The Most Common Types of Home Security Systems

Homeowners can protect their residence by investing in a home security system. Not all security systems work the same, however. In order to get the right level of protection that works for their needs, homeowners have to carefully pick from all the options on the market today. To make the best decision possible, the following information details what homeowners need to know about the various types of home security systems.

Built-In Alarms

New home construction companies often install built-in alarms during the initial building phase. These alarms use the dwelling's electrical connections to monitor the status of windows and doors.

When the windows and doors are closed, electricity flows through the sensors uninterrupted. Upon opening a window or door, the flow of electricity stops, causing the alarm system to beep and alert the household of the change.

Built-in alarms do not usually have a wall panel nor keep emitting an alarm until the breach is remedied. For that reason, these built-in systems are only marginally useful and are better replaced by an integrated system for complete protection.

Local Alarms

Local alarm systems go beyond the simple, always-on-alert system used with built-ins. Instead, homeowners can use a wall panel to turn the system on and off at their discretion. Local alarm systems usually require a code or other safety measure that prevents anyone from turning them off.

When armed, these systems use a wide variety of sensors that watch for:

• Windows and doors opening
• Garage doors opening
• Window glass breaking
• Motion in the monitored areas

If the system notices that anything is wrong, it will emit an audible alarm that the whole neighborhood can hear. The alarm usually keeps ringing until homeowners come shut it off manually. Upon hearing the alarm going off, neighbors may call law enforcement to inspect the home, adding another layer of protection.

App-Linked Alarms

When homeowners are away, they cannot tell whether their local alarm is going off. As a result, home security system manufacturers have started creating smart alarms complete with apps. Homeowners can then get alerts sent straight to their phones whenever their alarm senses something is wrong. If the home security system also has interconnected cameras, homeowners can even see what's going on at that moment.

With this information in hand, homeowners can either return home or alert the authorities to handle the issue. The apps may also include a neighborhood forum that lets homeowners share their info with other residents. Through those alerts, everyone can better protect their homes together.

Monitored Alarms

Monitored home security systems provide the most protection out of all the home security options available. With this system, homeowners not only get an audible onsite alarm and notifications on the go, but also direct monitoring from trained security experts. Whenever the alarm detects a problem, the monitoring team responds by speaking with the homeowner or calling the authorities.

Depending on the alarm model, monitored systems might watch for:

• Motion
• Smoke
• Fire

These alarms tend to have dozens of sensors that are put at various places in the house by the installation team. Those sensors tell the monitoring crew exactly where the problem is and what's going on, so they can appropriately respond.

With a clear understanding of all these home security systems, homeowners can make the best choice for their residence. Then, they can feel confident that their home is well protected.