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“Arm Away” vs. “Arm Stay” What’s The Difference?

Posted on February 26, 2026February 26, 2026 by Alexandra Thompson

Choosing the right arming mode is one of the most important parts of using a home security system correctly. Many homeowners see options like Arm Away and Arm Stay on their keypad or app, but are not always sure which one offers the right protection for the situation. Using the wrong mode can lead to false alarms, gaps in coverage, or simply not getting the full benefit of your alarm system.

As a general rule, security professionals recommend Arm Away when the home will be empty and Arm Stay when someone remains inside. In this guide, we’ll break down arm away vs arm stay in simple terms, explain how each mode typically works, and help you choose the right setting for daytime, nighttime, family routines, pets, and everyday home security.

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What Does Arm Away Mean?

Arm Away is the setting you use when everyone is leaving the house.

When your system is set to Arm Away, it typically activates:

Perimeter sensors, such as door and window contacts
Interior motion detectors
Other devices included in your security setup, depending on system programming

The purpose of Arm Away is to fully secure the property when no one is inside. Because the home is expected to be empty, motion detectors are turned on to detect movement if someone enters unlawfully.

Use Arm Away When:

You leave for work
You go on vacation
You leave the house to run errands
The entire household is away

What Does Arm Stay Mean?

Arm Stay is the setting you use when someone is still inside the house.

When your system is set to Arm Stay, it usually activates:

Perimeter sensors, such as doors and windows
Selected protection zones around the home

In most systems, interior motion detectors are bypassed or turned off during Arm Stay. This allows you to move around inside the home without triggering the alarm, while still keeping the outer perimeter protected.

Use Arm Stay When:

You are home for the evening
Your family is asleep upstairs
You want overnight protection
Someone is staying inside while others are out

Arm Away vs Arm Stay: The Main Difference

The main difference between arm away vs arm stay is simple:

Arm Away protects the home when no one is inside
Arm Stay protects the home when people are inside
The biggest functional difference is usually the motion detectors.

In most systems:

Arm Away = doors, windows, and interior motion sensors are active

Arm Stay = doors and windows are active, but interior motion sensors are not

This is what allows you to stay inside comfortably while still keeping your home secured.

Arm Away vs Arm Stay: Which One Is Better?

Neither setting is “better” in every situation. The right choice depends on whether the home is occupied.

Choose Arm Away if:

Everyone is leaving
You want full protection, including motion detection
The house will be empty for a period of time

Choose Arm Stay if:

You are home but want security protection
You are sleeping and want perimeter protection overnight
You want to avoid setting off interior motion detectors while moving around indoors

In other words, the better option in the arm away vs arm stay comparison is the one that matches what is happening in your home at that moment.

Why Arm Stay Is Important at Night

Many homeowners make the mistake of only using their alarm system when they leave the house. But one of the smartest ways to use a security system is to arm it in Stay mode at night.

When you choose Arm Stay before bed, your system can help protect:

Exterior doors
Ground-floor windows
Entry points around the home

At the same time, you can still get up during the night without triggering interior motion sensors.

For many families, this is one of the most practical and valuable uses of a home alarm system.

Common Mistakes People Make With Arm Away and Arm Stay

Understanding arm away vs arm stay also means knowing what not to do. Here are some common mistakes:

Using Arm Away While Someone Is Still Inside

If interior motion detectors are active and someone walks through the house, the alarm may trigger.

Forgetting to Arm the System at Night

Many break-ins happen through doors or windows. If the system is not armed in Stay mode, that layer of protection may be missing.

Assuming Every System Works Exactly the Same

While most alarm systems follow the same basic logic, programming can vary by brand and installer. Some systems have additional settings like Night mode, instant arming, or custom sensor bypasses.

Not Knowing Which Sensors Are Active

It’s important to understand exactly what your system does in each mode. If you are unsure, check your keypad, mobile app, or ask your alarm provider to walk you through it.

Does Arm Stay Turn Off Motion Sensors?

