| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | Depending on quality and performance, the prices can |
| After I had my home broken into, I finally decided it | | | | range anywhere from twenty dollars to |
| was time to get an alarm system installed. Of course | | | | approximately two hundred and fifty dollars. |
| if I had any common sense, I would have thought to | | | | Both portable and do-it-your-self systems come with |
| get one before anything like that ever happened. But | | | | a variety of basic features depending on the cost. |
| as such is the case, better late than never I suppose. | | | | The cheaper systems will come equipped with a few |
| At least now I feel much more secure when I'm | | | | door and window sensors , these are usually wireless |
| away because I know that my house is being | | | | and battery powered. The draw back is that the |
| monitored at all times. | | | | batteries need to be checked regularly to ensure |
| Believe me, aside from losing some of my valuables, I | | | | your system is working properly. More advanced |
| think the worst feeling was knowing that my | | | | systems will also come with motion detectors as well |
| personal privacy had been violated. Some stranger | | | | as door and window sensors.You may want to get a |
| actually went through my personal things! That had a | | | | system that is electrically powered that also contains |
| greater psychological effect on me than actually | | | | a back up battery to ensure constant security. This |
| losing a few personal belongings. The truth is, they | | | | way,in the event of a power failure, you can be rest |
| didn't take all that much. The police said it looked like | | | | assured that your system will still function. |
| teenage vandalism more than anything else. | | | | Although these systems don't offer the same |
| However, none the less, that stripped away my | | | | security as home monitored systems do, they can |
| sense of comfort and security about my own home! | | | | still be quite effective in thwarting a burglary. All in all, |
| Its a sad thing when you can't even feel secure in | | | | it is better to have some security measures in place |
| your own house. | | | | than nothing at all. |
| So began my quest for a good home security | | | | Now lets take a look at hard wired or wireless |
| system. I would like to share with you what I have | | | | monitored home alarms systems. If you have your |
| discovered and learned about the many different | | | | own home then this is definitely the best option for |
| types of systems that I came across in my pursuit | | | | you. |
| of the ideal home alarms system for me. | | | | These systems can come with a variety of features, |
| Hopefully this will act as an informative guide to give | | | | ranging from window, door sensors, and motion |
| you a better idea on what you may need in regards | | | | detectors, perimeter sensors , surveillance cameras, |
| to a good home alarm system. | | | | panic alarm buttons and fire alarms. A good alarm |
| First of all I have come across what I would say are | | | | company will also include professional installation, |
| the four main categories of Home Alarms Systems. | | | | ensuring that all the main entry points are covered, |
| 1 Do it your self systems | | | | that the system functions properly, and the installer |
| 2.Wireless systems | | | | will also give you a detailed explanation on how to |
| 3 Hard wired systems | | | | use it properly. |
| 4 Portable alarms systems | | | | The main differences between a hard wired system |
| Ok so which one do you get? | | | | and a wireless system is basically the cost. Hard |
| The best way to determine what is the best system | | | | wired systems will tend to cost more because of the |
| for your needs is to break it down into these two | | | | extra hardware and because the installation will be |
| main categories. | | | | much more complex.Installing such a system will |
| Do you live in your own home or do you rent an | | | | require the drilling of holes and placement of wires |
| apartment? | | | | through the walls. There tends to be more |
| If you have your own home then it would be best | | | | maintenance involved with hard wired systems as |
| to buy a wireless or hard wired system preferably | | | | well. |
| with a monitoring service. | | | | In my opinion,a wireless system is the best choice |
| These will offer you the best security for your home | | | | because of its equal effectiveness and of course its |
| because they come equipped with emergency | | | | alot friendlier on the wallet. |
| response systems that can alert the right authorities | | | | You will have to make a decision based on your |
| depending on what type of alarm is sounded. There | | | | needs and budget, as a fully equipped system with all |
| are many different features that you can choose | | | | the "bells and whistles can cost quite a bit. A high end |
| from within these types of alarm systems as well. | | | | system like this can start anywhere from one |
| More on that in a moment. | | | | thousand dollars and go up to two or three thousand |
| If you rent an apartment, then your best options | | | | dollars. This does not even cover the monitoring fee, |
| would be to buy a 'do it your self'(DIY) alarm or | | | | which can usually range from twenty to forty dollars |
| purchase a portable system. | | | | a month. |
| There are a couple of reasons for this. Namely most | | | | However besides having the benefit of home |
| established home security companies do not offer | | | | security, you can actualy save money on your house |
| monitored systems for a rented dwelling. It is still | | | | insurance premiums. You can get up to a 10% |
| possible to have a monitored system installed of | | | | discount on your premiums depending on the cost |
| course, however you would have to make an | | | | and quality of your security system. So this can help |
| arrangement with your landlord to split the costs, and | | | | offset the costs of maintaining your home alarm |
| the system would still be in his/her name. | | | | system. |
| The benefits of portable systems and do-it-your-self | | | | It is always recommended to shop around as much |
| systems is that they can be purchased at most local | | | | as possible and take your time in deciding which is |
| hardware stores, are inexpensive and easy to install. | | | | the right set up for you. |