Category: Security

One of the biggest issues with the use of an alarm system is the problem of false alarms. Most false alarms are caused either by user error or equipment malfunction.  Being familiar with your security system and partnering with a company that is dedicated to the latest technology can help reduce false alarms.

These are responsible for 94% to 98% of all alarm calls and most police departments have fines in place in an effort to cut down on false alarms.

False alarms are not only embarrassing and costly for homeowners; they eat up a lot of valuable police resources and tax dollars that could be better spent elsewhere.

What can you do to prevent false alarms? Here are some easy steps that every owner of an alarm system should follow.

• Keep your alarm system in good operating condition. Test it once a month. Have it inspected as necessary by trained, professional technicians. Report and repair faulty devices immediately.  It’s hard to remember to perform monthly checks on the equipment so make sure you put a reminder into your calendar.

• Keep ground-floor doors and windows in good condition. Doors that won’t latch properly should be repaired so that the wind doesn’t blow them open. Windows that are not secured properly in their frames could lead to an accidental alarm.  Not only does this reduce false alarms it also helps secure your home against intruders.

• Ensure that everyone who is going to use the alarm system is trained in its proper operation. Make special arrangements for house-guests, cleaning companies, delivery people or repair technicians.  It is important to make sure family members are familiar with the system in case of an emergency. 

• Make sure that all authorized users of the system know the passcode. The passcode is our only method of identifying you over the telephone. We need that information to cancel an alarm or to discuss your account. You can have more than one passcode.

• Advise all authorized users to answer the telephone if it rings after they’ve accidentally set off the alarm system. Your monitoring station will be calling to verify the alarm so don’t ignore that ringing telephone.

• If you accidentally set off your alarm you can also try calling your central monitoring station first. Do so from a cellular phone or another line, however, because the alarm system may still be in the process of using your telephone line to send additional signals.

• If you accidentally set off a silent alarm that calls for immediate police response such as a panic, duress, or hold-up alarm, it is imperative that you call the monitoring station immediately! Unless you have notes on your account stating otherwise, your monitoring station will NOT call to verify a silent alarm; they will immediately send the police.

• Keep your account up-to-date! Immediately inform your alarm company of any changes to your account such as authorized users, telephone numbers, passcodes, addition of pets, etc.

• Always use exhaust fans when cooking. This makes it less likely that you accidentally set off a smoke detector.

• Don’t leave things hanging from the ceiling (balloons, decorations, etc.) in a room that contains a motion detector.

• Before arming the system, make sure that everyone has left the premises.

• Always notify your alarm company before you do any remodeling and make sure that they are aware of any changes or additions that might affect the proper operation of your alarm system.

Overall, one of the best ways to avoid accidentally triggering an alarm is to be familiar with all your system’s components.

While motion detectors are undoubtedly an integral part of your home security system, few people outside of the industry understand how these devices differentiate between and intruder and a person who is meant to enter the home.

This article will discuss exactly how motion detectors work and when you should install them in your home.

How Motion Detectors Work

There are a few options available when it comes to picking a motion sensor for your home, and each one functions slightly differently. Most of today’s motion detectors are wireless, electronic, and use either active or passive sensors.

Active Sensors

Active sensors are also referred to as radar-based motion detectors and they work by emitting ultrasonic sound waves. When an interference in the sound waves is detected, the sensor will then send a signal to sound an alarm.

Some active sensors will activate a light when tripped or even open a door as opposed to sounding an alarm.

Photosensors

Another type of active motion detector uses light instead of sound. If you’ve ever seen a spy movie where the main character has to pass through a bunch of invisible laser beams (revealed by chemical fog) to infiltrate a facility, you know what photosensors are. When something moves into the path of the beam, disrupting the flow of energy, the alarm goes off.

Some systems even illuminate a light beam on the intruder when he or she is detected. Consumer products like driveway alarm systems use similar technology to detect cars coming up to the home.

Passive Infrared Sensors

Also known as PIR motion sensors, this is the type of motion detector that is most commonly chosen to protect residential homes due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. These sensors detect infrared energy that is released from the body heat radiating off of humans and animals.

PIR sensors are intuitive and can come with a variety of features such as a 90-degree look down, so that no intruder will be able to sneak underneath the sensor’s range of vision.

