Installing an alarm or security system - what to buy, by Katarina Petrovic

When thinking about the safety of your home and protecting your family and your valuables, you might consider installing an alarm or a security system. It is proven that homes with security systems are less likely to be broken into, but there's just no price you can put on the peace of mind you get from feeling safe in your own home.

Five basic elements of security systems

Standard home security systems consist of five basic elements:

Control panel - this is where the wiring of your system ends, where the backup battery is located and where the system is connected to the phone line if it's a monitored system.

Keypad - here is where you arm and disarm the system. If you want, you can install additional keypads throughout in the house.

Siren - loud siren sounds when your house has been broken into - it alerts the residents - and the neighbors - that there's an intruder in the home.

Door and window contacts - when the windows or doors are opened the magnetic contact from a circuit between them is broken and the alarm goes off

Motion detector - an infrared or photoelectric detector senses when there is movement inside your house.

Types of alarms

There are two general categories of alarms:

1. Monitored alarm systems or "hard wired" alarm systems - these have wires inside your walls that connect each device to the control panel, and when the alarm goes off, the system contacts a monitoring company by telephone.
2. Unmonitored alarm systems, or wireless alarm systems, operate on batteries, and transmit their signal by radio frequency. When the alarm goes off, the siren sounds, but there is no contact made.

It is proven that homes with security systems are less likely to be broken into.

How to choose a security system

When deciding which security system to buy, it's important to get the system that covers both your individual needs and your price range.

Hard wired alarm systems require longer installation in order to hide wires inside the walls. They are ideal for homes that are located in the country without any neighbours nearby, since they alert a monitoring company by telephone when the alarm goes off. Regular maintenance and system checks are needed, as well as professional installation.

Wireless alarm systems are easier to install - less messy and you can try to do it yourself, although if not installed correctly it won't work. Also, wireless alarm systems can be moved to a new location in case you move. Wireless alarm systems are easier to install - less messy and you can try to do it yourself, although if not installed correctly it won't work. Also, wireless alarm systems can be moved to a new location in case you move.

The downside to wireless alarm systems is that you have to check and replace the batteries on a regular basis, and you also need to rely on your neighbours not only to hear the alarm but to call the police. With this type of system the best option is to have a combination of strobe lights and alarms, because many intruders leave once the strobes and the alarms are activated.

Price of security systems

Price of an average wireless alarm system, with sensors around windows, doors and motion detectors is around $1,200. The price is about the same for hard wired systems, but with those you will have to pay a monthly monitoring fee. This will vary from company to company, but it's usually not more than $35 per month. Some security companies offer their systems for free if you sign a long-term monitoring contract with them - from 2 to 5 years.

Security systems don't always stop burglars, but they make them think twice before doing anything. And even if somebody tries to break in, the alarm will often frighten the burglar away, and warn you and your family of the danger so you can get to safety while help is on the way.