Introducing the Best Home Security Systems for your Home or similar premises that you think could be at risk. This website mainly involves DIY (Do-It-Yourself) systems. When it comes to buying a new Home security system, it can be a bit confusing, particularly if you are not familiar with all the technology and terminology associated with the product. It is even more difficult to search for a new security system, because there are so many different brands and companies out there, all claiming that they provide the best. That is why we have done hours of extensive research to find the best security systems that are out there — we do not promote brands that have middling or poor reviews, but the best systems, at affordable prices.
However, please keep in mind that even the high-end “best” systems cannot guarantee absolute satisfaction for every user — but we have put in the work to satisfy your security needs. We concentrate on DIY and home monitoring systems, as well as keep on top of the latest technological advances. Home security companies are embracing and creating the latest technological advances in security, and we don’t want you to miss out!
Have you always interested in buying and installing a home security system in your home, but have been wary of the costs and alterations it might cause? We understand that this might be a big step for you and that you need to be informed of not just the benefits, but also how it will change your home forever.
[expand title=”What makes up a Home Security System?” tag=”h5″]
A home security system isn’t just the alarm that goes off every time you open a door near a sensor. A home security system contains a control panel, sensors (window, door, and motion), cameras, an alarm, a yard sign, and stickers for your windows.
Each of these individual entities makes up the home security system–the sensors that you place in the interior and exterior of your home, work together to inform the control panel (which will sound the alarm) when anything is breached when it is not supposed to be. Control panels not only are connected to the sensors, but also to the home monitoring company, in case of the alarm going off. Generally, these control panels are easily programmed, and you can choose to either use voice commands and/or passcode. Key fobs, where you simply turn the alarm off with the push of a button are also becoming very popular.
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[expand title=”Home Security System Costs” tag=”h5″]
Home security systems cost as much and as little as you decide to install within your home. However, some costs are unavoidable. You have to buy the equipment for the home security system no matter what. If you are new to home security systems, then this could cost you quite a bit. The costs rise exponentially when it comes to installation, depending on how much you need to install, especially if it is a hardwired system. A wireless system, sometimes you can get away with installing it yourself. However, unless you have the experience, it is always better to simply buy the equipment and an installation package from the home security company.
Sometimes you have to pay an activation fee to turn your home security system on, sometimes not. It all depends on the individual company.
If you want to save on costs, the best thing for you to do would be to buy all of your equipment, monitoring services, and installation from the same company. This also has the added bonus of providing you with seamless service.
You should also keep the monitoring service–a place where you might be tempted to do away with to save money. As not only can you save money by using the same monitoring service, but it can also save you in equipment and installation fees, as well as great customer service and equipment replacement in certain cases.
[/expand][expand title=”What is a DIY Security System?” tag=”h5″]
A DIY (do it yourself) security system is simply a home security system that is based around your home’s wifi, and you can set it up yourself. It can vary from a bare-bone single outlet to more complex depending on the package you purchase.
You will mainly receive a control panel and sensors to place within your home–anything else e.g. security cameras, etc, you might need to purchase separately if already not included in the package. The set up can be done on your phone quite easily.
You can still get several services that a traditional home security system would use, such as a monitoring system. Depending on which company and plan you choose, you can pay between $10 and $50 a month, to be updated and alerted through your cellphone, broadband, or landline. Generally, these services include alerting you that your alarm has gone off and sent emergency personnel to your home.
There are many pros and cons to the DIY security system–the pros are that you have a large amount of control and fewer costs associated with installing the system. However, the cons are that you might have to invest a bit more time and energy into your home security system than you may want to.
Further Considerations
When deciding on what type of home security system you want–whether it is a DIY system or traditional, and furthermore, deciding on which company you should go with–your first consideration should be the lifestyle you lead. You will need to study your home to make this decision.
Ask yourself the following questions: landline or cellphone? Rent or own? Do you know how to install a security system? Has your home had a security system wired in before?
All of these questions will be instrumental in helping you make your decision on several fronts. If you rent, perhaps your system should be wireless, so you can accommodate any requirements from your landlord, and can take the system down yourself when you move.
Or perhaps you want more control over what happens if your home is ever broken into–this is where the monitoring system you choose and customization can occur.
But it all depends on you and what you want. For some, this means being able to install and decide on what pieces of security equipment to use. For others, it is buying the most expensive, expansive system, and having professionals install and monitor their home 24/7.
