Home Security Systems
Choosing the best home security system is a difficult decision that can impact the family, home, and other important assets. Given the large investment of a home security system, it’s wise for any consumer to understand the installation methods, equipment packages, and monitoring solutions offered by various companies. With advancements in technology, automation features are also appealing, but knowing where to draw the line is an additional challenge.
Buying Guide
1. Reviews
2. Features
3. Consumer
Profiles
Profiles
4. Types
Chapter 2: Features
What Home Security System Features Matter and Why?
Monitoring Services
Monitoring Services refers to the types of monitoring that are contracted with the purchase of the home security system. Industry standard will include 24/7 monitoring, as well as police, fire, and medical dispatching. Some home security system companies contract their monitoring to outside organizations, while other home security companies perform the monitoring in-house. Monitoring Services is a central category because accessing and acquiring assistance in times of need is the primary purpose of home security systems.
24/7 Monitoring
The company monitors your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Fire Department Dispatch
The company will notify the local fire department if an environmental hazard is occurring in your home.
Internal Monitoring
The company provides internal home security monitoring services instead of outsourcing these services.
Medical Dispatch
The company will notify a medical team if a medical emergency is occurring in your home.
Police Dispatch
The company will notify the local police if a break-in or other criminal activity is occurring at your home.
Sensors and Detectors
Sensors and Detectors outlines the equipment available for inclusion in the home security and monitoring system. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are common, as are door and window sensors and motion detectors. The best home security systems will also include glass break detectors, flood detectors, temperature sensors, and recessed door sensors. Most home security systems will include a certain number of sensors and detectors in the standard price of the system and permit the homeowner to add additional equipment as necessary. Sensors and Detectors is an important category because it identifies the actual equipment that makes up the home security system.
Alarm Sounding
The security system has an alarm that is triggered inside the house when there is a break-in or other hazardous event.
Burglar Alarm
The company monitors a burglar alarm signal received from your home and notifies you and the police.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide detectors are available that trigger an alert in your home while also sending a signal to the company monitoring center.
Door and Window Sensors
Door and window sensors are available that notify the monitoring center when a door or window is opened.
Fire and Smoke
The company monitors a fire or smoke detector and notifies your local fire department if necessary.
Flood Detectors
Flood detectors are available to help protect your home against water damage.
Garage Door Tilt Sensor
Garage door sensors are available that signal when a garage door begins to open.
Glass Break Detector
Glass break sensors are available that notify the company monitoring center if a window is broken.
Motion Detector
Motion detectors are available that sense movement and sends a signal to warn the owner.
Recessed Door Sensors
Recessed door sensors are available. These work like door and window sensors but are hidden from view and installed inside the door frame.
Temperature Sensors
Temperature sensors are available that monitor and detect significant changes in temperature within your home.
Wireless Sensors and Detectors
The company offers wireless sensors and detectors.
Home Automation
Home Automation is the ability to control events in the home through the home security system. This includes the ability to control lights, appliances, and thermostats from a tablet or other mobile device. Homeowners will be able to perform these tasks while at home, or while they are away from home on a mobile device or through an online portal. The best home automation systems will also include scheduled and event-triggered automation, allow homeowners to arm and disarm the system, and open electronic door locks. Empowering the homeowner to control nearly every aspect of the home is the mark of the most innovative home security systems. Advanced home automation capabilities like these will be ideal for those interested in a modern lifestyle that utilizes the best available technology.
Adjust Temperature
You can adjust the temperature of your house remotely.
Appliance Control
You can remotely turn small appliances on or off using a smartphone or Internet connection.
Arm/Disarm
You can arm and disarm your home security system remotely.
Change Access Codes
You can change system access codes for different people who may have to enter your home.
Electronic Door Locks
The company offers electronic door locks that can communicate wirelessly so you are able to lock and unlock your doors from anywhere.
Event-Triggered Automation
You can set your lights to react to alarm sensors or other events.
History Log
You can view a logged history of events that have taken place over a specified time period.
Home Alerts
You can automatically receive alerts from your home security system to keep you aware of what is happening in your house when you are not around.
Lighting Control
You can turn lights on or off using your laptop or smartphone.
Scheduled Automation
You can set a schedule for lights to be on at specific times of each day.
Mobile Access
Mobile Access identifies the functionality that can be accomplished on a mobile device as well as the availability of a mobile application. The majority of home security systems have an online portal that allows the homeowner to control different aspects of the system. The best home security systems enable live video feeds and real-time alerts to be sent directly to the mobile device through an Android or iPhone application. As technology continues to find new ways to revolutionize everyday living with wireless connections, the ability to access and control these innovations through common mobile devices will be increasingly important.
Android App
The company has an Android app that you can use to access your home security system.
iPhone App
The company has an iPhone app that you can use to access your home security system.
Live Video Feed
You can watch a live video feed of what is going on inside your home.
Real-Time Alerts
You can keep tabs on your home by receiving real-time email or text alerts.
Smartphone/Tablet
You can access your home security system from a smartphone or tablet.
