Home security is more than just an alarm going off if someone tries to break in through a door or window. While in the past, alarm systems were expensive and had to be purchased outright, they can now be rented monthly and offer far more than just security monitoring often with no up front cost to you. And they are no longer hard-wired into your home since modern security systems are wireless and Internet-enabled through your cellphone.
Your home is better protected with a live home alarm system that is monitored by a security company who has their own security staff to visit your home in case of an emergency. Modern alarm systems also have live 2-way voice to speak with the alarm company as well as central smoke and CO2 alarm monitoring that can also detect extreme heat indicating a fire or extreme cold suggesting a furnace breakdown. A monitored water sensor in your basement also protects against flooding. Motion sensors can light up your house automatically outside while detecting movement inside the house indicating a break-in.
And a camera at your front door protects against unwanted visitors and when you’re away from your home, offers you the ability to see how your lawn and garden are doing in your absence.
Live Security Monitoring
A monitored security alarm means that the security company’s system actively monitors your home. If an alarm gets tripped, the central station will be alerted and will call you on the phone immediately to enquire about what is happening ie. Is it a false alarm? Is someone attempting to break into the house? Was a window broken? They can speak directly to you or to a thief to announce that help is on the way.
Modern systems are Internet or cellphone based which means your system is connected wirelessly. Older systems used your home phone to connect but thieves could cut your physical phone line outside your house and disable the alarm.
Check to see the reputation of home security companies in your local area. Some cities have problems with false alarms and in some cases the police may not respond as a result. Also check to see how much a false alarm may cost you if police or your security company respond because you accidentally set the alarm off. In some cases a charge of $200 or more may apply for false alarms each time they occur. Some security companies employ their own mobile security force to bypass the police.
2-Way Voice Monitoring
2-way voice monitoring means that you can speak directly with the alarm monitoring company and they can speak with you. So if you have an emergency in the house and trigger the alarm, an alarm rep will come on the speaker and ask if everything is ok. If not, they can send help.
If someone actually breaks into your house, the alarm rep can let the thief know that the police are on the way to respond. In all likelihood, a thief will not stick around and rob your house.
Can an alarm company listen to your private conversations? Depending on where you live and your local laws, this would most likely be illegal. The 2-way voice monitoring is normally activated when the alarm is triggered and only then. Check with your alarm company regarding their rules on this subject but if you read an alarm company claiming that 2-way voice is a bad feature, it’s probably because they don’t offer it.
Video Doorbell Camera
Modern video doorbell cameras offer amazing, high def technology for your safety and the security of your home. Better systems will activate when the doorbell is rung or when it recognizes movement around your door and will immediately begin recording the event, in some cases to the cloud so you have a hard copy recording. A great option if you want to avoid porch pirates or have already been victimized by one.
They also offer 2-way voice so that when someone rings your doorbell, it sends an alert to your cellphone so that you can begin live streaming to have a conversation with the person even if you’re many miles away or are in a different country for that matter.
And even if no one is at your door, your system may enable you to view a live stream of the front of your house, to check in on what is happening outside your house, check the local weather or take a look at your lawn and front yard.
Window Monitoring
Modern alarm systems can be set up easily to monitor every window in your house to indicate if glass has been broken or if a window has been opened. If cost is a concern you might consider only putting monitors on lower level windows which are more likely to be broken into as they’re on the ground floor and easier to access.
Motion Detection
Motion detection involve sensors being placed in a room(s) in the house typically near an entrance ie. the garage door, front door, back door, sliding door. So when the alarm is active and on, if someone enters the house the motion detector picks up the movement and it sets the alarm off.
Modern alarm systems can take into account small pets so that an active alarm isn’t set off when your cat or dog is roaming around the house.
Motion detection technology can also be used outside the house to trigger lights so that when someone approaches your house it turns a light on so that they are no longer able to hide in the dark.
Flood Warning
Water leaks can be very damaging and costly. Cracked toilet tanks, water pipes bursting, a water heater leaking, a hose from a washing machine or dishwasher blowing a hole. The average insurance claim for water damage is about $10,000
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And if you live in a condo and have a water leak, you’re generally responsible for damage caused to your neighbors below you if the leak reaches them so the $10K average could be much higher.
A monitored water sensor can be installed near the floor – typically in the basement where water pipes, washing machine and a water heater are located – to alert your alarm company if it senses water, indicating a leak or flood. A water monitor is a cheap way to protect against expensive and damaging water leaks.
Heat and Cold Warning
Heat temperature warning: A heat sensor can monitor temperature in the house – often placed near the kitchen where the stove is – because a very high temperature may indicate a fire. The alarm is tripped and the alarm company can respond by either first calling you to check on the situation or perhaps send the fire department directly.
Cold temperature warning: If you live in an area with harsh winters, a cold warning sensor typically installed in the basement or lower floor can indicate if a furnace or your regular heating system has failed. In the middle of a cold winter, this can lead to freezing, burst pipes and water damage if you’re away.
Smoke and CO2 Detector
Many areas have specific laws regarding the number and placement of smoke detectors (to alert you to fire) and CO2 detectors (to alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide) both of which can kill. CO2 is called the silent killer because it has no smell and can’t be detected by the human nose. Some gas companies add a sulfur smell like rotten eggs to their gas so that it is detectable to our nose. But what if you’re sleeping at the time?
If you have a gas furnace or other gas device, one CO2 per floor of your house (or more) may be required and if not, it’s still a smart idea to install. A centrally monitored smoke and CO2 detection system will not only alert you to the danger but the alarm company may be able to send help.
Phone App
A phone app that monitors your home alarm is a must whether you see yourself using it or not. A phone app enables you to monitor and possibly make changes to your home automation even when you’re away from home. Turn your lights on and off. Turn the heat up or down. Arm or disarm the system remotely. Plus a good phone app will alert you if the alarm is triggered or disarmed and when a battery is low.
Other Considerations
- Looks for a system with battery back up in case of a power failure so the alarm continues to function.
- Enquire with your home insurance company as you may qualify for a discount with certain home alarm systems.
- Look for home alarm companies that employ their own security staff to visit your home when an alarm goes off rather than using police. Some cities won’t send police for an alarm company call due to false alarms. False alarms requiring the police may cost you $200 for each instance.
- Understand your local laws – whether an owner occupant or a landlord – to ensure that your home meets required standards particularly related to smoke and CO2 detection at a minimum.