If your TV watching habits are like those of most Americans, you've probably see the commercials from companies offering home security systems. Some of the more aggressive ads feature scenes of violent break-ins when a teenager is left alone or a couple is spending their first night in a new house.

The commercials are intended to shock you and get your attention. And statistics show they work well. But did you know there's more to a home security system than just monitoring for intruders? The best systems also monitor for smoke and heat that would indicate a fire, dangerous carbon monoxide levels, excess water levels, and suspicious activity from babysitters and other household employees.

The fact is there is a long list of benefits to owning your own security system. This blog is designed to keep you informed about all there is to know in the arena of personal safety. We hope you find our information useful and that you'll bookmark our site and visit us often. And an informed consumer is a powerful consumer...and a safe one.

What is a home security system?

As the name implies, home security system is the use of modern technology to avoid any mishap that may harm your home, your belongings and your dear ones. As described earlier, incidents of theft and burglary have increased at an alarming rate in the last few years and you never know when it might be your turn to suffer at the hands of such miscreants. It is therefore prudent not to take any chances and employ home security systems to enhance the safety of your home and family.

Home security system makes use of alarms, motion detectors and sensors to make you aware of any intrusion into your home so that you can take preventive steps that are necessary to safeguard your home. It is an elaborate arrangement of devices that are placed at various places in and around your home which are connected together and raise alarm if any burglar tries to break in your home.

Home security systems history

The history of home alarm systems dates back to early 1900's when they were first introduced in the markets. These systems were costly, difficult to manage, and were easily bypassed by the intruders. However, they sold in large numbers because people had no other alternative than to depend upon the surveillance provided by the guard they kept for the protection of their homes. Similar to car alarms in nature, a device was fitted in the windows and the doors which raised alarm whenever there was an attempt of burglary. But the home owner needed to present in the nearby area to be able to hear the alarm. Also, the burglars soon realized it was easy to shut the alarms and they entered the homes through other means.

With the passage of time, there were advancements in technology, and soon sophisticated home alarm systems were made which provided fool proof protection to the home. Earlier video monitoring was resorted to, but it proved troublesome as it was not possible for a home owner to keep monitoring the screens all the time. Modern home alarm systems work on the premise of deterring the burglar with loud sirens and at the same time inform the homeowner, wherever he is about the possible intrusion in his home.

Home security system products

In sharp contrast to earlier times, today there is a wide range of products available to anyone who goes to the market for home security systems. One can see all the products on the websites of companies manufacturing these security these systems.

If you have some valuable items, you can choose photoelectric detectors which work on the principle of beams which raise alarm whenever there is a person in its path. You can also choose a biometric fingerprint door lock which opens only when it recognizes your finger prints. Then there are glass break detectors, motion detectors, fire alarm detectors, and voice and sound detectors and so on. You can go for door chimes and driveway alarms which intimate if there is a person near your car.

Home Security Product Details

• Burglar deterrent
• Access control
• Door Alarm
• Driveway alarms
• Personal protection
• Medical alert systems
• Security lights
• GPS Tracking
• Monitoring services
• Security Cameras
• Power Supply and Battery

Security Systems

According to latest surveys, more than half of the burglary attempts on homes that employ security systems are foiled or averted, which is a compelling reason for everyone to go for these security systems. We cannot remain immune to what is happening around us, and given the rise in the graph of petty crimes like theft and burglary, we have to ensure full protection of our homes and our dear ones. The benefits of these systems are many, but one has to choose a system depending upon his needs and his budget rather than going by the claims of the manufacturer or the features that are loaded in a system.

Residential security systems

• Home security
• Apartment security
• Office Security
• Commercial Protection

Other Security Systems

• Dorm Security
• Marina Security / Boat Security System

Home Security System Monitoring

When going for a system for home security, you can use simple alarm systems or you can opt for a system that is more advanced and has features like constant monitoring which allows you to be relaxed as you can always keep an eye on your home, no matter where you are. The regular videos that you get with this system allow you to see the home from both outside and inside, and if you have got a maid or a babysitter, you can keep track of their activities all the time so as to be sure they are not snooping around.

Home Security System Monitoring comes with all the gadgets that can be installed at all the places that you want to keep an eye on. The system has alarms, motion sensors, a control panel and video cameras that cover all areas of the home. With video feeds, you can constantly monitor what is going on inside your home and have all the peace of mind. These monitoring systems are available in both hard wire and wireless systems. Hardwire systems are cumbersome to install, and it is better to have them installed while a home is being constructed as they require a lot of drilling and placing the wires inside the walls.

How Exactly Do Home Security Systems Work?

Home security systems are made by many companies and there are numerous types of security systems available in the market. Broadly, on the basis of working, they can be divided into two groups, which are hardwire and the wireless home security systems. As the name implies, hardwire security systems make use of wires to connect different components to the main control panel.

These wires need to be concealed behind the walls and under the floor. The installation of hardwire security system is cumbersome, and can be done only by experts. The system is robust and reliable though, and is still being used at commercial premises.

How Much Do Home Security Systems Cost?

The cost of a home security system can be variable, as it depends upon the features you select. There are many options for a customer in the market, and the basic security systems start with as low as $10, but they are not reliable and also do not perform to the satisfaction of the user.

As the features increase, so do the price of any security system. In any modern hardwire or wireless security system, security per point (door or window) costs $90-$120. It is a little higher for the sensor at each point. So, depending upon the size of your home, and the number of doors and windows you want equipped, the security system may cost between $1000 to as much as you like.