How to Buy a Home Alarm System

Each year more than 2 million American homes are burglarized, according to the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (alarm.org). Most of them have no alarm system. Electronic security devices provide affordable peace of mind, and recognizes and reacts instantly to unauthorized entry.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Survey your home and determine how many windows and doors you want integrated into the system.
2. Contact your insurance agent, a security system adviser, the NBFAA or your police department's crime prevention department for names of security system companies. Ask each company for an inspection, a recommendation and a quote in writing.
3. Decide whether you want to contract with a 24-hour central monitoring station for a monthly fee. If your system detects a break-in, it alerts security professionals to dispatch local police. Less expensive dialer accessories can link sensors to your phone lines and call preselected numbers if security is breached.
4. Consider your family's lifestyle. Do people or pets sometimes roam the house at night? Select appropriate sensors and locations.
5. Choose a system with a control panel that can monitor all the zones in your home. Each window or door integrated into the system is considered a zone. A basic system (about $400 without monitoring) can control eight zones, but many can be expanded to watch up to 32.
6. Determine locations for the control panel and keypads. The control panel commands the system and the keypads allow you to program the system and turn it or its components on and off. A typical setup puts one keypad near the front door and another keypad--and perhaps a panic button--close to the bedrooms.
7. Look for systems that connect to lighting controls, smoke and carbon monoxide sensors, and flood detectors. Also make sure system switches won't freeze in cold climates. (See How to Buy a Home Automation System.)
8. Choose a user-friendly code that everyone in the family can remember in an emergency. Try the keypad to assure that it's easy to use.
9. Realize that it's difficult to retrofit a hardwired security system. With a wired system, you'll have to drill holes in walls so wires can be routed. If you want to avoid this expense and inconvenience, choose a wireless system.

What to Look For:

• Sensor, control panel and keypad locations
• Some form of system monitoring
• Reputable security firm
• Hardwired or wireless system
• Add-on alarm options
• User-friendly system

Tips & Warnings

• The monitoring service you choose may be limited based on what system you buy. Choose the service before the system.
• With a key-chain remote, you can disarm the security system, turn on lights and unlock the door--all from your car in the driveway.
• Check that your system has a battery for backup power.
• Ask how often you have to perform maintenance tests.
• More and more false alarms are forcing police to change their priorities on answering alarm calls. Contact your police department to find out what their policy is.
• If any alarm or security system representatives come to your home, ask to see company identification to make sure they are legitimate.

Who Can Help:

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