Most Effective Home Alarm Systems

Hard Wired

• Hard-wired alarms are directly connected to the telephone line (landline). These systems are inexpensive and work well in homes where the telephone lines are not exposed. In homes where the landline is exposed, burglars can cut the connection.

Wireless

• Wireless alarms use phone lines, but they are not hard wired into the house. These are great because they are portable, they can be easily transferred to a new residence. These include cable-Internet connections and cellular network systems that contact the central station via a cellular network independent of cell phone service networks.

Control Panel Options

• All alarm systems have a control panel, but panel options vary. System control buttons arm and disarm the alarm system. Some include buttons to arm the system (or particular sensors) while in the home. Status buttons show when a door or window is open and some show a history of what has been triggered. Emergency buttons are available for police, medical, fire, panic and one-press emergencies. All panels should include at least one emergency button. Two-way calling can be configured. This allows the monitoring agency to check in on the homeowner in case of a false alarm or, in an emergency, they can send police and other emergency personnel.

Other Options

• Various types of sensors are available. Door and window sensors detect when a door or window is opened, motion sensors detect motion based on body heat and can be set for various sensitivities (Homes with pets should not use these), glass break sensors detect when a window is broken (window sensors will not detect a glass break), fire sensors detect heat and smoke, carbon monoxide (CO) sensors detect CO gasses.

  Besides sensors, the homeowner can choose to have 24-hour monitoring by a central station (this is more expensive) or use a dialer that calls a neighbor, police or the homeowner’s cell phone.

Choosing a System

• The first thing the homeowner needs to do is evaluate their needs. Determine what type of alarm to use, how many doors and windows need sensors, whether to have 24-hour monitoring or use a local dialer and what options fit their needs. According to the "Federal Citizen Information Center", "Local police are a good source of information and recommendations regarding security systems." Choosing an alarm company can be daunting with all the choices available. Friends and neighbors with alarms can provide feedback and recommendations on different companies. The homeowner's insurance agency might give discounts for having a home security system as well as provide useful advice on different companies.