Status Snapshot
You can get an updated status snapshot that shows what is happening in your home.
Web Access
You can access your home security system online.
Control Equipment
Control Equipment refers to the devices and panels associated with controlling the home security system while on the premises. Key remotes and a panic button are common features, but the best home security systems will include touch-screen panels, two-way intercoms, and medical devices. Control Equipment is important as it outlines the principal devices and interfaces of the system.
Cellular Monitoring Keypad
Keypads that communicate with the monitoring service through cellular technology are available.
Key Remote
The company provides a key remote or fob for you to control your home security system and alarms.
Medical Devices
The company offers additional home security devices for medical emergencies.
Panic Button
The company provides a remote panic button, which sends an alert to the company when activated within your home.
Touch-Screen Panel
The company provides a touch-screen panel for controlling the home security system.
Two-Way Intercom
The company offers a two-way voice intercom system to immediately speak to a representative if you encounter an emergency.
Wireless Keypad
The primary keypad for the home security system does not require a phone or Ethernet connection.
Installation and Setup
Installation and Setup addresses a broad set of features associated with the installation and setup of home security systems. Availability of custom and entirely wireless systems is identified in this category, as well as activation fees and relocation options. The more technically advanced home security systems will most likely require a technician-led installation, but some out-of-the-box options can be installed independently. Installation and Setup is an important category as it touches on some of the most fundamental decisions homeowners make when selecting a home security system.
Custom Systems
The company provides custom home security system solutions.
Free Activation
There is no activation fee to start using the home security system.
Homeowners Insurance Certificate
The company will provide you with a certificate of installation that can often be submitted to insurance companies and used to obtain a lower homeowner insurance rate.
Relocation Program
The company allows you to move your security system without assistance from a technician if you move to a new home.
Self-Installation
You can install your own equipment without the help of a service technician.
Technician Installation
A service technician will install your equipment.
Window Decals
The company provides window decals that show the home is protected by a home security system to warn potential intruders.
Yard Sign
The company provides yard signs that show the home is protected by a home security system to warn potential intruders.
Surveillance
Surveillance identifies the types of cameras connected to the home security systems and the functionality associated with them. The majority of home security systems will provide fixed video cameras and allow the homeowner to stream a live video feed to a computer or mobile device. The best home security systems will provide access to pan-and-tilt cameras and outdoor cameras, and will have the ability to record triggered events. Surveillance will be an important category for those particularly interested in having visual access to their home, office, or property.
Fixed Video Cameras
The company offers fixed video cameras to record happenings inside and outside of the house.
In-Home Surveillance
You can view live surveillance footage of what is happening in other rooms on the TVs in your home.
Live Feed
You can view live feeds of video that is recorded in real time.
Outdoor Video Cameras
The company offers outdoor video cameras.
Pan-and-Tilt Video Cameras
The company offers pan-and-tilt video cameras that can be accessed and operated remotely to view more than a fixed area.
Record Triggered Event
The video camera is triggered to record by an event like an entry, exit, or break-in.
Snapshots
The company offers a recording device or camera that takes snapshot photos of triggered events, like entries, exits, or break-ins.
Store Video Recordings
The company offers the ability to record activity within your house and store it so you can watch it later.
Support
Support refers to the types of resources that are provided by the home security company that are intended to answer questions and troubleshoot problems associated with the home security system. An email/ticket system is often available, while support through social media and live chat is becoming more common. The best home security systems will provide well-trained representatives available by phone to assist with any problems that arise. Keep in mind that this type of support is not the same as the 24/7 monitoring services provided by the best home security monitoring companies.
Email/Ticket
The company has an email or ticket system dedicated to support.
Live Chat
You can contact the company through live chat to get support.
Phone
You can contact the company by phone to get support.
Social Media
You can contact the company with questions through social media websites.
Learning Materials
Learning Materials includes the resources available to assist with learning how to operate and best utilize the home security system independent of support personnel. A thorough user guide is a must for this category. Blogs, FAQs, and other online resources are also appreciated. The best home security systems will also provide video tutorials that demonstrate the most difficult or important functions. Learning Materials is a less important category, but those interested in mastering the home security system on their own will find these resources to be useful.
Blog
The company provides a blog with security tips and other relevant information.
FAQs
The company provides a list of answers to frequently asked questions.
Knowledge Base
The company provides a knowledge base of detailed help articles.
User Guide
A user guide or training manual is provided by the company.
Video Tutorials
The company provides video tutorials.
Chapter 3: Consumer Profiles
Who Uses Home Security Systems?
Conservationist
The conservationist is pleased with the additional protection offered by the home security system, but they’re mostly interested in the ability to monitor and control the energy consumption in their home. For the conservationist, controlling lights, temperature, and other appliances through home automation is the single most important aspect of the home security system. Contracting with a home security company that promotes and endorses energy efficiency is an added bonus.
Pet Lover
Pet lovers often spend a lot of time away from home, but are interested in the well-being of their pets. The most important features for pet lovers will be pan-and-tilt cameras and the ability to stream live video to an online portal or mobile device. Controlling the lights and temperature of the home will also be valued by pet lovers, as well sensors and detectors that distinguish between human and animal motion.
