Guide to Purchasing a Home Security System

Purchasing a home security system can feel like a difficult job, especially when there are numerous options available, each having their own features, technology and levels of coverage. That said, how can you make a sensible, well-informed decision about which security system is right for you? This simple guide can assist you with choosing the most practical home security system for your home and family.

Factors to consider in a home security system:

Property Size

For larger homes (3500 sq. ft or greater), be sure the home security system has adequate features to protect all of the vulnerable entry points in your home. Most systems support a limited number of sensors and devices, so be sure the security companies are doing a thorough on-site evaluation of your home before recommending a security system your home (this actually applies to any home size - make sure they do an onsite evaluation...you'll thank me!). By comparison, if you have a small to midsized home, don’t purchase a system that has the capability to support a large number of devices, unless you really need to transform your home into Fort Knox. However, it’s vital that the system you pick has sufficient available features to safeguard the important regions of the house.

Lifestyle

Is convenience important? Instead of remembering a pass code, remote-activated arming devices enable you to arm and disarm your security system when you enter or leave your home. Do you want a security system that automatically arms itself at a specific time, like when your family goes to bed? Or, would you feel better arming your system manually? Depending on your budget, convenience features are numerous. Ranging from set it and forget it systems to manually using a keypad to arm and disarm systems. Either way, choose carefully because additional features add up.

Entry Points

The one area you must consider carefully when purchasing your home security system entry and exit point coverage. Statistics don't lie and burglars are extremely resourceful.

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• 22% of Burglars enter by using a back door
• 23% of Burglars enter by using a window on the first floor
• 34% of Burglars enter by using the front door
• 81% of Burglars enter by using an entry point on the first floor
• 4% of Burglars enter through the basement
• 2% of Burglars enter by using a second-floor entry point
• 9% of Burglars enter by using the garage door

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You can see, safeguarding the first floor of your property is vital as it represents the access point for 81% of burglars. Before selecting a home security system, it’s recommended that you assess every vulnerable access point in your home. Make a list or even better draw a diagram of the “entry points” in your home. Be sure to note the location of all entry points. This is extremely useful for home security companies during their evaluation. You know your home best and it ensures no entry points are missed. It will also help you decide where to install the master key pad that monitors your home. Some key pads need to be within a certain radius to your monitoring devices (wireless systems are a perfect example).

Your entry point list or diagram should be segmented by floor.

Here’s an example of an entry point list:

Ground Floor (1st floor)	Second Floor	Basement
Front Door	2nd Floor Windows	Basement Service Door
Patio Door	Skylights	Basement Windows
1st Floor Windows
Service Door (garage)
Garage Door
Garage Windows

View a sample entry point diagram >>

Pets

If you’re thinking about using motion sensors as part of your home security plan, you'll need to consider family pets. Since motion sensors trigger the alarm with.... you guessed it motion, you'll need to verify with Security Company that the motion sensor being installed has a "pet filter". "Pet filters" prevent the alarm from being triggered by motion from objects under a certain size.

Good luck in your search for a home security system!