In most professionally installed alarm systems, yes—Arm Stay usually bypasses interior motion detectors.

That said, not all systems are programmed exactly alike. Some homes may have:

Specific motion detectors left active
Separate zones customized for certain areas
Additional settings for garages, basements, or detached buildings

If you are comparing arm away vs arm stay on your own system, it is always a good idea to verify how your installer configured each mode.

Does Arm Away Activate Every Sensor?

Arm Away generally activates the full security setup, including perimeter protection and interior devices like motion detectors. However, the exact behavior depends on your system design.

For example, some homes may also include:

Glass break detectors
Smoke or heat detectors
Flood sensors
Carbon monoxide detectors
Smart home integrations
Life-safety devices like fire and carbon monoxide detection are often active all the time, regardless of whether the system is set to Arm Away or Arm Stay.

Arm Away vs Arm Stay for Families, Pets, and Daily Life

Your daily routine matters when deciding between these two modes.

If You Have Pets

Some motion detectors are pet-friendly, but not all are. If your pet moves through a protected area while the system is in Arm Away mode, it could potentially cause issues unless the detector is designed and installed correctly.

If Someone Is Working From Home

Arm Stay is often the better choice if one person remains in the home while others leave.

If Kids Are Sleeping Upstairs

Arm Stay is ideal overnight because it helps secure doors and windows while allowing movement inside the house if needed.

How to Choose the Right Setting Every Time

A simple rule can make this easy:

Leaving the house? Use Arm Away.

Staying in the house? Use Arm Stay.

That’s the easiest way to remember the difference in the arm away vs arm stay decision.

You can also build this into your routine:

Arm Away when the last person leaves
Arm Stay before bed each night
Review your app or keypad to confirm the correct mode is active

FAQ: Arm Away vs Arm Stay

What is the difference between Arm Away and Arm Stay?

Arm Away is used when no one is home and usually activates both perimeter and interior motion sensors. Arm Stay is used when someone is home and usually keeps perimeter sensors active while bypassing interior motion detectors.

Should I use Arm Stay at night?

Yes, Arm Stay is commonly the best setting for nighttime because it protects doors and windows while allowing people to move inside the home without triggering interior motion sensors.

Will Arm Away set off the alarm if I am inside?

It can. In many systems, Arm Away activates interior motion detectors, so moving around inside may trigger the alarm.

Does Arm Stay still protect doors and windows?

Yes. In most systems, Arm Stay keeps perimeter protection active, including door and window sensors.

Which is better: Arm Away or Arm Stay?

Neither is universally better. Arm Away is best when the home is empty. Arm Stay is best when people are inside.

Final Thoughts on Arm Away vs Arm Stay

When it comes to arm away vs arm stay, the difference is all about whether the home is occupied.

Use Arm Away when everyone leaves and you want full protection, including motion detection. Use Arm Stay when people are still inside and you want perimeter protection without triggering interior sensors.

Knowing how to use these settings correctly helps you get more value from your security system, improve your day-to-day safety, and reduce the chance of false alarms.

If you are unsure how your current alarm system is programmed, it’s worth reviewing the setup with your security provider so you can use every feature with confidence.

With questions please feel free to contact our Alarm New England security experts using the button below!

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Smoke Alarm Chirping? Here’s How to Stop It (Fast)

Posted on February 19, 2026February 20, 2026 by Alexandra Thompson

If your smoke alarm is chirping, it’s trying to tell you something. This usually means a low battery, but sometimes a dirty sensor, humidity, end-of-life warning, or even wiring issues in hardwired models. The good news: most chirping can be fixed in 5 to 15 minutes with the steps below.

Quick note: “Chirping” is typically a single short beep every 30 to 60 seconds. A continuous loud alarm is different. Be sure to treat that as a potential emergency.

Quick Fix Checklist (Do This First)

Figure out which alarm is chirping (it’s often not the one you think).

Replace the battery (even if you replaced it “recently”).