Other considerations–you may consider getting a two-way talk feature, which will allow you to communicate directly to the monitoring company via your control panel. Some also get geotracking, which works with your GPS to make certain adjustments (temperature, lock/unlock, arm/disarm your doors and alarms) when you are a certain distance from your home. Senior citizens who live alone and cannot get around easily may want to have a system that is as automated as possible.
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[expand title=”Wired or Wireless – Which System to choose?” tag=”h5″]
This decision completely rests, again, on your lifestyle, and the functions you want your security system to perform. Hardwired systems have traditionally been a lot more reliable, yet wireless systems are a lot more flexible.
You could have both–a system can be both hardwired into a landline connection and wirelessly connected just in case the landline goes out. If you have a landline and a cellphone, this is a great option for you.
You may choose to use a wireless system because of its easy setup. There is nothing that has to be drilled or wiring that needs to be reworked just fit into your home. When you move, you can just disconnect the system via your phone, and then move it right along to your next address. The only real issue is that our wireless connection might not always be reliable, 100% of the time.
A wired system might be a better option for you if your home is already wired for a previous security system. All you have to do is call the provider and get your account set up, and maybe have a technician come out and make sure your system updated properly.
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[expand title=”Security Cameras: Difference between Types” tag=”h5″]
There are several different types of security cameras for you to choose from when it comes to designing the layout of your home security system. These cameras are great not only for indoor security but also for monitoring what happens outside your home. Many contain night vision and other considerations and can be monitored from a laptop or cell phone.
Indoor cameras, also known as “dome” cameras can be used to get full 360-degree coverage of a single room by itself. You could also get a “fixed lens” camera, that monitors only one specific area.
Outdoor cameras can be used to monitor wide swathes of area, and are built to be resistant to weather changes and lighting conditions. There are several features these cameras possess e.g. night vision, tilt control, remote pan, motion detection, etc, that would be extremely useful to you.
Motion detector cameras are cameras that only record when they detect motion, which can not only save you footage space but also alert you to any unknown activity.
Adjustable cameras are designed and programmed to monitor a wider range of areas that your usual security cameras. Most give you options (remote pan, tilt control, zoom control) to truly customize your experience.
Wireless technology cameras are great for people who need a remote area monitored, but don’t have any security system hardwired out there already. You can find wireless versions of most, if not all, security system equipment.
Cameras with a security system are not just talking about the video aspect. It’s about being able to use a video splitter to view more than one camera at a time on a screen. Or using a duplicator on the system to let more than one person monitor the feeds at a single time. These systems are incredibly flexible and can be used to allow friends into your home when you aren’t there, for instance.
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[expand title=”Motion Detectors: How They Function” tag=”h5″]
Motion detectors are the backbone of your home security system. They use the changes in temperature, radiation, vibration, to pick up any movement in or around your home, and then sounds the alert.
There are several different forms of motion detectors you can buy e.g. driveway, motion-activated floodlights, exterior, and indoor motion detectors.
Types of motion detectors are different. You can get active ultrasonic and passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors, which are the two most popular types. Dual technology, microwave, and tomographic are also options to consider.
Active ultrasonic motion detectors emit waves of sounds that bounce off the normal, everyday objects in the room or outdoors, and then return to their origin. When something or someone disrupts those sound waves, that will trigger an alert.
PIR motion detectors are the most popular of the two, as they can detect infrared heat, and notice increases. You can manage the detector by programming it to ignore a small range of changes in temperatures, otherwise, it will trigger an alarm.
The other motion detectors mentioned can detect changes and disruptions in radiation waves, which also triggers their alert system.
Dual technology motion detectors are as it sounds–two different motion detector types used to monitor your home. These can be a bit stressful, as they have a higher rate of false alarms compared to the others.
When you install your motion detectors, remember that they have an extremely limited range (50 to 80 feet), so make sure you have enough to cover every area. Make sure to place them where you get a lot of foot traffic or where you think an intruder might try to break in. However, do be sure to keep them at least ten feet away from anywhere the light shines through, or away from your heating ducts or oven, as that can trigger the alarm due to temperature changes.
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[expand title=”Installing Home Security Cameras” tag=”h5″]
To put it bluntly, if you want your home security cameras to be effective, then you need to install it throughout your home, not just one area. They can only zoom and rotate so far and have a rather limited range. While undergoing this process, you should also consider which parts of your home have the best vantage point, as you want to use your cameras to their fullest ability.
