subject: Builders Perthstaying Safe & Sound How To Choose A New Security System [print this page] Home security systems are more than simply an investment to keep your property safe, they are critical to keeping your family safe as well. Thus, it is vital that you analyze all the home security options available and choose one that is best suited to your needs.
Home Security Systems: The Basics
The basic components of home security systems include a control panel that also houses a backup battery, a keypad where you can turn the alarm on and off, a siren that is meant to warn you of an intruder and hopefully scare him away in the process, an inside motion detector, door and window contacts and a connection to a central monitoring station.
Internal motion detectors are usually comprised of infrared or microwave sensors that detect changes in a room caused by motion. If you have a pet, you will need to make sure that your home security system has special sensors installed that are programmed to ignore Felix before he sets the alarm off and wakes the whole neighbourhood.
Home Security Systems: Additional Features
If you want to monitor both your home and your garden, then you will need an outdoor perimeter alarm. Usually, these type of home security systems use motion detectors for the perimeter but some can also rely on heat sensors to detect temperature changes. Again, you need to make sure that your system takes into consideration any pets you may have.
Additionally, home security systems can feature smoke detectors, glass break detectors, panic buttons, pressure mats, closed-circuit TV and alarm screens.
Home Security Systems: Save on Insurance
If you decide to install a home security system, check with your insurance company because some of them provide discounts to homeowners who install alarms. However, they may have specific requirements for the home security system that must be installed and its best to find this out in advance.
Home Security Advice
Besides installing a home security system, there are also certain measures you can take to ensure the protection of your property. For example, if you are leaving to go on holiday, dont make it common knowledge and also make sure that you let your security company know you will be away. Likewise, make sure that the maintenance of your alarm system is up to date as you wouldnt want to find your home security system breaking down the day before you have to leave.
Locks are there for a purpose and simply because the door or window is on an upper level does not mean it is safe to leave it unlocked. Thieves have a way of overcoming the most complicated alarm systems and climbing up to a balcony to reach an unlocked door is much easier than it may seem.
Home security is as much a question of technology as it is of routines, meaning that you should routinely check everything is locked and that the alarm system is armed. After all, what use is an alarm system if it isnt in operation?