Reset the alarm (this clears lingering low-battery memory).

Clean the alarm (dust can trigger chirps).

Check the manufacture date (many alarms chirp when they’re too old).

If you want the fastest possible solution, jump to Step 2 and Step 3. Those solve the problem in most cases.

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Step 1: Identify Which Smoke Alarm Is Chirping

Chirps echo and bounce, so people often replace the battery in the wrong unit.

How to find the chirping alarm:

Stand under each alarm and listen for the chirp.
Look for a blinking LED. Many models blink differently when signaling trouble.
If alarms are interconnected, one problem unit can cause confusion.

Pro tip: Use your phone’s voice memo app and record as you walk room-to-room. The chirping alarm often stands out on playback.

Step 2: Replace the Battery (Even If You Think It’s Fine)

Low battery is the #1 reason for smoke alarm chirping.

Use the right battery

Most units use a 9V, AA, or CR123A battery.
Some newer alarms have a sealed 10-year battery (you can’t replace it; chirping may indicate end-of-life).

Do it correctly

Open the battery compartment.
Remove the old battery.
Press and hold the TEST button for 10 to 15 seconds (this helps drain residual power).
Install the new battery, ensuring the contacts are snug and correct polarity is aligned.
Close the compartment fully. Many alarms chirp if the battery door isn’t seated.

Important: If your smoke alarm chirps at night, temperature drops can make weak batteries dip below threshold. It will be more likely to chirp when you’re trying to sleep.

Step 3: Reset the Smoke Alarm (This Stops “Memory Chirps”)

Sometimes the battery is fine, but the alarm continues chirping because it “remembers” a low-battery state.

Reset method (works for many brands):

Remove the battery.
If it’s hardwired, turn off power at the breaker and disconnect the alarm from its harness.
Press and hold the TEST button for 15 to 30 seconds.
Reconnect (hardwired) and restore power, then reinstall the battery.
Press TEST again to confirm normal operation.

If the chirping stops for a bit and comes back, keep going. There’s likely another cause below (dust, humidity, or end-of-life).

Step 4: Clean the Smoke Alarm (Dust Can Trigger Chirping)

Dust, lint, and even tiny insects can interfere with the sensor. This is common in kitchens, hallways, or near HVAC returns.

How to clean it:

Vacuum the outside vents using a soft brush attachment.
Use compressed air in short bursts around the vent openings.
Wipe the exterior gently with a dry microfiber cloth.

Avoid spraying cleaners or paint near alarms. The residue from these sprays can damage sensors.

Step 5: Check the Age of the Alarm (End-of-Life Chirping Is Common)

Many smoke alarms are designed to be replaced after a certain age. When they hit end-of-life, they often chirp even with a fresh battery.

Find the date:

Remove the alarm and look for a manufacture date printed on the back.

What to do:

If it’s older, replace the entire unit.
Consider upgrading to an alarm with a 10-year sealed battery (less maintenance, fewer 2 a.m. chirps).

Step 6: If It’s a Hardwired Smoke Alarm, Check Power Issues

Hardwired alarms still have backup batteries, and chirping can happen if:

The backup battery is low (very common)
The connector is loose
There’s intermittent power
Another unit in the interconnected chain is faulting

Try this:

Replace the backup battery first.
Reseat the wiring harness.
Check that the alarm is firmly mounted (some chirp if not locked in place).
If multiple alarms are involved, replace/inspect one at a time until the chirping stops.

Step 7: Chirping After Battery Replacement? Here’s What It Usually Means

If you replaced the battery and it still chirps, one of these is likely:

1) Wrong battery type or weak “new” battery

Some “dollar-store batteries” are inconsistent.
Try a high-quality battery and make sure it’s the right size/chemistry.

2) Battery door not fully closed

Many alarms have a safety tab—if the door isn’t shut, it chirps.

3) End-of-life warning

Common if the unit is older or is a sealed-battery model.