Placement of security cameras should be in “high traffic” areas, areas that are most likely to be robbed if you have someone break-in. These places include front, side, and back doors (so put a camera outside of these doors, as well as inside), off-street windows (windows that do not face the street have a higher chance of being used as part of a break-in), driveway (many intruders either walk to your home via the driveway or try to break into your garage first), common areas (first place that is searched for valuables), and stairs (if you have a balcony or basement with a set of stairs, this is a place an intruder would try to get in through).
Pay close attention to camera placement. You want them near enough so that they capture everything, but not so easily reached that an intruder could knock the camera off or otherwise turn it off. The angle that you place the camera is also important. If you do not do it correctly, you could end up only taking surveillance of the top of the intruder’s head, not their face or clothing.
Lastly, if you are using a wireless system, make sure that your connection is secure and strong. If it isn’t, then not only could your entire system cut off in an instant, but could also result in very choppy and useless surveillance footage because of the ruined picture/connection.
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[expand title=”Can My Pet Trigger My Security System At Home?” tag=”h5″]
There is no clear answer to this question–it is always possible. It mainly depends on the sensors that you install, as well as the type of security system.
If you use a standard motion detector, then your pet will set off that alert, because they are a disruptive force in the sound waves that the detector uses to sense whether an intruder has entered your home.
However, you can buy a pet immune motion sensor, which was created after the developers spent hundreds of hours tracking and analyzing common pet movements. The result was a wide variety of different technology utilized together that could read and calculate mass, speed, and movement patterns of anything moving e.g. pet or a human, and could also read body temperature and infrared emissions to make a decision as to whether or not to sound the alarm or not.
Weight is also a huge factor when it comes to these pet immune motion sensors. If your pet weighs anywhere between 0 and 80 pounds, then it will not set off the alarm. This covers the majority of pets e.g. cats, birds, dogs, etc.
When deciding where to place your motion sensors, you should speak with a specialist. They will know exactly where to put them, particularly if you do not have experience with these sensors. The best defense against a false alarm is the perfect placement. However, if you want the alarms to work then they do not need to be on. It makes no sense to buy an alarm, put it in the wrong spot, and then just turn it off.
False alarms can happen–and can be quite costly (up to $200 per false alarm, after a certain threshold period has been reached). So be careful about maintaining your equipment to the best of your ability, as these false alarms can also be caused by user error, dead batteries, installation problems, etc.
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[expand title=”Minimizing False Alarms” tag=”h5″]
There are several ways you can minimize the number of false alarms in your home.
Use your pet motion sensor device. These are programmed especially to ignore any movement from your pets, allowing you not to worry about them setting the alarm off, while also not restricting your pets in their own home.
Make sure you know your code. Many times alerts are sent to the monitoring company because the passcode for the security system was entered incorrectly on the control panel. Memorize your passcode and practice inputting the code correctly.
Change your batteries regularly. Low batteries can cause a false alarm to go off. Changing them regularly will help. Your monitoring company may monitor the battery levels of your system, so ask if they will alert you when battery levels are low. Also, the security equipment should inform you when it is experiencing low battery power, so watch out for that.
Keep motion sensors free from flying objects. Anything that passes by a motion sensor can trigger the alarm, whether it’s someone throwing a ball, a pet, or a person walking by. Make sure you keep the area that the motion sensor monitors clutter-free, so you do not accidentally set off the alarm.
Windows and doors need to be firmly shut. This might seem like a no brainer but is extremely important. If your windows and doors are not closed completely, then you run the risk of not having your alarm work properly because of that. Also, they could trigger your alarm to go off.
Maintain your security equipment. Human error makes up a good part of false alarms, but the same could also be said of improperly maintained security equipment. Make sure to do regular check-ups on your equipment to see if it is still working correctly. Replace any parts that are not, or contact your home security provider to get it looked at if you are unsure what the issue is.
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[expand title=”Wireless Security System and the Internet” tag=”h5″]
If your wifi is out, does that mean that your wireless security system won’t work? Generally, this will depend on the total set up that you have. You have between four total choices when it comes to connecting with your monitoring company: internet, cellular radio, landline, and Voice over Internet Patrol (VoIP).
