Home Security Monitoring System  - How to Choose

Considering a home security monitoring system?  You have your choice of either a do-it-yourself home security monitoring system or using a home security company specialized in monitoring your home for break-ins as well as fire.  If you are considering a do-it-yourself installation, please see our page on DIY alarm installation.  If you decide to go with a professional security company, we have included a simple guide to use while deciding which company to ultimately hire.

1. Ask for referrals from neighbors, relatives or friends about certain home security companies. Also, notice the security company signs around your neighborhood.  That's usually an indication of which companies the people in your neighborhood trust.  Also, these companies already have a presence in your neighborhood and may be more apt to make frequent drive throughs. 

2. Use home security systems from those reliable and well known companies. Underlying reliable services goes with reliable companies. 

3. Get price quotes. Do a survey on the prices of each system. You should keep in mind that prices greatly depend on product features so examine the products carefully. 

4. A company wouldn't be operational without a reliable staff. Be sure that the companies hire trusted people. Keep in mind that these people will know the codes and passwords of your house system, so check on their records. 

5. Request for brochures with information and guidelines about home security. Ask for flyers, visit the homepages, read their bulletins; do everything that can help you know all the facets in home security systems.

6. Raise questions about service warrantees or guarantees that are included in the package. Ensure that for a year or so you can have their service whenever your unit malfunctions.

7. Does the company provide battery reserves on the system? You have to be prepared for power outages and telephone emergencies.

8. Is there a cancellation policy? There should be a cancellation policy wherein you can freely shift to another security company when you want to do so. It’s not a good idea to be tied to a company when you’re not happy with their services anymore.

Once you decide on a company, what are the "must-have" components of a standard home security monitoring system?

• Motion Detectors. These detectors sound the alarm when movements are detected.
• Wired door or window screens. The security system will be activated once the screen is removed or the wire is cut.
• Panic buttons. The buttons can be installed along the doorways or next to beds. Once there is a force of entry, the buttons can be activated manually.
• Magnetic contacts. The contact form electrical circuits between a window and its sill or the door and its frame. Once the door or window is opened, the circuit will be broken and this movement will sound the alarm.
• Wireless and wired systems. Wireless systems use radio frequencies to hook up to other system components while wired systems use exposed or covered wiring to connect to other components of the security systems.  Whichever system you have chosen, determine the distance of the windows and doors from control panels. This will help you know how wires will be routed or how far sensors communicate.
• Key pads. These components are also known as remotes or touch pads. These pads allow you to arm or disarm the system. It also shows the status of the system.  Look for strategic locations where you will put the keypads.  Front doors and bedrooms can be good locations.  Choose a user friendly system. Make sure that keypads are easy to press and codes are easy to remember.
• Stress sensors and glass break detectors.

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