Choosing A Home Alarm System: Ultimate Guide [2024]

Introduction

A home alarm system is a crucial installation on your property. It ensures that you have peace of mind while away from home or during the night when you are fast asleep. The home security market is a massive niche; hence, you will find numerous brands in the market.

When selecting the best option for your home, it can be challenging to settle for one since you should consider many factors. If you want to know some of the things you should prioritize when choosing the right system for your needs, read further to learn more about this.

Cost of the system

These alarm systems come in different price ranges because of the different equipment they come with and other services that come with the system. When choosing, you definitely need to prioritise your needs first. Because, to be honest, going for the cheapest option you find on the internet or the store may not be the best decision to make.

On the other hand, the most expensive system may not be the right one for your needs.

It would be best if you also thought about the other hidden costs that come with installing the system on your property. For instance, if the company offers professional installation, you need to set aside some money to handle the installation.

DIY vs. Professional installation

When buying these home security systems, you need to understand that each company is different when offering this service. For some, they will give you all the equipment you require and the tools you need for installation once you purchase the product. Therefore, if you go for this, ensure that you go for a system that is easy to set up and doesn’t require you to drill holes, especially if you don’t like doing it.

The good thing about DIY installation is that it’s free. Professional is not. The company will send a professional expert to help install the system in your home. The expert will also help you identify the best areas to place the cameras and the best ways to set up the equipment.

DIY vs. Professional monitoring

Typically, home security systems come with professional monitoring or DIY monitoring, where you will have to do the monitoring and send alerts to security personnel by yourself. If you go for the professional monitoring option, it comes at a price.

Once the system triggers, it will send the alert to the monitoring officers, and they can send the security team to your home immediately. Both options are viable, depending on whether you can afford the cost or not.

The equipment the system comes with

Primarily, some companies will let you lease the equipment, while others will give you the equipment you require during purchase. Some brands also allow clients to choose between the two options.

Some of the equipment the best home systems provide include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, leak sensors, temperature sensors, panic buttons, a doorbell camera, security cameras, motion detectors, door and window sensors, among other equipment. Make sure that the equipment you require is enough for the size of your home and enough to help you feel safe.

Connection types

Another thing you need to be careful about is the connection type. Typically, most home security systems provide up to three types of connections. They include broadband, cellular, and landline. Landline is the cheapest option, which uses your home’s landline connection to notify the monitoring centre.

The cellular uses the same signal as your phone to alert the monitoring Centre, while the broadband uses high-speed internet. Ensure that the connection the company provides fits your needs. For homeowners who would like a portable system, go for the wireless connection.

Smart Home integration

Other than keeping your home safe from burglars and intruders, it’s always crucial to ensure that your home is safe to live in. Since brands also provide security systems with other equipment such as smoke sensors and carbon monoxide sensors, you need to ensure that the system integrates with other devices such as Alexa, your thermostat, door locks, etc.

It may come at an extra cost, but you are sure that the system can protect you if a fire erupts when you are away, and it can save energy costs.

Conclusion

There you have it. When selecting the best options for your budget and needs, ensure that you consider these factors. Don’t just settle on the first option you meet on the internet. Read a few reviews and expose yourself to other brands.