Five Surprising Benefits of Home Security Systems

Everyone knows that installing a home alarm system reduces the chances of a burglar breaking into your home and making off with the family silver – or your new flat-screen television. But what you may not know, is that home security systems provide other benefits for your family as well.

Cut Your Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies offer lower premiums and discounts to homeowners who invest in protecting their properties. Check with your insurance agent to find out how much you could save by installing a burglar alarm, monitored alarm system or a full-fledged Honeywell security system. Depending on the options you choose, you could save a considerable amount of money.

Stop Waiting for the Cable Guy

The latest home alarm systems do far more than protecting your home from intruders. They actually allow you to control access to your home from afar, often controlled by an app on your iPhone or a Smartphone. With a smart security system installed, you can program a one-time-use lock code so that a repairman can let himself into your home so you don’t have to wait there to let him in. Changing the locks was never this easy before.

Program Your Locks to Phone You When Your Kids Get Home

Kids are forgetful. They know they’re supposed to let you know they got home safely, but how many afternoons have you sat there waiting and worrying? With the right key/alarm system, you can program your lock with a separate key code for each of your family members, and set it up to phone you when each of your children uses his key code to get into the house.

Monitor Your Home Remotely

With an alarm system that includes video monitoring, you can check in on your home from work or anywhere else you can access the Internet. That allows you to keep an eye on pets and nannies, or just check in to see what’s going on if you’re notified that your home alarm has been activated.

Allow Your Parents to Maintain Independence

Many older adults end up in nursing homes or assisted living units because their children worry about falls and accidents. A home alarm system with a personal alarm can set their minds to rest, secure in the knowledge that if mom or dad falls at home, they can call for help.

If you’ve been considering an upgrade or a new alarm system for your home, talk to a licensed installer of home security systems to find out about the latest advantages in alarm and security technology.

Tips for More Effective Home Security Systems

Any police department will tell you that home security systems help protect your property from intrusion and theft. Following some common sense advice when choosing an alarm system, an alarm monitoring company or a home security system installer can make your premises even more secure.

Don’t Count on Fake Security Signs

Real burglars know the difference. Generally, home alarm companies only allow actual customers to display their “Protected by” emblems. Any burglar operating in Houston, for example, would be familiar with all Houston home security companies and wouldn’t be fooled by a fake sign.

Contract With a Licensed Burglar Alarm Vendor to Have Your System Installed

In Houston, your alarm system must be installed by a licensed company or vendor who must register your new security system with the city. Working with a licensed installer protects you in case problems arise. Among other things, most localities require that licensed alarm installation companies cover insurance that will cover any losses resulting from a company or installer error.

Invest In A Monitored Alarm System For Better Security Coverage

An alarm that only sounds in your neighborhood if someone breaks in is only as good as your neighbors. If you live in an area where most of your neighbors are at work during the day or where your neighbors might not notify the police if your alarm sounds, it won’t do much good to protect your home. An alarm system that alerts a monitoring company or calls you to let you know that your alarm is going off is much more effective.

Make Sure Your Phone Or Cable Lines Are Safe

If your alarm system relies on your phone or cable lines, be sure that the lines are shielded from being cut or otherwise damaged. If your alarm system monitoring fails because the wires were disconnected, they can’t alert anyone that there’s a break-in.

Use Common Sense in Deciding on Perimeter Protection

Alarmed doors and windows provide “perimeter protection,” which is an alarm that sounds when someone gets into your house. Alarming every window can be expensive, so use your common sense. If your windows are easily accessible, you might benefit from glass-break protection. A combination of window locks, window bars and door alarms may be a more economical solution.

Choosing a company that’s experienced with many different home security systems offers many benefits, not the least of which is that they know the advantages and disadvantages of the various security types. If you’re considering a home alarm system for your residence, contact a licensed alarm vendor and get the benefit of the company’s experience.