a residential alarm system: the components and the monitoring of the alarm system (usually done by the security company). Some common burglar alarm components include;
Motion detectors- infrared beams are used to detect movement inside or outside of the home.
Panic buttons- manually activated button that is pushed when an intruder is detected.
Stress sensors- sensors that activate when stepped on.
Glass breakage sensors: sensors that are placed on windows, which detect the vibration of breaking glass.
Door and window contacts: magnetic contacts that create an electrical current between each other and if opened the alarm will trip.
Window or door screen wire: activates if screen is removed from the window or door frame or if the screen is cut.
Closed circuit television- an internal system that lets you view certain areas of the home.
The fire alarm components include; heat detectors and smoke detectors. Heat detectors are either a fixed temperature or a rate-of-rise detector, and they activate when the fixed temperature of the heat detector is reached. While the smoke detector detects smoke before a fire actually erupts. Smoke detectors either are an ionization or a photo electronic detector. The photo electronic detectors are common in most homes because it detects slower, smoldering fires which are more common in homes.
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