4) Dirty sensor

Vacuum + compressed air usually resolves this.

5) Environmental triggers

Steam/humidity from showers
Cooking smoke or grease aerosols
Temperature swings near attics, garages, or exterior doors

If humidity is the cause, improve ventilation, relocate the alarm if it’s too close to bathrooms/kitchens, or consider a model designed for those areas.

Smoke Alarm Chirping vs. Beeping vs. Alarm Sound (Know the Difference)

Chirp: short beep every 30 to 60 seconds (this usually means battery, fault, or end-of-life).
Intermittent beeps in patterns: often indicates a specific trouble code (varies by brand).
Continuous loud alarm: possible smoke/fire or urgent detection event.

If you ever smell smoke, see haze, or feel uncertain, treat it seriously and follow your safety plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is my smoke alarm chirping with a new battery?

Usually one of three things: the alarm needs a reset, the battery door isn’t fully closed, or the alarm is at end-of-life. Try the reset steps above and check the manufacture date on the back.

How do I stop a smoke alarm from chirping at night?

Nighttime chirping is commonly a weak battery reacting to cooler temperatures. Replace with a fresh, high-quality battery and reset the alarm. If the unit is older, replace it.

Can a smoke alarm chirp because of dust?

Yes. Dust and debris can interfere with the sensor and trigger fault chirps. Vacuum the vents and use compressed air.

How long will a smoke alarm chirp before it stops?

It often won’t stop until the underlying issue is fixed. If it’s end-of-life chirping, it typically continues until the unit is replaced.

How do I know if my smoke alarm is expired?

Remove it and check the manufacture date printed on the back. If it’s past its intended service life, replace it.

My hardwired smoke alarm is chirping—what should I do?

Replace the backup battery, reset the unit, and ensure the wiring harness is firmly connected. If alarms are interconnected, one faulty unit can cause chirping. It’s best to inspect them one-by-one.

When to Replace the Alarm (Instead of Troubleshooting Further)

Replace the alarm if:

It’s at end-of-life (per the date on the back)
Chirping continues after battery replacement + reset + cleaning
The casing is cracked, painted over, or damaged
You’ve had repeated false alarms or persistent faults

A new alarm is usually cheaper than the time and frustration of chasing recurring chirps.

So, What Are Your Next Steps?

A smoke alarm chirping is usually a quick fix: replace the battery, reset the unit, and clean it. If it’s older, it’s probably signaling end-of-life, and replacement is the real solution. Once you do those steps, you’ll typically get your peace and quiet back.

Hopefully this guide helped you get back to sleep quickly after a rude awakening from a chirping fire alarm!

For any help or questions with your fire alarm system, check out our residential fire alarms informational page, or get in touch with us using the button below.

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Who installs home security systems locally in Boston?

Posted on January 28, 2026February 6, 2026 by Alarm New England

Alarm New England installs home security systems locally throughout Boston and the Greater Boston area. With local offices, licensed technicians, and over 50 years of experience protecting Massachusetts homes, Alarm New England provides professionally installed alarm systems, security cameras, smart home automation, and 24/7 monitoring tailored to Boston neighborhoods.

Why Choose Alarm New England Rather Than Other Security Companies Near Me?

Local Boston-Based Technicians

Alarm New England uses in-house, Massachusetts-licensed technicians – not subcontractors. The technicians live and work in the Boston area and understand local building styles, permitting requirements, and security concerns.

Professional Installation (Not DIY)

Alarm New England systems are professionally designed and installed, ensuring proper sensor placement, reliable connectivity, and full system testing. This is something DIY kits often miss.

Smart Home Security Technology

Alarm New England is an Alarm.com Premier Partner, offering mobile app control, video surveillance, smart locks, video doorbells, and real-time alerts from anywhere.

24/7 Monitoring with Fast Local Response

All systems include professional monitoring around the clock, with rapid response protocols designed for Boston and surrounding Massachusetts communities.

