Wireless Home Alarm Systems for the Budget-Minded

By Matthew Kerridge

A fundamental concern of home owners is the protection of their homes and families from danger-from intrusion by burglars, or from accidents or malfunctions such as fire, smoke or flooding. In the case of an emergency situation involving serious personal injury, they would also want to have rapid access to an ambulance or other assistance. A wireless home alarm system will provide that protection.

Wireless home alarm systems are less expensive than wired systems because home owners can install the system themselves and cut down on installation costs. These systems work on radio frequencies rather than through wires. Because of the many choices of wireless components, it is possible to select a basic set, and even purchase the system online to further reduce costs.

A basic wireless home alarm system consists of a control panel, sensors, key remotes, sirens, battery backup, and optional monitoring services. The control panel is the brain of the system, and controls and monitors all parts of the system. Magnetic sensors are attached to doors and windows to detect attempted entry by an intruder. Key remotes allow for turning on and off the alarm system from a distance. Home owners can opt to include or omit the external monitoring service, depending on need and cost. This service will activate emergency services, such as police, ambulance, or fire department when signaled by the control panel, and is an added protection if emergencies occur during absence from the home.

Additional components include surveillance cameras which can be placed unobtrusively anywhere inside or outside the home and connected to closed circuit television, so that the homeowner can view these areas remotely. Panic buttons can be installed, e.g., beside the bed, for immediate calls to the police or for other assistance if an intruder has gained entry into the home. Then there are the fire sensors, smoke and heat sensors, water sensors, freeze sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors that can be hooked up to the control panel to warn of potential dangers in the home. A new feature is AI (artificial intelligence), integrated into the alarm system, and programmed to logically analyze situations and act accordingly. This will also alert the homeowner if the sensor batteries are low.

By researching the Internet, home owners will find many websites that will inform their decisions, and advertised alarm companies showing what they have to offer. After getting a good idea of what a basic alarm system will provide, home owners should make a careful study of their property and identify those spots where sensors are needed. (The number of sensors can increase or reduce the cost.) They should determine the minimum number of components that make up a basic alarm system for their homes.

After narrowing down the choices of companies, home owners can then set up appointments for a home visit. The alarm company will do a site survey, explain what they have to offer, answer questions, and provide a figure showing the total cost of the alarm system. If possible, home owners can contact past clients to determine whether the hardware and services of a company would be recommended. Additional checks on companies can include whether they are UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed, whether listed with the Better Business Bureau, and whether they are members of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.

Budget-minded home owners will find that the money spent on a basic wireless home alarm system is well worth the peace of mind that comes with this added protection. If selected with the future in mind, the system will allow for expansion or upgrading, and furthermore, is portable and can be taken to a new home, or even used to protect a vehicle. Lastly, an installed wireless home alarm system may bring the benefits of reduced insurance costs, and added value if the house is sold. - 29954

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here