Most Important Questions When Buying a Home Alarm System

There are a variety of alarm systems out there that are available for you to purchase. We want to go over some of the most important facts when you decide to buy an alarm system. Because of all the options, it can get a little tricky pinning down the system that you want/should get. Hopefully this list of questions will help you along in the process of deciding what is best for you.

What kind of alarm equipment does the company provide? This one’s pretty self explanatory. Is it free? Do you pay for it? Or do you just pay for the installation but not the equipment. You should NOT be paying for both!

Hard-wired or Wireless alarm system? We have been recommending a wireless alarm system for a while now. They’re easy to install, not a hassle and work just as well as a hard wires alarm system. In addition, if you live in a rental, a wireless alarm system is a non invasive way of installing your system. The system can be taken down and reassembled if you decide to move. In addition, it allows for simple, easy to install wireless home automation components like thermostats, locks and lighting controls.

On the other hand, hard wired alarm systems can incorporate a lot more sensors than a wireless alarm system. Although most home don’t need any more than 15-20 sensors. More companies also offer hard wired alarms than do wireless alarm systems. In the end it’s really up to you.

What types of monitoring does the company offer? There can be no monitoring, which we do not recmmend at all. But most people choose between a phone line, broad band and cellular alarm monitoring for a home alarm system.

Is there remote access? This is one of the newest, biggest things within the alarm system world. With the rise of smart phones, this is becoming a standard within the industry.

Hopefully these questions will help get you on the right track down the road!