How to Choose a Home Security System that’s Right for You February 24th, 2014
Whether you’re upgrading an existing security system, or choosing a new security system for your home, the wealth of options available today can be overwhelming. We believe that every customer should be educated to make the most useful and cost-effective home security choices, so here’s a practical guide.
There’s no need to get stuck with a “drive-thru window” security package that forces you to pay for gadgets and services you don’t want or need. Fortress Security creates a customized security package for each customer. As you’re thinking about what you need in your own security system, here are some of the questions you’ll want to ask yourself:
1) Do you have a one-story home or a two-story home? In a one-story building, you have the option of choosing either wired or wireless components (such as door sensors, window sensors, and smoke sensors), because our trained technicians can run the wires through the attic back to your Control Panel. In a two-story home, you’re generally limited to wireless components. Typically, one is not better than the other; however, it may determine how long your security system installation might take.
2) How many keypads do you need? The keypad is the control center of your security system, where you arm and disarm the system and set up customized access. Many people want a second keypad for convenience: for example, if your main keypad is by the front door, you may want a second one by the back door, so that you can let the dog in and out without running back and forth, or a keypad in the master bedroom for quick arming of the security system at night before you go to bed.
3) What kind of sensors do you need? Basic door and window sensors sound the alarm whenever a door or window is opened. These are the first layer of protection for your home, and an essential part of any security system, since over 80% of all burglaries for single-family homes in the United States are through the front and back doors. If your home is generally empty during the day, you may want to consider motion sensors as well, which will trigger the alarm when there’s something moving in the house, and are considered a great second layer of protection. If you own a pet, you’ll want to make sure that the motion sensors are pet-immune, like our Honeywell sensors which are engineered specifically for that type of home environment. Another layer of protection is glass break sensors, which are triggered by the sound of glass in a window being shattered or broken.
4) Are your smoke detectors effective? Traditional ionization detectors aren’t connected to a monitoring system, so they’re not effective unless you’re at home and awake, and they only detect flame, not the smoke and heat that signal the beginning of a fire. Upgrade to photoelectric smoke detectors that are connected to a home security system that’s monitored 24/7 by professionally trained staff. Monitored smoke detectors will protect you and your home more quickly and more effectively in a life-threatening situation such as a home fire.
5) How much home automation do you want? With rapid advances in technology, these days it’s easy to have a fully-automated Smart Home that controls your alarm system, lighting, thermostat and door locks – all from an app on your smart phone. You can save on energy bills and control your security from the palm of your hand from anywhere in the world.
When you’re choosing a security system, answering these questions will help get you started, but there are plenty of other factors to consider. Give us a call at (866) 378-9258, and one of our agents can help you create the perfect home security system for you and your family.
Posted in: Home Security Systems » by: Jerrod
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