SDM Magazine’s 2025 Dealer of the Year Winner

Alarm New England is the recipient of the 2025 “Dealer of the Year” award from SDM Magazine, one of the security industry’s leading publications. Founded in 1972, Alarm New England has protected tens of thousands of homes across Massachusetts, earning a strong reputation for reliability, service, and cutting-edge security tech.

If you’re searching for a trusted local home security installer in Boston, the next step is to schedule a free security consultation with Alarm New England.

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Home Automation Protocols Guide 2026

Posted on January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 by Alarm New England

Home automation protocols are the language that smart home devices use to communicate with one another. Communication is vital for smart home automation, because if your devices can’t “talk” to each other using the same language, controlling each one becomes more of a chore.

Because of this, it is important to understand how it works before deciding which is best for you and your home.

With about ten different home automation standards on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your home. There are two basic categories to work with: wired and wireless.

Common examples of wired protocols are X10 and UPB. These smart home protocols use your home’s existing wiring to communicate. Wired protocols are known for their reliability, but tend to be slower and more difficult to encrypt.

Wireless protocols, on the other hand, are typically faster and are compatible with a wider range of devices. These protocols — including Z-Wave and Zigbee — are able to connect and communication without relying on the use of power lines which makes them easier to ensure that they are secured. Many home security systems are compatible with Z-Wave, making it the ideal if you want full control of all of your devices on one app.

There are also a couple of hybrid protocols like Insteon and C-Bus that use a combination of both wired and wireless technology.

What should you look for when choosing a home automation protocol?

Compatibility: certain protocols restrict you to using devices that may not appeal to you, so choose one that is easy to use in conjunction with a broad range of other smart home products.

Easy to Upgrade: New home automation technology is introduced to the market constantly, having a system that is highly compatible with other products will ensure that you can add on more features and devices in the future.

Other considerations when choosing a smart home protocol include cost, power consumption, and bandwidth.

Popular Home Automation Protocols

Z-Wave

Z-wave is a popular wireless protocol that uses radio frequencies to to communicate with other devices. Developed in Denmark, Z-Wave has rapidly become one of the most popular protocols because it is supported by over 450 companies across the world.

Features of Z-Wave

It’s fast. Z-wave runs on the 908.42MHz frequency. This is a much lower band than that used by most of your other household products (2.4GHz). Since Z-Wave devices don’t compete with other household products for bandwidth, there is a lower chance of interference, which improves efficiency and speed.

It’s easy to setup. Z-wave devices like the Yale smart lock are known for being simple to set up and fairly easy to use. Z-wave devices are controlled via a central hub that helps you manage your entire home network. Once the network is set up, you can easily add in smart home devices that can then be controlled by the Z-wave home protocol.

It’s compatible with a wide range of products. One of the best parts about choosing Z-wave automation is that any Z-wave device can communicate with another regardless of the brand, version or type.

Currently, there are more than 1,500 Z-wave compatible devices available throughout the world. With so many options, you have plenty of options to customize your home’s automation protocol.

It cuts down on energy usage. Additionally, Z-Wave devices tend to use less energy than some other protocols which means you can use more while keeping your energy bill low.

It’s future-proof. As home automation products continue to evolve over time, Z-wave will remain compatible with both old and new versions of products. This is ideal because it means that you can keep your same protocol even as technology advances.

ZigBee

Zigbee and Z-wave are very similar protocols, although Zigbee is more common in Chinese-branded products. Originally developed for commercial use, today Zigbee is now used widely in both home and commercial automation protocols.

Features of Zigbee

Fast communication. Similar to Z-wave, Zigbee uses radio frequency in order to communicate. Zigbee runs on the 802.15.14 radio standard. Using a mesh network, Zigbee can achieve fast communication and longer-range communication. A single hub powers multiple home automation devices.

Easy to create for. Zigbee is an easy protocol for developers to design new products that are compatible with it. Currently, there are over 1,200 products that are compatible with Zigbee. This is an open technology with new products being created all the time.