If your alarm system is connected to the monitoring company via a wireless connection, and that connection is lost, technically you would not have a working system.
VoIP connections are vulnerable to wifi loss, as they are powered by the landline. To combat this, some security companies have technology that still allows your system to connect to the monitoring company in case of an outage.
Cellular radio is actually the most reliable out of all of the options, as it is not dependent on if your wifi is connected or not.
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[expand title=”Power and Your Security System” tag=”h5″]
What happens if your power goes out? Is your security system still working? The answer to this question depends on what type of home security system you have.
If you have a phone line, then your alarm system will be able to communicate with your monitoring system that there is a power outage. Then it will draw on backup power for a certain amount of time.
If you have a cellular radio, your alarm system will work fine as this system will draw from backup battery power for the next several hours. It is unaffected by power outages because it communicates via cellular radio.
If you have Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), then your system will absolutely be affected, as their power is derived from your home phone line. They do have a battery backup, but communication can be halted if the power outage also includes an internet outage. Some companies have found other ways to keep their systems in contact with the monitoring companies to combat this problem.
If you have an internet connection, then this is the most vulnerable of all types of connections. Whenever the power goes out, usually the internet follows–which means you have no way of communicating with the monitoring company. It will not come back on and resume communication until the power and internet are back on.
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[expand title=”Moving With My Home Security System” tag=”h5″]
If you have bought a home security system, you have taken the first step in investing your time and money into maintaining your safety. It is not strange that you would want to take that system with you if you move. However, your ability to do so rests on the type of system you chose to buy.
If you installed a DIY system, then you already own the equipment yourself and know how to install and reinstall it. Moving it to your new home would be a simple matter of taking it out of your old home, and physically reinstalling it into your new home. If you have a monitoring system, you will have to inform them that you have moved, but otherwise, the process is relatively painless.
If you had a professional home security system installed, with a monitor service to go along with it, then there might be certain rules you have to follow when it comes to the equipment and services that you contracted. Some security system companies will not remove and reinstall a security system in a new home, but will instead offer to install a new one into your new home. They may also discounts if you purchase additional sensors, like smoke detectors and window sensors.
Alternatively, they might also allow a free removal of the security system, but you will have to sign up for a new contract in your new home. Or they will charge you a fee to remove your security system for you. Remember to read the contract and know you are agreeing to, especially if you know that you will be moving in a few years.
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[expand title=”Best Features in a Security System” tag=”h5″]
Some of the best features in a security system include wireless technology (not only some of the equipment but the connection between the control panel and the monitoring company), camera technology (with high definition, picture clear images and video transmitted), home automation (monitor and control temperature, arm/disarm of the alarm, lock/unlock doors inside your home at all times, by the combination of a mobile app and wireless communication), and updated basic technology (upgrades to the most basic of traditional security features have been made e.g. sensors are more reliable now).
You can use all of these features in concert with each other, or separately–it all depends on what fits your needs the best.
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[expand title=”How To Choose a Home Monitoring System” tag=”h5″]
You should consider six different factors before making your final decision when trying to find a home monitoring system that best fits your lifestyle.
Your first consideration should be the installation process. If you have never installed a home security system, then you should go for a professional system, where technicians will install it for you. Otherwise, a DIY system might fit your skills better, particularly since they are fairly easy to install, however, you will have to maintain them yourself. Next, consider whether you want a professional monitoring system or if you want to self monitor your own system. Self-monitoring won’t cost you anything but time, while it is the opposite of a professional monitoring system. Third, consider whether you want to be bound to a contract for any length of time. There are costs and fees associated with a professional system that you may not anticipate in the long run. Next, consider if you want to install smart home automation. This can be useful if you want to control your doors, alarm system, etc from the convenience of your phone. It is not that much more expensive than a traditional system, so keep that in mind. You should also consider the size of your home and whether or not you want home security cameras. The size of your home means that you may need several more door and window sensors than is traditionally offered in a basic home security package. Also, some companies do not offer security cameras as part of their basic package, so if you want extra sensors and home automation, you will have to add the costs to your budget.
Any of these factors could make your “basic” home security system much more expensive, so carefully weigh your needs and desires.
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[expand title=”Phone Lines Have Been Cut – What About My Security System?” tag=”h5″]
Sometimes your phone lines can get cut–either by thieves who want to disable your security system or by construction work. In either of these circumstances, it would be great if you had a cellular backup system and/or a wireless broadband system.
