Home alarm systems are available with various levels of technology and a wide range of prices. A basic home alarm system consists of control panel attached to sensors either through wires or some type of wireless connection which is designed to detect the opening of doors and windows. More sophisticated home alarm systems use infrared technology to detect motion from an intruder. While some home security systems are designed to detect only intruders, many other security systems are designed to detect fires, or provide medical monitoring.



The quality of a home alarm system can vary a great deal, depending on the sophistication of the equipment and the experience of the installer. The most basic system can be installed by a home owner and typically consists of window and door sensors which will create loud noises when they are disturbed. This type of system is simply a home alarm system designed to rouse a homeowner to the possibility of an intruder. A more sophisticated system would have a professionally installed system which would cause an alarm notification to go out to a monitoring company who would then be responsible for alerting the police or other emergency personnel. The next level of a home security alarm system would contain fire detection, overall emergency monitoring, glass breakage sensors, and also motion detectors. Higher priced security alarm systems utilize wireless technology instead of the old style wire connections to connect the control pad to the various sensors. Some higher priced home security systems also include a two-way speaker so that the homeowner can speak with the monitoring company, which is especially helpful during a medical emergency. Most control pads also have codes that are used by a homeowner to set and deactivate a home alarm system. The most sophisticated home security systems also utilize outdoor motion detectors, but these must be highly sensitive to be able to differentiate between a human intruder and a small animal. The costs of outdoor detectors of this quality is very high. If outdoor motion detectors are poor quality, the number of false alarms will be quite high. Outdoor motion detectors and security cameras are available, but these are quite unusual in the average home and are typically installed for large estates. In addition to the basic cost of installation, there are also monthly monitoring fees for the security systems.

One major consideration in purchasing a home security system is the quality of the monitoring system, which is sometimes overlooked when a homeowner focuses more on the technology of the security system. Many homeowners complain about slow response times. It is always important when considering the purchase of a home security system to speak with other homeowners who have used the company. Also, third-party verification of the quality of the installation of a home alarm system is available through some insurance companies and national associations. Some local fire and police departments, as well as home owner associations may require third party inspections to ensure the systems work properly and will not set off false alarms.

Home alarm systems typically will give you the quality that you pay for, and the investment of money for a home security system requires careful research to ensure that you receive the best bargain for your money when buying a home alarm system.