While nothing can guarantee your home will be safe from burglaries, statistics show that homes with security systems are three times safer than those without, plus their losses are much smaller.

If you’re thinking about a home alarm system, here are some things to consider.

Monitored or Not?

A monitored alarm system is connected to a central facility that is notified if the alarm is triggered. The notification can be sent over telephone lines, through a cable TV connection, or wirelessly. When the monitoring service is alerted, they first call your contact number—usually within a matter of seconds—and ask for your system ID code, then ask whether there’s a real emergency. If there is, or you don’t answer or can’t give your code, they call the police for you.

An unmonitored system sounds an alarm, but isn’t connected to a monitoring service, although some systems may notify you personally, on your cell phone, for instance.

Monitored systems come with a monthly service charge that can vary widely depending on the company and extra features like fire, medical and flood alarms. Some Colorado cities, including Denver and Colorado Springs, require alarm systems to be registered before police or fire will respond, and all will place locations on a non-emergency response status after several false alarms.

Hardwired or Wireless?

A wired system connects sensors to the control panel with low-voltage wiring, where a wireless systems uses radio-frequency signals sent to the main panel from battery-powered sensors. Some wireless systems may require the main panel to be wired to a power source, and all need to be connected via phone lines or other means in order to be monitored. Wired systems have a battery backup that operates if the wires are cut or in case of a power failure.

Some wireless systems are fairly simple to install, but connection to your home power system and routing wires can be tricky and are best left to licensed installers. Wiring systems may also require a building permit.

Accessories

Alarm systems are available with a variety of accessories such as motion detectors, sound detectors for things like breaking glass, pressure-activated alarms, medical alert functions and remote controls. Hearing impaired persons can install flashing lights to augment or replace audible alarms. Many systems can also be connected to smoke alarms and water detectors for fire and flood protection. Some have dual functions that can be set to alert you if a door or window is opened without sounding an alarm, a handy safety feature for keeping track of children or others who may tend to wander away. Just weigh the features benefits against the likelihood of annoying false alarms.

The pros at Allstar Electrical Services recommend interconnected hardwired combination security and fire alarms for the most reliable protection for you and your family. Our home safety experts can make sure that your home is secure and well protected. We’re happy to offer a free estimate for the system that will work best for you. We can also do a Residential Electrical Evaluation Audit to identify sources of present and potential issues in your home’s electrical service.

Allstar Electrical has served the Front Range since 2000. Since then, we are proud to have been recognized by the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors Association with numerous meritorious service awards. We’re A+ rated by the BBB and have won a Super Service Award from Angie’s List®.

The pros at Allstar Electrical are ready to discuss any of your home’s electrical needs. Just give us a call at (303) 399-7420 or use our handy on-line forms to request an estimate or set up an appointment. Simply go to our Residential Services page or drop an email to us at estimating@allstarelectrical.com for complete details.