The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Security Systems

Delving into the Mind of Burglars

You know the saying, "It takes one to know one"?

Well, you don't necessarily have to become a burglar to know what goes on in their mind. It does pay to learn more about their habits though. This can help you better understand the growing need for security systems, alarms, and surveillance systems.

For instance, contrary to popular belief that most break-ins happen at night, more actually take place during the day. The likelihood of break-ins occurring between 6 AM and 6 PM increase by 6%.

In a study conducted by the UNC Charlotte, researchers found that 83% of perps would first try to find out the presence of a home alarm. If there is, 60% would move on to another target.

But here's the most compelling statistic telling us of the importance of home security systems:

Homes that don't have any type of security product have a whopping 300% likelihood of being burglarized.

Scary, right?

So, as early as now, it's best you start your hunt for the best types of security technology for your home. You have many options - from monitored to unmonitored types of alarm systems - and we'll discuss them in more detail below.

Monitored Systems

The monitored types of security systems are the most expensive option in the market - installation alone can cost you $900 on average. You also need to factor in monitoring service fees, which can set you back another $14.99 to $60.99.

In most cases, a basic monitored system comes with the following components:

• Central control panel
• Sensors for doors and windows
• Exterior and interior motion sensors
• Wired/wireless security cameras
• Siren/alarm
• Security signage (a yard sign or stickers warning potential burglars you have a security system installed)

The primary advantage of these security systems is that you know professionals monitor your home 24/7. As such, when something triggers the system, such as a break-in or a fire, the security monitoring company will know right away.

From here, they can contact the proper department (police or fire) to rush over to your home.

You may also want to consider a monitored system if you don't have the time or skills to install the system on your own.

Note, however, that you'll now find many easy-to-install alarm systems that won't take up much of your time.

Unmonitored Systems

Unmonitored security systems essentially have the same (or even more) components as their monitored counterparts. The primary difference is that they're not connected to a monitoring service.

You can also choose to DIY, which means you can save that $900 you'd otherwise spend for installation. This method also gives you the flexibility to choose among more technologies. As such, you can create a more robust security system for your home.

To give your home and loved ones adequate security and protection, consider the following equipment:

• Control panel
• Door and window sensors
• Motion sensors and lights
• Motion cameras
• Siren/alarm

You may also want to opt for custom security kits for an easier build. Add-ons are also a great idea, including fire alarms, smoke detectors, and glass-break detectors.

If you're worrying about monitoring, don't. Today's technology allows you to monitor your home straight from your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or any other remote-connected device.

In other words, you can track what's happening to your home remotely. Even when you don't have a monitoring company in employ.

Burglar Alarm Systems

Safeguarding your home isn't limited to installing monitored/unmonitored security systems.

If you don't have the budget to get all the above-mentioned components yet, then you can start with the basic burglar alarm system first. From there, gradually make additions for a more robust home security.

At its core, this type of alarm system already includes a control panel, a siren/alarm, door and window sensors, and motion detectors. The detectors send a signal to the control panel when someone (or something) trips them. The control panel then notifies the alarm, which sets it off.

Other Alarm Systems to Consider

Although ruptured home security is most often associated with burglars and thieves, you also want to protect your home and loved ones from potential safety threats. This means possible fires and indoor flooding.

Having a smoke alarm system can significantly reduce fire-related injuries and deaths. In fact, studies say that if all homes throughout the country use these technologies, they can prevent fires from claiming as many as 1,100 lives every year.

A critical alarm system, on the other hand, protects your home against indoor flooding, whether caused by natural phenomena or faulty plumbing. With the average cost of water damage repairs and cleanups running up to $2,585, this is one risk you'd want to avoid.

Need More Help in Figuring Out Which Types of Security Systems to Get?

Then please feel free to contact us.

We can help you choose amongst the best and most reasonably-priced types of security systems available in the market today. Whether you want to go the DIY way or thinking of a professional installation, we can assist you throughout the selection process.