The majority of home security systems do have a cellular backup, which means that you can always get an alert on your phone if the worst should happen. There are two types: direct and indirect. A direct system sends an alert to the actual monitoring system that the security system uses, while the indirect system sends an alert to a third-party monitoring system.
A broadband backup can be used, but it offers the same drawback as a landline system. If your wifi is not working, then no alert will be sent via the broadband. This can be great for anyone who doesn’t have a landline, but still, be aware of the reliability of wifi.
If you want to have a great, reliable system, then a version should be implemented, where you have several different options in case your phone line is cut.
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[expand title=”If You Suspect Your Home Has Been Broken Into?” tag=”h5″]
This can happen to anyone–you come home, and something is off. Perhaps your front door is open slightly, or it has been left unlocked when you know you locked it before you left.
The very first thing you should do is call the police–even if, at this point, you only suspect your home has been broken into. This allows for the police to make a report and collect evidence undisturbed for your insurance company. It also prevents you from accidentally walking in on the intruder, which has happened before. After the police collect their evidence, you should call your insurance company to file a claim, and then look at your home security cameras, if you have them, to see if they show any identifying marks of the intruder.
This footage also serves a dual role–it can be emotionally violating to see your home being intruded upon like this, having your personal items stolen, and you can use the footage to assess any security weaknesses you may have. Perhaps one of the sensors in your home was installed improperly and needs to be fixed, or perhaps you did not install sensors at the side door that no one uses and is usually locked.
Lastly, you should clean up from the break-in, which will be one of the first steps to your emotional healing.
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[expand title=”Practice General Safety Tips” tag=”h5″]
The best safety advice we can give is to use what some may call common sense. When you are going on vacation, don’t tell Facebook or Instagram that you are out of your home. Wait until you come back to post vacation pictures. Check your locks–if anything is loose or could use with an update, do it! Also get into the habit of locking your windows, your doors, even your garage when you leave home for any length of time. If you have candles or anything that burns for light or scents, consider replacing them with LED faux candles, to cut down on possible interference with your security system. Lastly, install a security system–whether it is a DIY system or professional system–they have come a long way and you can get great deals on very effective systems now.
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[expand title=”Nanny Cam” tag=”h5″]
A home security system can also double as a nanny cam if you have need of it. Make sure to familiarize yourself with privacy and filming laws within your state before you install a home security system for that purpose.
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[expand title=”How Door Sensors Work” tag=”h5″]
Door sensors are the backbone of your home security systems, as they inform you every time someone enters your home. These are one of the easiest security installments you would ever make in your home, particularly as they require are the two sensors to be placed a short distance apart from each other (on the wall, then straight across on the door), with an adhesive. You can place these anywhere, even on your garage doors. Make sure to maintain them, as the sensors will eventually wear out and cease to work.
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[expand title=”Carbon Monoxide Detectors” tag=”h5″]
Carbon monoxide poisoning is known as a “silent killer”, due to the fact that it is an odorless, tasteless, clear gas that can cause permanent brain damage, if not outright death when you are exposed to it. It is mainly created by the improper burning of materials from several sources–your oven, car, dryer, etc. Installing a carbon monoxide detector can be done easily, especially since several home security systems now offer carbon monoxide detectors connected to their security devices. You should install several detectors throughout your home, at least one outside of each room, or at the very least, on each floor of your house.
If the alarm does go off, do not panic, just escort everyone outside so you can breathe in the fresh air, to replace any carbon monoxide you may have breathed in.
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[expand title=”Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms” tag=”h5″]
You should install several smoke detectors, at least on every floor of your home, in order to catch fire while it is still small. Otherwise, you risk your home burning up relatively quickly. However, it is recommended that you install a smoke detector in every room of the house–bedrooms, living room, and the kitchen especially. You should also install at least one smoke detector in your attic and basement. If either of these spaces is very large, install a second detector opposite the first. Place them very carefully, you want them to be within a foot of the ceiling, and away from vents, ducts, or windows.
Carefully make your decision when considering what kind of a home security system you should buy, along with any extra features you may want to go with it, to be sure that it fits with your lifestyle and needs. In general, home security systems are not tex deductible, unless you operate some kind of business within your home. Weigh up the pros and cons of each feature, and remember–your safety is what’s most important!
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