Evaluate your home security system setup for best results

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If you decide to install a home security system, making a thorough evaluation of your home security needs will be a big help. If you can evaluate your home security system setup prior to picking a system or selecting a home security professional, you’re more likely to get the best results.

Most home security system companies offer a free evaluation and estimate of your home security needs as an initial step. Designing a security system by yourself can be painstakingly difficult but shouldn't be regarded as impossible. Even if you choose to get an evaluation and estimate from a home security professional, understanding what goes into such an evaluation will make you a better-informed consumer.

Entry points – your home’s first line of defense

One of the first evaluations you want to make regarding home security is just how many “entry points” there are to your home:

Doors – there are typically two to four exterior doors on the average two-story house that allow instant access into your property. These doors are commonly targeted as a way in by criminals and should be defended appropriately. Although there are many types of hardware you can implement, door alarms and automatic locks are commonly installed because of their cost-to-benefit ratio.

Windows – these offer another access route for burglars into your home. Homeowners will typically install window alarms or sensors that send a security breach message to the home alarm and/or to a monitoring center. These are typically the best way to defend your windows, but there are some other options. The installation of window bars or security curtains can be expensive but can offer a good level of protection. More and more common is the installation of “break window” sensors that can be more sensitive to intrusion and can also be harder for criminals to override or by-pass.

Motion sensors – are an excellent addition to a home security system. Motion detectors can be added to lights, triggering them when there is activity in an area. Motion detectors can also be added to alarms and surveillance cameras and can be set for varying levels of sensitivity.

Smile, you’re on camera – despite the cost of installing and maintaining video surveillance or security cameras, they can provide an excellent defense in keeping unwanted visitors and intruders away from your home. Cameras can serve as a deterrent to potential criminals as well as an important archiving tool should you suffer a home intrusion

Monitoring – is an important element for your home security system. Monitoring can entail something as simple as a tie-in to your cellular phone or Internet service where you can survey any triggering activity. Many home security systems include a monitoring center where operators can report to the appropriate authorities should a triggering event occur, as well as reporting to you, the homeowner.

 

When you decide to install home security alarm systems, remember to always research each company thoroughly and spend some time doing some pre-planning and assessment. Reply! can help you in these efforts by putting you in touch with local home security professionals, today.