Low power consumption. One of the most powerful benefits of choosing Zigbee for your smart home automation is its super low power consumption. Zigbee is incredibly efficient, so you can actually operate a Zigbee device on the same set of batteries for years at a time.

Cut down on battery usage. Speaking of efficiency, Zigbee offers green power which eliminates the need to use batteries all together. This means you don’t have to worry about buying new batteries and that you can feel good about being environmentally friendly and efficient.

Improved security. Additionally, Zigbee is one of the most secure protocols available. It uses the same 128-bit bank-level encryption that most major financial systems utilize.

One issue Zigbee has faced in the past is having poor interoperability, meaning some Zigbee devices were unable to communicate with each other properly. However, newer versions of Zigbee have entered the market that aim to solve this issue and work well with other devices regardless of their brand.

Insteon

Insteon is unique in that it uses a mix of wired and wireless technology. It uses a patented dual-mesh network that utilizes both hardwired and wireless communication to help eliminate the weaknesses of both. There are multiple pathways for messages to travel.

Features of Insteon

An Insteon hub will connect with all Insteon compatible devices. You then have control of your home via smartphone, tablet or computer. It is also X10 compatible which means that you can add wireless capability to an existing X10 network.

Extremely easy to use. One of the major benefits of choosing Insteon is its use of use. Regardless of high technically inclined you are, you will be able to get the Insteon home automation standard up and running with relative ease.

Simple setup: If you know how to operate a smart phone, you will be able to operate this system. Additionally, all Insteon compatible devices are automatically added to the network as soon as you power them on, making set up a breeze.

Limited product options. There are over 200 compatible devices to automate your home. Insteon makes all of the products that use their protocol, meaning it is less compatible with products made by other manufacturers.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless smart home automation technology that uses radio waves to communicate. All Bluetooth devices contain a computer chip with Bluetooth software that allows it to simply connect with other devices.

Features of Bluetooth

Bluetooth’s compatibility is excellent. You can connect any Bluetooth enable device to any other Bluetooth enabled device with ease.

You can noticeable energy savings. One of the biggest benefits to choosing Bluetooth for your home automation standard is that it uses significantly less energy than other alternatives. This is ideal for those who like to monitor their energy consumption and be environmentally friendly.

Limited range of communication. One downfall of this automation is that it tends to have a limited range, so your device may stop working if you move out of range. Fortunately, this might change as technology improvements are underway that will eventually allow Bluetooth to have a larger range that can better compete with ZigBee and Z-wave protocols.

UPB

UPB is short for universal powerline bus. This is a wired protocol that was created back in 1999 and remains one of the more technically advanced protocols.

Features of UPB

UPB makes use of your home’s existing wiring to communicate between devices. This is not as user-friendly, but can provide more reliability if that’s a higher priority. As with Z-Wave and Zigbee, UPB-compatible devices are linked to one another using a central home controller. Each device needs to be manually set up to the network, making this a setup more time-consuming.

Reliable.Because it uses your home’s electric wires, it doesn’t run into as many interference and range issues that wireless protocols do. If you are somewhat tech-savvy and value reliability, UPB may be a great option for your smart home automation protocol.

Limited compatibility. Although UPB has been on the market for awhile now, it is not compatible with as many home automation products as some other choices. UPB is also known for being difficult to connect with wireless devices, limiting your ability to upgrade your smart home system with additional equipment down the line.

Conclusion

These are only some of the most popular protocols in use today; there are a number of smaller ones out there that were left out. If you are looking to install a home automation protocol in you home, we hope this information will provide a resource for you to get started.

With so many smart home protocol choices and options available to complement your smart home security system, you are sure to find one that suits your home’s specific needs.

How Much Does a Home Security System Cost in 2026?

Posted on January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 by Alarm New England

This post was last updated on 1/19/2026

There are many options when it comes to buying a home alarm system, including doorbell cameras, motion detectors, security cameras, and electronic locks. Regardless of variety, a home alarm system can be crucial in stopping a break-in, documenting important events and making homeowners and businesses always feel safe.

