Alarm systems are a necessity for every modern home. However, selecting the right system for your home can be a headache. With so many accessible options, the entire process can consume a lot of your precious time. 

In this post, we’ll tackle this problem and help you streamline the selection process. We’ll explain the various aspects you need to look out for while selecting a home alarm system. We’ll also cover some of the frequently asked questions for your convenience. 

Let’s jump right into it.

Guide to Residential Smart Home Alarm System Selection

When it comes to the selection of an alarm system, numerous factors come together to fulfill your needs at hand. Every factor holds the same importance in maintaining the overall security of your home. 

The list of these factors includes: 

• Alarm system types
• Alarm system features
• Alarm system reputation
• Alarm system integration
• Alarm system control unit
• Alarm system costs

Now, let’s discuss these factors in detail. 

• Alarm System Types

The first and foremost thing you need to determine is the type of your alarm system. Modern alarm systems are designed to serve unique purposes for your home’s interior and exterior. 

You can choose from the following types of alarm systems: 

• Fire Alarms
• Motion Detection Alarms
• Burglar Alarms
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms
• Water Leak Alarms

Every single alarm system can monitor specific areas on your property. For example, fire alarms are designed for your kitchens. On the other hand, motion detection alarms can be used for interior and exterior areas of your residence.

Once you decide which aspect of your property requires an alarm system, it is time to move on to the next factor. 

• Alarm System Features

The next thing you need to check for in an alarm system is the list of features it offers. Instead of going for a system that is the jack of all trades, select a system that is good at one aspect. 

For example, if you select a fire alarm system, it should only detect smoke and fire in your residence. If you find a fire alarm that can detect gas leaks, water leaks, and other kinds of leaks, there is a high chance that neither of the detection systems works effectively.

Even though it will increase your costs, the reliability of your system will increase significantly. Some of the features you need to keep an eye out for are: 

• Sensors
• Control panel
• Monitoring
• Integration with other alarms
• Easy of use
• Alarm notification

All these features are necessary for a reliable alarm system. 

• Alarm System Reputation

For the next factor, you need to research the reputation of the alarm system. This includes the performance, features, customer experience, and more. You can do this through two basic methods. 

We highly suggest that you get professional insight from various alarm system vendors. They can guide you through the performance and limitations of various systems with diligence. 

For an unbiased perspective, you can head over to online forums. On these forums, you can learn about the first-hand experience of homeowners with various alarm systems. You can use Reddit or Quora to find detailed questions and answers about numerous alarm systems. 

• Alarm System Integration

When you are selecting an alarm system, you are most likely to select multiple alarms. While this is a good practice on your part, you need to keep their integration aspect in check. 

Even high-end alarm systems suffer from integration issues that can be difficult to resolve. Ultimately, you need a system that can work harmoniously with other alarms around your home. 

Without proper integration, your alarm system can fall off in detection and notification. Both of these aspects are necessary for a reliable alarm system. You might even have to install a separate system for your alarms which can increase your overall costs. 

You can ask professional vendors about the integration capabilities of your alarm systems. 

• Alarm System Control Unit

With recent advancements in security, alarms are available with various types of control units. Each control unit has a unique interface and purpose. However, we recommend selecting a control unit with ease of access and ease of use. 

Both of these aspects are necessary to control your alarm effectively. You can use these control units to turn your alarms on & off, monitor activity, and more. 

In case of a malfunction, you can reboot your systems easily and get them back on track. Some of the common types of control units are: 

• Keypads
• Wireless control units
• Wired control units
• Central control panel
• Mobile app access

• Alarm System Costs

Last but not least, you need to incorporate the total costs in your final decision. These costs include the product price, installation charges, and maintenance overhead. Even a couple hundred dollars can make a huge difference. 

While it is mostly true that quality comes at a price, you can find similar options at a cheaper rate. We recommend that you explore your available options thoroughly. Paying extra money just because of branding isn’t a good practice. 

We suggest that you compare the price with the list of features. If the cost matches the value it offers then go for it. 

The Benefits of Installing a Home Alarm System 

If you are looking for a home alarm system, you are likely familiar with its benefits. Apart from the obvious security, there are other benefits of a home alarm system as well. Let’s see what they are: 

• Home alarm systems deter crime through their instant detection and feedback capabilities. 
• You can always have remote access to your home. This access spans doors, lights, and much more.
• Convenient insurance claims in case of a mishap. You can solidify your claim in case of a fire or a robbery. 
• Peace of mind even when you aren’t physically present on your property. 
• Reliable notification of any unwanted leaks around your home’s interior. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the feasible price range for a home alarm system? 

Home alarm systems can range anywhere from $600 to $3000 based on their features. However, you still need to pay for installation and maintenance separately. While it may be costly, it is a one-time investment to keep your property secure. 

What is the best feature of an alarm system?

The most crucial feature of any system is the sensor inside it. Its functionality determines the quality of an alarm system. Without it, any alarm system is pretty much useless. 

Can I install a home alarm system myself? 

Yes, absolutely. You can install your home with an intricate alarm system without any professional help. However, do your research beforehand and have the necessary tools ready. This way, you won’t leave anything unchecked. 

Can I connect an alarm system to my phone? 

Many modern alarm systems come with the option of a wireless connection. You can install the associated app on your phone and monitor the performance through your phone. You can even turn on or off your alarms with just a single press. 

Are home alarms loud?

The entire purpose of an alarm system is to notify you in case of an unwanted activity. So, yes. Home alarms are loud enough to gain your attention. However, you can set the sound levels to your personal preference. 

Conclusion:

This brings us to the end of our post on the selection of the best home alarm system. Many aspects create the perfect alarm system for your home. It is necessary to understand that every alarm system serves a different purpose and has unique features. Shortlisting your needs can streamline the process significantly. We recommend that you focus on the features, integration, and costs of an alarm system. You can put other aspects on secondary priority. 

We hope this information helps you make an informed decision in the selection of your alarm system. Let us know which home alarm system you think is the best.