Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Alarm New England
As we enter the year 2025, the home security landscape is continuing to change. Smart home technology has become more affordable than ever before, while new advancements are changing and improving how we protect our homes.
Despite this, the fundamental challenge remains unchanged: property crime and burglaries continue to plague communities across the nation. Economic pressure is driving increased crime, and criminals are becoming more sophisticated in their methods.
At Alarm New England, our five decades of industry experience means we’ve experienced changes in home security firsthand. We’re the top alarm company in the New England region, and experience is a big reason why.
Today’s market is flooded with options, features, and promises – some essential, others merely expensive add-ons that provide little real protection.
Our goal is simple: to help you distinguish between the crucial security features you can’t live without and unnecessary extras that will do nothing more than inflate your monthly bill.
This guide will help you make an informed decision about protecting your home in 2025 and beyond.
Let’s Break Down Home Security Systems
There are so many home security options available today, and there is so much conflicting information out there. What is the best route to take? Which company should you work with? In theory, you can choose from one of the several big D.I.Y. companies like Ring, Vivint, and SimpliSafe, to ADT, Frontpoint, Cove, Brinks, and every local alarm installer in your area.
We often come across people with varying knowledge of home security systems. Some customers are very familiar with the system and all of the equipment that’s included, while others have never had a security system before and see it as a completely foreign concept. Either way, there’s a lot of information to take in.
No matter which bucket you fall into, you’ll need to know the various parts that make up a home security system.
The Various Parts of A Home Security System
Below, we break down each element of home security systems, starting from the most important and going down the list in terms of necessity.
Security System Alarm Panel
At the heart of every system lies the control panel. We like to call this the “main brain of the system.” This central unit communicates with various sensors throughout your home, and it connects to the central station where a professional monitoring employee will watch for signals from your system around the clock and dispatch police or emergency response if needed.
The keypad should work off wi-fi since it’s the most stable network in the home, but it also needs to have a cellular backup, so you will still have a working security system in case the power ever goes out or wi-fi is lost!
No security system is complete without the alarm panel. The keypad acts as your central command center for the system. It’s absolutely necessary and non-negotiable.
Door and Window Sensors Cover the Home Security Basics
In most cases, entry into your property is done through a door or window. Naturally, it only makes sense that door and window sensors form your first line of defense. These devices will detect any form of entry into your home from its various doors and windows. When we help customers design a security system, some of the first questions we ask are, “how many doors?” and how many windows?”
These are the most common entryways, which make them the most important to be protected.
Door and window sensors can’t be skipped and are a necessity for any home security system.
Beyond the Basics: Motion Sensors for Home Security
Once you have your panel and door and window sensors, you have most of the basics covered when it comes to your system.
However, there are times when a potential intruder might not enter through a door or window. In this case, it does make sense to add some motion detectors in particularly vulnerable areas such as a garage.
It might seem obvious, but the goal of a motion sensor is to detect movement in key areas of the home while the security system is armed.
All in all, it’s not absolutely necessary to have motion sensors, but it is a good idea for areas like garages, large rooms, or areas where valuables are stored.
Home Security is Home Safety, Don’t Forget the Fire Alarm
Environmental protection features like smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leak detectors add another layer of security beyond crime prevention. These systems can literally be lifesavers and can protect your home in case of a disaster like a fire or flood. Often, these systems are required by the town fire department, in which case, they are absolutely necessary for homeowners to have.
A home that has fire and carbon sensors (at the very least) is a safer place for all who inhabit it.
The Home Security “Nice to Haves” – Beyond Traditional Security
We are in no way speaking out against the following features, since they are great and proudly offer them to our customers. But the following are optional features created for the sake of convenience. They might not be completely necessary, but they can (and will) make your life easier.
- Cameras, of course! Your home can be protected by an alarm system, but you will only have eyes on the property if you have a few cameras installed. We recommend most home setups to have security cameras integrated too. A video doorbell is a great example of a really convenient “nice to have” feature.
- Smart home integration has transformed security systems from simple burglar alarms into comprehensive home management solutions. Modern systems can control lighting, thermostats, locks and even small appliances.
- Remote monitoring through smartphone apps provides real-time alerts and video feeds. This feature proves particularly valuable for fending off front porch package thieves and keeping an eye on pets or elderly family members while away from the home.
But Home Security Systems are Expensive. Tell Me, What Do I Actually Need?
Ok. Here’s the truth. What do you actually need for home security? For most homes, we recommend:
- A reliable control panel with cellular backup
- Door & window sensors on all ground-level entries
- Motion detectors set in key areas
- Professional 24/7 monitoring
But What About The Home Security System Installation Process?
When it comes to installation, you’ll need to choose between professional and DIY options. Professional installation typically costs more but ensures proper setup from an expert. DIY systems have become more user-friendly over the years, but they require careful attention and can often be a headache to install. Plus, there is always the room for human error if you are a home security novice. Many alarm companies offer a warranty on their equipment too, so don’t fret right away if the equipment isn’t working as intended.
While it’s not a must in order to get some basic protection, we recommend professionally-installed security since it reduces risk, stress, and provides greater protection in the long run.
The Reality of Break-ins and Security Systems
Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries aren’t sophisticated operations. Criminals typically look for easy targets – homes that appear vacant or seem to have an easy entry point.
Studies show that 34% of burglars enter through the front door, while 23% use first-floor windows. Back doors account for another 22% of entries (source: NACHI.org). These statistics highlight the importance of securing obvious entry points rather than, for the lack of a better term, “getting too cute with it.”
Even If You Don’t Have Security Systems, It’s Better To Make An Effort!
Also, it’s common knowledge that burglars are far more likely to pass over a home that has visible security cameras or another indicator of a security system present. Home security alarm systems can be an effective deterrent for criminals. So, even the mere presence of security helps keep your safe.
Even if you don’t have security, simply making it look like you have security is a great step to take.
Any sort of camera, sticker, or panel that’s in clear view can help protect your home, even if its not in working order. At the very minimum, even if you’re not planning to invest in security, we recommend getting some type of system component visible as an easy (yet effective) first step.
Our Final Thoughts on Home Security Systems and The Security Features You’ll Need At Home…
A home security system isn’t a magical shield against all threats, but it remains one of the most effective deterrents against property crime.
Focus on the essentials:
- An alarm panel monitored 24/7 by the central station
- Reliable entry detection (door and window sensors, motion sensors if needed)
- Fire and carbon monoxide sensors
Remember that the most expensive system isn’t necessarily the best. First, make sure your bases are covered by following this guide. Then, consider the more “nice to have” features and think about if any will make your life easier, enough to justify that extra monthly cost.
Not sure which features to choose? Call an Alarm New England expert today and we’ll help you build your own security system. Our team can be reached at (857) 445-4010. Within 15 minutes, we’ll help you design a system, piece by piece, determining features your home needs, and those it does not.
We’re a local, family-owned and operated company who has been helping New England home owners for the last 50 years. Get in touch with our team today if you need any help at all with home security.