However, understanding everything about home alarm system cost, including labor, equipment, and system functionality can be difficult. Here’s how to help yourself out when it comes to alarm systems.

Local vs National

A local security comany, with over 47 years of experience, Alarm New England helps families and businesses feel safe and taken care of here in New England. With our extensive knowledge of security, we’re here to help you understand the cosst of home security and create the perfect alarm system for your home.

Smaller, local security companies specialize in home security in your community or town. Typically, local, privately-held security companies are known for better service and pricing. National companies may have better name recognition, but that doesn’t mean they are the best choice for you or your family. National security companies sometimes cannot work on brands of home security systems that you already have, while local home security companies can work with you to reuse any current home security system you are using.

Another benefit of using a local security company is that they are based near you. They can get to you quickly and usually have several home security technicians working in your area. National companies tend to have one technician for an entire region. Finally, most local alarm companies will work with you to create a customized system for your home. They are not just selling you cookie cutter packages. They want to custom design the best home security system for your home and family.

Know What You Need

When it comes to equipment, you should ask yourself what you’re wanting to protect and how much protection you want. Selecting these items all contribute to your security system cost.

When it comes to equipment, you should ask yourself what you’re wanting to protect and how much protection you want. Do you want to make sure no one is lurking around outside? Do you want to see who’s at your front door at all times? Is controlling your system from your smartphone a must have? Selecting these items all contribute to your security system cost. There are various pieces of equipment that can come with a comprehensive alarm system such as:

Motion Detectors: There are multiple kinds, but all motion detectors are used to alert you when someone inside your home when they shouldn’t be. Motions can be extremely effective at covering a large space in place of window contacts. Higher quality motion detectors can usually understand the difference between a pet or a human; however, it’s important to read the product specifications to make sure you won’t be getting false alarms.
Video Doorbells: It can be scary to open the door when you don’t know who is on the other side. Video doorbells take that fear away by allowing one to see who’s on the other side of the door. Newer video doorbells may offer two-way talking so you can talk to who is at the door and they can answer you. In some cases video doorbells can trigger a doorbell when someone approaches and send alerts if children leave areas they aren’t supposed to. It can also protect packages that are dropped off at your door and a homeowner can see everything happening from your iphone app.
Electronic Locks: Electronic locks can be a great way to keep your home safe. Electronic locks come in many shapes and sizes and are better than regular deadbolt locks because they require special codes or biometrics to unlock them.
Security Cameras: It may be obvious, but security cameras have so many advantages. They deter criminals, allow you to have a constant eye on your property and save video that you can use if someone breaks in. There is a wide range of pricing, functionality, and overall quality for cameras. Wireless cameras can be cost effective but comes at the price of changing batteries every few weeks. In contrast, hard-wired traditional cameras can be expensive depending on the functionality. Often, the best cameras are exclusive to dealer channels without ever being on the market direct to consumers.
Smoke Detectors: Fires happen every day. The best way to keep your family and property safe is by having smoke detectors integrated with your alarm system. When smoke detectors are included with your security system, they are controlled by a keypad or control panel. If the system detects signs of fire it may alert you with a horn, siren or lights as well as notifying the alarm company which will react accordingly. The goal of smoke detectors are to ensure your safety by making sure everyone is aware of the threat, has time to evacuate and notify emergency personnel.
Door and Window Contacts: Door and window contacts are a two-piece system with one part sensor and the other part magnet. When a door or window is opened, if the alarm is on, and the sensor and magnet will separate, the sensor will get a signal to the alarm panel and an alarm – a chime or voice announcement will sound announcing the door has been opened.

It’s important to remember that burglars aren’t the only thing you need to protect your home from. Natural disasters and everyday events can wreak havoc on your life as well. Whether that be a fire, flooding or an earthquake, your alarm system can save you thousands of dollars if all the parts are working together.

