Installing a Home Security System

More than five million homes were burglarized last year and that number is increasing at an alarming rate. Communities that have rarely experienced home break-ins in the past now find themselves as prime targets for home robbers. The down turn in the economy has had a direct influence on the increase as more people resort to illegal methods such as home robbery to satisfy financial needs. Home robbers don’t necessarily wait until the house is empty; frequently they conduct their trade in the middle of the night while the occupants are asleep. Being the victim of a home break-in is a devastating experience that frequently results with the loss and sometimes destruction of personal property. As a result many homeowners are turning to home security systems to protect their property. There are many questions when considering the installing a home security system security that is best for you.

Having experienced more than one home break-in I asked a police officer who dealt almost exclusively with home robberies what he thought would be the best type of a home security system. His answer was “a dog” is the best home security system. The rational for his answer was that accomplished home robbers know their way around home security systems. They can detect and disarm most security systems in minutes. A barking dog in the house is much more difficult to deal with. The home robber has no idea if the dog is a trained security dog or just a friendly pet that will welcome anyone coming through the door or a window. In addition, a barking dog, friendly or not, alerts the occupants if they are home, and neighbors. If a dog is not right for you installing a home security system maybe right choice for protecting your property.

The primary question to consider when purchasing a home security system is what type of system you want. Both, wireless and hardwired systems are available from many different suppliers. If you are a handyman home owner and want to install a system yourself the wireless is by far the easiest to install and can be moved between locations quite easily. If you are an accomplished electrician a hardwired system may be a better choice as they cost less and are cheaper to install.  Both types can be effective in providing the security you want for your home.

 Modern security systems consist of several main components; a keypad control panel to allow the owner to turn the alarm on and off and program the system, motion sensors placed in numerous locations throughout the house to detect the presence of unwanted quest, and an outside alarm. Older systems used window and door trip devices to set off the alarm. Some of the modern system still use trip detectors on doors but rely primarily on motion sensors. Cameras that are normally used in commercial security systems are not recommend for home security systems. Pictures of a home robbery after the fact will do little to protect your property although they may assist the police in catching the robber.

What about a monitoring system. There are many home security system monitoring companies in large metropolitan areas, less to nonexistent in rural areas.  They are a very expensive service that usually does little more than alert the local police that a security alarm has gone off at your address. You can avoid the cost of a monitoring service by having your control panel directly set up to call 911 with a prerecorded message in the event that the alarm is triggered. Typically the 911 operator will attempt to call the residents back and dispatch a patrol office to the address.

Depending on your choice of system you can install an adequate home security system for as little as $300 - $400 in a few hours. If you lack the skills to install your own system there are many commercial home security companies that will provide system advice and installation. You should be aware that these companies tend to over design home systems that will do little to protect your property and cost hundreds of dollars.

The security system that is right for you depends on where you live and the type of house you live in. If you live in rural area a dog may be your best choice however, if you live in a high density urban or a suburban community you should seriously consider installing a security system to protect your property. It may be your best investment.