Motion Detector Set up and Installation

While you may be able to figure out how to set up your motion detectors on your own, many people benefit from getting the help of a professional to ensure the equipment is set up correctly.

When motion detectors aren’t installed the right way, they’re far more likely to result in false alarms, becoming a source of frustration rather than peace of mind.

Should you opt to install motion detectors, enlist the help of a security professional to either set it up for you or show you exactly where to mount it on the wall.

Another reason to consult with a security expert is that motion detectors may not always be the best method of protection for your property. If you have small children or pets in the home, you might want to consider adding window sensors and glass break sensors to your home or apartment security system instead.

Where Should Motion Detectors be Installed?

The first place to consider is near your front door as most intruders will try to gain access to the front door before trying to open your windows.

Second, we suggest placing them in hallways or living rooms that an intruder would have to traverse to reach their primary target: the master bedroom.

Motion detectors are not only used for keeping intruders out; if you have little ones at home that you want to keep safely within a certain part of the house, you can install a self-monitored motion detector that will notify you when the device detects any movement in the off-limits part of your home.

Are Motion Detectors Necessary?

The benefits of having motion detection technology in your home are numerous. When used in conjunction with other security measures like glass break detectors, motion detectors are highly effective.

You can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting your family and since we can’t physically be everywhere at once, motion detectors provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

Moving into a new house is an exciting time as you get to know a new space that feels and breathes differently. Somewhere within all that excitement hides a serious question: What should you do with the existing home security system at the house?

When you purchase a new property and decide that you want to bring the existing alarm system into the 21st century, swapping out the house’s old equipment for the latest and greatest is the best way forward in many cases. This way, you get to design the system for your needs and do what you feel is required to keep your new property and its inhabitants safe.

But that’s not the only option available for new homeowners. When you move into a house with an existing security system, you can:

• Leave the existing security system as-is and reconnect it with a monitoring service
• Modernize the existing alarm system through hardware and/or software
• Discard the existing system and upgrade to up-to-date technology that can better accommodate cameras and home automation

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option so you can discover how to make your home secure and keep your loved ones safe in your new home.

Reconnecting Your Existing Security System

If the property you just bought comes with an existing inactive security system, you may wonder whether you can re-use any of that equipment and just update the keypad.

It doesn’t matter if your existing system is a home security system or a business security system, the principle remains the same.

The answer depends on a number of factors—most importantly on the manufacturer and age of the security system in question. Legacy security systems are commonplace in all sorts of properties. These systems aren’t necessarily bad; their age just means you can’t expect much from them.

Your current system may be restricted by outdated technology with limited capabilities and upgrade options. Or the previous owner may have had different security standards than you do.

Additionally, many older security systems use landlines to send alarms and notifications. That makes them vulnerable to intruders who can cut through a few wires to render the alarm useless.

However, if the house’s existing security system is up-to-date, you can use it as-is and reconnect it to a monitoring service. Sometimes, sticking with your existing system is a better option. Homes with complex systems that have many zones on them can be expensive to replace.

In general, we do NOT recommend replacing security systems that have to-code fire systems tied into them as this is a far more complex and expensive process. Talk to a local security provider and ask them to walk you through your options and the costs and benefits of each.

But depending on the existing system in question, you may be looking at limited security that doesn’t meet modern safety standards. That’s when you should consider the other two options: updating the existing security system or installing a completely new system.

Updating the Existing Security System

If using your new house’s existing system in its current state isn’t a good option for you, you can likely upgrade it for a relatively low upfront cost.

When working with outdated technology, your options are limited. Older home security systems have only a few upgrade paths to choose from, if any.

Even updating hardware can cause problems. Some older home security systems simply weren’t designed to fit the needs of today’s homeowners.

If you’re considering updating your new home’s existing security system, call a local security provider and ask them about what improvements are available for your system. Once they know the brand and model of the equipment in your home, they can lay out the upgrade options available and give you a professional recommendation.

For example, landline-reliant systems are neither burglar-proof nor future-proof, so if your new home has one of these systems, consider updating it. Updating these systems is doable with the help of a local security provider: We offer cellular modules that can completely eliminate the need for a landline.

