Air Force
10-31-2004, 02:05 AM
Homestore.com Contributor
Admit it. You'd rather not think about someone breaking into your home. But each year there are more than 2 million burglaries in the U.S., according to the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA). Taking precautions before an attack can have profound consequences. Homes without security systems are three times more likely to become burglary targets than homes with such devices, the NBFAA reports.
Want to join the ranks of those who have an added deterrent at home for burglars? You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that home security systems are now increasingly advanced, and affordable too.
Common burglar alarm systems consist of a control panel, a security keypad, magnetic contacts for windows and doors, a siren and a battery for a back-up power source. More advanced technology now widely available, however, offers much more. Homeowners now may choose wired or wireless options such as motion detectors, glass break detectors and stress sensors, closed-circuit TV monitoring and panic buttons that can notify authorities in an emergency.
Detecting trespassers is only one aspect of protection for many of current security system models. Some systems can also help you in the event of fires or medical emergencies. Throughout the home, sensors working with these systems continuously monitor points of entry and detect dangerous heat and smoke levels. The systems can even provide early detection of freezing water lines and gas leaks before any damage has occurred. Wendy Kreutzberg, market manager for home security at one security-system manufacturer, Honeywell, says homeowners want a system that offers security and convenience. "Our customers like the fact that their children or older parents can operate the security system correctly."
Many security systems can also turn lights on and off to give the appearance that someone is home. Or, with the use of a keychain remote, you can disarm the security system, turn on your house lights and unlock the front door - all while sitting in your car in the driveway.
Security Decisions
The cost of a security system depends on these factors:
• The number of sensors placed on windows and doors
• The number of motion detectors
• Whether you want video monitoring
• Whether you use a professional monitoring service.
Also, the explosion of the home PC market has helped propel the security industry to the next level of home automation. With a standard PC, special software and a compatible security system, your home can become fully automated. Lights can be programmed to turn on and off. And appliances such as ceiling fans, heaters, air conditioners and the various components of the security system can be controlled to match your lifestyle.
"[Home security] products are becoming more consumer oriented," says Kenneth Weinstein, senior vice president for First Alert Professional Security Systems. Weinstein says his company's latest product ReadyGuard acts like a communication center. It allows you to leave voice messages for other family members and can alert you when your child comes home from school. It also has a paging feature that lets your family contact you with the touch of a button. "It's the perfect feature for youngsters who may not be able to remember phone numbers," Weinstein says.
Perhaps one of the most important elements of a security system is two-way monitoring. Home systems can be connected - via existing telephone lines - to a monitoring station that is staffed by trained security professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your system detects a break-in or fire, security professionals can dispatch local police or fire authorities. Signals that pinpoint the location of trouble are standard on most nonresidential systems and are becoming a popular feature of home systems as well. This allows the monitoring team to give authorities specific information that could save time, lives and property.
How Much Should You Spend?
Homeowners spend more than $15 billion on professionally installed electronic security devices and services each year, according to NBFAA estimates. But don't let that number scare you. The monitoring service you choose may be limited based on what system you buy and will probably be sold separately on a contract basis, so it's important to choose a monitoring service before installing a system. You can find basic systems for under $400, which may cover a few door and window sensors, a control panel, a siren and a back-up battery.
Current security system technology makes it easy for homeowners to install their own systems. This can save you money, but if you'd rather hire professionals to handle the installation, the NBFAA has these recommendations:
1. Ask your friends, family, neighbors, and insurance agent for referrals.
2. Call several companies and ask if their employees are trained or certified by the NBFAA
3. Contact your police department's crime prevention department, consumer protection agencies and the Better Business Bureau for an installer's work history information.
4. Ask the installation company representative to provide inspection information, recommendations and price quote in writing.
Whatever system you use, you'll be adding an effective deterrent to criminals. And that pays off in avoiding burglaries and giving you peace of mind.
Admit it. You'd rather not think about someone breaking into your home. But each year there are more than 2 million burglaries in the U.S., according to the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA). Taking precautions before an attack can have profound consequences. Homes without security systems are three times more likely to become burglary targets than homes with such devices, the NBFAA reports.
Want to join the ranks of those who have an added deterrent at home for burglars? You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that home security systems are now increasingly advanced, and affordable too.
Common burglar alarm systems consist of a control panel, a security keypad, magnetic contacts for windows and doors, a siren and a battery for a back-up power source. More advanced technology now widely available, however, offers much more. Homeowners now may choose wired or wireless options such as motion detectors, glass break detectors and stress sensors, closed-circuit TV monitoring and panic buttons that can notify authorities in an emergency.
Detecting trespassers is only one aspect of protection for many of current security system models. Some systems can also help you in the event of fires or medical emergencies. Throughout the home, sensors working with these systems continuously monitor points of entry and detect dangerous heat and smoke levels. The systems can even provide early detection of freezing water lines and gas leaks before any damage has occurred. Wendy Kreutzberg, market manager for home security at one security-system manufacturer, Honeywell, says homeowners want a system that offers security and convenience. "Our customers like the fact that their children or older parents can operate the security system correctly."
Many security systems can also turn lights on and off to give the appearance that someone is home. Or, with the use of a keychain remote, you can disarm the security system, turn on your house lights and unlock the front door - all while sitting in your car in the driveway.
Security Decisions
The cost of a security system depends on these factors:
• The number of sensors placed on windows and doors
• The number of motion detectors
• Whether you want video monitoring
• Whether you use a professional monitoring service.
Also, the explosion of the home PC market has helped propel the security industry to the next level of home automation. With a standard PC, special software and a compatible security system, your home can become fully automated. Lights can be programmed to turn on and off. And appliances such as ceiling fans, heaters, air conditioners and the various components of the security system can be controlled to match your lifestyle.
"[Home security] products are becoming more consumer oriented," says Kenneth Weinstein, senior vice president for First Alert Professional Security Systems. Weinstein says his company's latest product ReadyGuard acts like a communication center. It allows you to leave voice messages for other family members and can alert you when your child comes home from school. It also has a paging feature that lets your family contact you with the touch of a button. "It's the perfect feature for youngsters who may not be able to remember phone numbers," Weinstein says.
Perhaps one of the most important elements of a security system is two-way monitoring. Home systems can be connected - via existing telephone lines - to a monitoring station that is staffed by trained security professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your system detects a break-in or fire, security professionals can dispatch local police or fire authorities. Signals that pinpoint the location of trouble are standard on most nonresidential systems and are becoming a popular feature of home systems as well. This allows the monitoring team to give authorities specific information that could save time, lives and property.
How Much Should You Spend?
Homeowners spend more than $15 billion on professionally installed electronic security devices and services each year, according to NBFAA estimates. But don't let that number scare you. The monitoring service you choose may be limited based on what system you buy and will probably be sold separately on a contract basis, so it's important to choose a monitoring service before installing a system. You can find basic systems for under $400, which may cover a few door and window sensors, a control panel, a siren and a back-up battery.
Current security system technology makes it easy for homeowners to install their own systems. This can save you money, but if you'd rather hire professionals to handle the installation, the NBFAA has these recommendations:
1. Ask your friends, family, neighbors, and insurance agent for referrals.
2. Call several companies and ask if their employees are trained or certified by the NBFAA
3. Contact your police department's crime prevention department, consumer protection agencies and the Better Business Bureau for an installer's work history information.
4. Ask the installation company representative to provide inspection information, recommendations and price quote in writing.
Whatever system you use, you'll be adding an effective deterrent to criminals. And that pays off in avoiding burglaries and giving you peace of mind.