A security alarm has many benefits to you and your family when installed in your house. Whether you are trying to protect your family from intruders or you're working to keep your investments secure, you can do it with today's high-tech options. There are three main considerations to keep in mind when you're shopping for home security systems.
Connection to a Monitoring Facility
There are three ways home security systems stay in contact with their monitoring center. The first is over a landline, where a phone line is used when the alarm is triggered. This is a common, if older way to connect, and it has its own pros and cons. The second connection option is cellular, where the alarm uses an uplink to communicate, much like your cell phone. This option is considered the most reliable choice because it works even when phone lines are down. The third choice is a broadband connection, where the alarm sends an alert through your Internet connection when triggered. While broadband is faster than landline, it isn't as reliable as the cellular option.
Options for Installation
Home security systems are usually easy to install, but there are multiple options to consider when choosing a setup that is right for your property. Most companies give you one of two options: professional installation or do-it-yourself. When you have the alarm installed professionally, a serviceman comes to your house and sets everything up for you. While this option is preferable for those who aren't especially tech-savvy, this option usually means an installation fee and an appointment that generally takes about an hour. However, once you have the alarm installed, you can use the serviceman as a resource for any questions you might have. Installing the system yourself does save you time and money, but it can be complicated and may leave you susceptible to frustration and mistakes. However, DIY tends to be a better option for customers who are renting or who aren't staying in one place for very long.
Level of Homeowner Control
Controlling most home security systems is fairly easy, and there are different levels of control to choose from. You can go with the hands-off approach, which is a basic alarm that you arm when you leave and disarm when you return. The next level allows you to do things like arm and disarm your alarm through your cell phone. The following level gives you remote access to features such as the lights and temperature in your house. Finally, the highest levels allow you to view live and pre-recorded surveillance video and to control small appliances. With so many technologies, the higher level you choose, the higher the price, so when you're considering the level of control you want, you may want to choose based on your budget as well as the level of protection that is most important to you. Whatever your choice, the more informed you are, the more satisfied you can expect to be.
Connection to a Monitoring Facility
There are three ways home security systems stay in contact with their monitoring center. The first is over a landline, where a phone line is used when the alarm is triggered. This is a common, if older way to connect, and it has its own pros and cons. The second connection option is cellular, where the alarm uses an uplink to communicate, much like your cell phone. This option is considered the most reliable choice because it works even when phone lines are down. The third choice is a broadband connection, where the alarm sends an alert through your Internet connection when triggered. While broadband is faster than landline, it isn't as reliable as the cellular option.
Options for Installation
Home security systems are usually easy to install, but there are multiple options to consider when choosing a setup that is right for your property. Most companies give you one of two options: professional installation or do-it-yourself. When you have the alarm installed professionally, a serviceman comes to your house and sets everything up for you. While this option is preferable for those who aren't especially tech-savvy, this option usually means an installation fee and an appointment that generally takes about an hour. However, once you have the alarm installed, you can use the serviceman as a resource for any questions you might have. Installing the system yourself does save you time and money, but it can be complicated and may leave you susceptible to frustration and mistakes. However, DIY tends to be a better option for customers who are renting or who aren't staying in one place for very long.
Level of Homeowner Control
Controlling most home security systems is fairly easy, and there are different levels of control to choose from. You can go with the hands-off approach, which is a basic alarm that you arm when you leave and disarm when you return. The next level allows you to do things like arm and disarm your alarm through your cell phone. The following level gives you remote access to features such as the lights and temperature in your house. Finally, the highest levels allow you to view live and pre-recorded surveillance video and to control small appliances. With so many technologies, the higher level you choose, the higher the price, so when you're considering the level of control you want, you may want to choose based on your budget as well as the level of protection that is most important to you. Whatever your choice, the more informed you are, the more satisfied you can expect to be.
When considering home security systems, Michigan residents should learn about their options by visiting http://www.davessecurity.com/promotions/.