Getting Rid of Your Home’s Old Security System and Installing a Brand New One

Your last—and often best—option is to remove your new house’s existing system altogether and replace it with new technology. Although new equipment comes with an upfront cost, it will be much cheaper than hanging on to the old system and calling technicians to fix it every time something goes wrong.

New homeowners often don’t realize that older systems weren’t designed for longevity, and in many instances, people with older systems experience more frequent errors or even abrupt equipment failure.

You may be surprised to hear that systems installed in the early 2000s are likely reaching the end of their operative lifespan, and performing maintenance on an older system can be much more expensive because of the expertise required to service those systems.

For customers who are still using older technology, we suggest opting for safer, newer technology that will be less of a hassle to deal with long term. The latest wireless technology is designed to function reliably for decades, and maintenance is usually simple enough for you to do it yourself with help from a member of our support team.

Another benefit of updating your system is getting all of the latest features of wireless technology. Even though wired systems are still better for huge properties like warehouses, wireless systems are likely sufficient for all but the largest homes.

Aside from looking sleek and modern with its touchscreen panel, wireless home security systems are much easier to upgrade, and sourcing the parts is easy, lowering the cost of upgrading. Our security systems are compatible with a variety of add-ons like smart locks, thermostats, and smart lighting, all of which can be controlled through your smartphone.

While new systems are the ideal solution for many homeowners, explore all of your options to make sure doing so is cost-effective and that the benefits of wireless security are applicable to your needs.

Deciding whether to keep, modify, or completely upgrade your new home’s existing security system comes down to what you want your system to do for you.

One can never be too cautious and prepared when it comes to protecting their family and home. Installing a security system is one the best ways to protect your home against intruders.

With so many layers of protection available out there, it can be difficult to know exactly what you need. One commonly overlooked security measure is glass break detectors.

What are Glass Break Detectors?

Simply put, glass break detectors are security devices that sound an alarm when glass is broken and are a critical piece of a home or business security system.

Unlike door or window contacts that detect when an entryway is opened on your home, glass break detectors will sound the alarm if there is any break in the glass.

This, in conjunction with your other home security devices, ensures that you are protecting your home and family to the highest extent.

How Do Glass Break Detectors Work?

Glass break detectors use intuitive sound and microphone technology that is programmed to recognize the frequency of glass breaking. If the detector picks up that specific frequency, the alarm will sound.

With a working radius of several feet, you can place the break detector in the middle of a room that has several windows and it will provide protection for all of the windows in that room. You won’t need to buy a separate detector for every single window and door in your home.

Do I Really Need Glass Break Detectors?

If you are serious about securing your home and providing the highest level of security, then yes you do. Placing motion sensors in every room may not be a advisable depending on your living situation and the pets you own.

Most window and door sensors detect the motion of the door or window being opened. If the intruder instead breaks that glass and you lack that extra layer of protection, they will be able to gain access to your home without setting off the alarm.

While glass break detectors are not sufficient in arming your home on their own, they are an essential part of a home’s security system.

Installation

Glass break detectors should be installed inside the rooms in your home that have windows. Typically, you will want to place these on the wall facing the pane of glass. Rooms with sliding glass doors are of particular importance to protect in this way, as burglars are likely to view glass doors as an easy opportunity to gain entry.

Many people choose to install these detectors in the bedrooms of their home to give them peace of mind that their family is safe from intrusion.

The detectors do not need to be pointed directly at the window or door, they just need to be in close proximity, so they can pick up on the sound. This eliminates the need for multiple detectors in each room of your home, saving you money.

Set Up and Maintenance

While you may be able to purchase and set up your glass break detectors on your own, many customers prefer having a professional come to their home to set things up for them.

Once set up and functioning properly, most devices will require little maintenance other than the periodic battery change every 4 years or so. Don’t worry, this process is pretty simple. Most devices will alert you when it is time to switch out the batteries. Changing the batteries is simple enough where most people can do it on their own.

Important Considerations

While glass break detectors are a vital part of your home security system, like anything else, they aren’t ideal for every situation. Since they are designed to pick up on the frequency of breaking glass, even the sound of glass breaking on TV will set them off if the volume is too high.

The benefits of having glass break detectors installed in your home far out weigh the negatives. Installing these detectors in your home will give you and your family peace of mind so you can rest easily at night and know that your home is fully protected.