Security Alarm Products and Provider Reviews

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With more and more homes being broken into every year, a home security alarm system is the best way to protect your family and possessions.  Fortunately, there are many excellent alarm products available on the market today.  However, not all home security companies offer the same quality of products, service and value for your dollar.

Here is a quick guide to choosing the best alarm system for your home.

What are your Security Alarm Needs?

First, take stock of your home security risks and needs.  What sort of a neighborhood do you live in?  How much time do you spend away from home?

Here are some other questions to consider.

  • How many doors and windows will you need to monitor? Don’t forget about the garage.
  • How large is your home? Larger home require more work to wire and may be best suited for a wireless alarm system.
  • How active is your house at night? Do you have pets wandering around or kids getting up in the middle of the night?  This will determine the placement and type of motion sensors.
  • What is the crime level of your neighborhood? When have break-ins occurred?
  • Do you need additional external lighting or security cameras to protect and monitor your property?

Alarm Only or Monitoring?

Depending on your security needs, you will either want your home to have a simple alarm to scare off intruders, or be tied to a monitoring center to alert the local authorities in the event of an emergency.  Many established home security companies including ADT Alarm Systems, APX and Brinks Home Security provide 24/7 central monitoring service for a monthly fee.

Compatibility with Other Home Protection Systems

Many alarm systems can also be connected to other home protection systems including fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Make sure the security alarm system you choose is compatible with your current home protection devices, and supports upgrades and additions.  Tied into a central monitoring system, these systems will alert the proper authorities in the event of any emergency bringing an added level of protection to your home.

Having all of these systems integrated won’t necessarily make your home alarm system difficult to use.  Still, it may be a good idea to make sure every member of your family understands how to operate your security alarm control panel.  Major home security providers such as ADT, Brinks Home Security, APX, and Protect America all offer control systems that are easy to learn and operate.

Choosing a Home Security Company

Once you have decided on your security needs and the types of alarm products for your home, you will need to choose a home security company.  The “big four” home security providers (Protect America, Brinks Home Security, ADT Alarm Systems and APX) are well-established in the marketplace because they have consistently delivered quality home security systems and services.

Here are four factors to consider when shopping for a home security provider:

  • Choose a company that has been around for awhile (at least 5 years)
  • Is there a set price for the central monitoring service provided by the company, or do the fees increase regularly?
  • Is the company’s alarm system monitoring center local?  Some have their central monitoring center located in other states.
  • What is the length of the warranty offered, and what does it cover?