How A Residential Alarm System Works To Make Your Home Safer From Intruders
A doorbell camera is an important tool for home security, but you also need an alarm system that alerts you to danger if you want the best protection. Here's a look at how residential alarm systems work, where to place your alarms, and how to monitor them.
How Residential Alarm Systems Are Triggered
Alarms are usually triggered by some type of movement. An alarm might sound if a door or window is opened and the alarm sensor moves out of alignment. Alarms can also be triggered by someone moving inside your house or out in your yard.
You can also have an alarm that senses pressure, such as when someone steps on a sensor pad when sneaking in a window. An alarm might also go off in response to a sound, such as breaking glass.
A quality alarm system overlooks false triggers, such as trees swaying in the wind or your dog walking up the stairs. This is important since you may turn your alarm off frequently if it goes off when there isn't a real threat.
Where To Place Alarms
A residential alarm system usually comes with a set of alarms. You might be able to add more, but if you're limited to what's supplied, you'll have to decide on the best place to use the alarms. Windows and doors are good places for alarms since intruders will try these areas to get inside.
Stairways or hallways are also good so you can catch an intruder before they reach your bedroom. You might also want an alarm on your garage door or on an outbuilding, such as a shed where you keep expensive tools.
How To Monitor Your Alarms
The benefit of having an alarm system is that the loud noise drives off intruders before they get in your house. This loud noise might alert your neighbors to trouble at your house. If you're home, you'll be alerted to an intruder right away due to the noise.
You might also get an alarm system that hooks up to your smart home system. This could send alerts to your phone so you're notified when an alarm goes off, even when you're away. Another good option is to sign up for a monitoring service. These provide real-time monitoring of your alarms. They'll notify you or your designated person when an alarm goes off.
An advantage of using a monitoring service is that you can usually buy an alarm system through them and have them install it. However, you can also buy an alarm system yourself and install it fairly easily if it operates wirelessly. Some wireless units are even suitable for apartments since no drilling is required.