Deal Seeker
The deal seeker is interested in finding the best possible home security system at the lowest possible price. Deal seekers will tend to avoid professional installations and will definitely be sure to not get locked into a long contract. The deal seeker is willing to trade features, in order to get the lowest price.
DIY Homeowner
The DIY homeowner is interested in a relatively basic system that can be installed on without a professional technician. They understand the benefits of a home security system, but don’t get carried away with many extras. The DIY homeowner will likely prefer an out-of-the-box solution, with a simple keypad, window/door sensors, and motion detectors.
Rental Property/Second Home Owner
The rental property owner maintains a home that is rented by tenants. The rental property owner knows that the value of the home often increases with a quality home security system, and that renters appreciate the added security. Cameras inside the home will be avoided, but outdoor cameras will occasionally be installed. Basic window/door sensors, smoke detectors, carbon dioxide sensors, and a simple keypad will all be features the rental property owner will value.
Recommended Products:
Frequent Traveller
The frequent traveller is someone that spends a lot of time away from the primary residence. A comprehensive burglar alarm is critical for the frequent traveler. Scheduled and event-triggered automation, as well as temperature sensors and smoke detectors will also be important features.
Average Homeowner
The average homeowner is interested in a quality system at a reasonable rate. The average homeowner could go with a home security system that is either professionally installed or out-of-the-box. They might occasionally spring for some of the additional sensors and detectors, but for the most part, they’re happy with the standard packages.
Working Parent
The working parent is away from the home for most of the day, but has children that come and go. Working parents will value being able to check-in through live streaming video, receive event-triggered alerts, and have the ability to control the system through an online portal. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, panic buttons, and other basics are also appreciated.
High-Security Homeowner
The high-security homeowner understands that the home is a valuable asset and wants to take the necessary precautions to protect it. They will appreciate a more advanced, professionally installed system, with pan-and-tilt cameras, outdoor cameras, and the most comprehensive sensors and detectors. Any home automation features are an added bonus, but security is the fundamental concern for the high-security homeowner.
Senior Citizen
The senior citizen is a relatively elderly homeowner interested in a more basic home security system. As long as the system is easy to use and covers the fundamentals, the senior citizen will be pleased. Concerned family members will also value home security systems that offer medical devices, panic buttons, and two-way intercoms.
Home Automater
The home automater is obsessed with having the most technologically advanced and connected home possible. The added protection that comes with a security system is a nice bonus, but the home automater is all about controlling the lighting, appliances, home temperatures, door locks, and any other new or innovative feature, all from a tablet or other device.
Chapter 4: Product Types
What are the Different Types of Home Security Systems?
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Home Security Systems
As implied by the name, a do-it-yourself (DIY) system is a home security system that the homeowner installs independent of an installation technician. A basic DIY home security system will come in a package that contains the main keypad and door, window, and motion sensors. Although it may sound like a daunting task to some, installing a DIY home security system is actually fairly simple. Window, door, and motion sensors have heavy-duty sticky pads that enable them to stick to most surfaces and can be installed on the majority of windows and doors. The main keypad will generally require a phone line or Ethernet cable connection, but all sensors and detectors will communicate to the keypad wirelessly. Many DIY home security systems will also provide video tutorials and support via phone to assist with the installation process.
One important aspect to be aware of when selecting a home security system is the length of the contract. Generally speaking, out-of-the-box systems like these will have shorter contract requirements. Another positive aspect of DIY home security systems is the ability to take the system and install it at another location if the homeowner moves to a new residence. Because DIY home security systems often sell hardware from major retailers, it is also easy to add additional equipment to the home security system.
Technician-Installed Home Security Systems
Technician-installed home security systems will require a professional technician to complete the installation. The benefit of this type of installation is that the homeowner won’t have to worry about doing any of the work. The primary keypad is typically mounted on a wall in a convenient place with power being delivered behind the wall. Detectors and sensors are also placed throughout the house and communicate wirelessly with the primary keypad.
A typical technician-installed home security system package will include a keypad, a few window and door sensors, and a motion sensor. One unique feature of technician-installed systems is that the standard system hardware will be given to the homeowners for no charge. Homeowners will be given the option to buy additional equipment if desired and there is usually an installation or activation fee. Getting free, high-quality home security equipment is a great feature; however, homeowners should be advised that free equipment is typically a signal that contract requirements will be relatively lengthy. It is not uncommon for home security contracts of this nature to extend for three to five years.
Wireless vs. Cellular Home Security Systems
One important distinction to understand with home security systems is the difference between wireless and cellular systems. All of the best home security systems will utilize wireless technology to connect the keypad to sensors, detectors, and other home security equipment. However, cellular technology is the ability for the home security system to communicate wirelessly to the monitoring system, and this is a functionality not found in all home security systems. The best home security systems will include wireless capabilities to the sensors and detectors in the home and will communicate to the monitoring center via cellular transmission.
