House Alarm Systems

Get the best house alarm system

Written by Amy Whittle

Hardwired or wireless house alarm systems are excellent first steps in a home security plan. The complexity and cost of these systems vary widely, making it important to discuss your options with several home security companies before making a final decision.

Anatomy of a House Alarm

For most home alarm systems, there are five main components working together to provide protection to the home.

• Control Unit: This part of the house alarm receives information from the switches and panic button. If a problem is detected, the control unit will set off the alarm and notify the monitoring system.
• Switches: These sensors are used on doors and windows to detect activity when the alarm has been set. Some homes have motion-activated sensors to further detect intruders.
• Panic Button: This device is used to activate the alarm manually in an emergency. Panic buttons can be installed in different parts of the house, or they can be completely mobile.
• Monitoring System: The control unit should contact the monitoring system if a problem is detected. For some alarms, only a neighbor is contacted. Other systems contact a home security company with security staff that will investigate any problems.
• Alarm: The alarm provides the first alert that there is a problem. Alarms are available in a wide variety of sounds and decibel levels. Some incorporate lights to provide a larger deterrent to intruders.

Advantages of a Wireless House Alarm

A wireless house alarm has a few advantages over traditional home alarms. Wireless systems are often less expensive than hardwired systems and are easier to install. When installed, a wireless house alarm is often less obtrusive than a hardwired system. Other components, such as an intercom, are easily installed as they become required.

These features can translate into significant savings for a homeowner installing a system for the first time. A wireless house alarm is also more likely to have a mobile panic button that can be attached to a key chain or kept on a nightstand for ease of use.

Final Considerations

After choosing a house alarm system, carefully consider the company that will be monitoring it. Although some alarm systems notify a neighbor to investigate any problems, it is best to pay for a monitoring service that will contact the authorities or send a representative if there is a problem. A licensed, reputable company will be able to ensure that help will arrive if your alarm ever goes off.

Are you ready to purchase house alarm systems? Submit a free request for price quotes and get matched to multiple dealers who will try to get you the best deal for your household.

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