Smart Thermostats: Families can easily turn their regular thermostats up and down all day long to make their home a comfortable temperature. Smart thermostats get rid of that hassle and handle your home temperature settings for you. Once you set temperatures for every time of the day you want, the smart thermostat takes it from there. Did we mention it could save you some money?
Flood Monitors: These monitors are usually offered as add-ons to most alarm systems. Flood monitors are used to detect leaks and water before a catastrophe happens. It could potentially save thousands of dollars because your home won’t get ruined due to flooding.

Think Long Term

Wireless vs. wired alarm systems is something to think about when looking at home alarm system costs. Wired alarm systems are connected through telephone and wires running through the walls connecting the devices on the system to the control panel. Wireless systems are connected through sensors, alarms, and other equipment. These pieces are are monitored through a control panel in the house.

With wireless systems, almost everything is easier. Running wires in a finished home is very expensive and can damage your walls making wireless systems also more cost effective.

Another item to think about is whether you get an unmonitored or monitored security system. There are two types of unmonitored systems: self-monitored and truly unmonitored systems. Self-monitored systems are all hooked up to the house and send you notifications through a control panel and your connected smartphone.

Unmonitored systems are truly unmonitored; they record video and then set off an alarm when an intruder is detected. There are no notifications. Unmonitored systems may be more affordable, but they are also less safe and less convenient.

Monitored systems have the same equipment and can still notify you but they have professional home security technicians to keep an eye on things as well. a central monitoring center watching your home 24/7. Without monitoring, what happens when you are driving or in a meeting or asleep? Monitored may be more expensive but it’s less hassle, more secure, and has a higher rate of handling emergency situations.

Read the Fine Print

When it comes to contracts in the security business, it is very important to read the fine print . Which is usually where contracts come in and people get confused about security system cost. When making a choice on a security company and working on a contract, pay attention to every detail including equipment costs, labor, monthly monitoring fees and contract terms.

A recommended approach – calculate total contact cost: monthly fee times number of months on the contract plus up front labor and equipment costs and compare companies that way.

An example: Brinks Security 29.00 monthly fee x 36 months of the contract plus the $199 labor and equipment costs equals total contract cost of $1,939.00.

Also, when looking at home alarm system costs, check to make sure the company cannot raise your rates while you are under a contract term. It may seem more affordable up front, but there could be higher monthly fees or long-term contracts.

One thing that’s important to know is that nothing is ever free. Anything that is offered as “free” is really only free when you enter into the correct contract and the fee is covered by that payment.

Each customer is different – some want monthly payments and others want to get it all out of the way, like ripping off a band aid. A few alarm companies will give you the option for paying for everything up front and give you the flexibility of a month to month contract. Most will require a termed contract of 3 years or more but these companies will often help reduce your upfront cost.

A month-to-month option offers flexibility to those who need to cancel and restart their alarm system. Customers pay the full cost of the equipment and installation and then pay for monitoring every month. There’s also the chance that a three-year contract could say the monthly cost starts at one price but then increases. So, we’ll say it again, read the fine print.

Consider Your Budget

If you are like most people, the cost of home security will also be a big consideration. While every company offers different prices, an average alarm system can cost can range anywhere from $300 to $3000. This cost depends on equipment, monitoring fees, and system features.

Alarm New England: Here to Help

For over 47 years we’ve been helping families and businesses feel safe and taken care of here in New England. With our extensive knowledge of security, we’re here to help you find and create the perfect alarm system for your home.

We offer a variety of technologies such as doorbell cameras, security cameras, motion detectors, and smart thermostats. Our dedicated team has experience with all areas of New England and can make the new move an easier process by providing you the tools for building an alarm system that fits your needs.

Dedicated to providing the latest technology in security systems, we can guarantee you’ll love the safe feeling of having our recommended products installed in your home within the budget you want. If you’d like to speak with one of our team members about managing the cost of home security, reach out and call us, so we can create a security package specifically for you—your way, your choice.