According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a house is burgled nearly every 23 seconds in the United States. This leads to an average $2,200 break-in cost from stolen possessions of homeowners across the nation. However, a $200 to $500 home security system can help lower this break-in cost and prevent break-ins from even happening to your property.
Home Security System Basics
When you have a home security system installed in your property, the keypad, which is placed in your home’s entryway, communicates with motion detectors and sensors around your property. The control panel, otherwise known as the “brain” of the security system, is placed in either your home’s utility room or attic.
This way, if someone breaks open a door or window, the sensors send a message to your control panel, which then sends a signal via your phone line to an off-site security monitoring office. However, at the same time, an alarm will sound around your home, alerting you that your home has been broken into.
Main Parts of a Home Security System
Although security system parts depend on which company you get them from, their most basic components consist of the main panel and keypad, sensors, and motion detectors. Whether you buy it as a DIY system or from a home security provider, here are a breakdown of the main parts of the system.
Main Panel and Keypad
The main panel and keypad are the brains of your home security system. You use the keypad to turn the system on and off, but you can also set specific programs in action, depending on what features come with it.
Sensors
Every basic home security system comes with door and window sensors that alert the main panel when they’re triggered. We highly suggest buying additional sensors if the amount that comes with the system doesn’t cover every door or window in your home.
Motion Detectors
Motion detectors are pretty self-explanatory and should be placed in the corners of rooms in your house, making them hard to detect for the common thief. However, some advanced detectors come with security cameras and record movement, compared to just set off an alarm. Plus, depending on which system you have, you can watch the recording and identify the thief first-hand.
Different Types of Installers
Once you have your home security system picked out, you will need to decide how you want to install it. You can choose to have a national or local company install it or you can decide to do it yourself. Each method comes with its benefits.
If you choose a professional installer, you can ensure that the system will be set up properly. However, this will cost you more money than setting it up yourself. If you want to set up your security system on your own, it will be less expensive. On the other hand, if you are not confident in your abilities, you may not want to pick the DIY approach.
How To Install the System on Your Own
If you choose to go the DIY route, these are the three basic steps you will need to follow.
1. Install the Panel
You should install the panel close to your home’s main entrance and a power source. Installation is simple and usually only requires placing a nail in the wall and hanging the panel. If you are not able to put a hole in the wall, use a removable double-sided adhesive.
2. Put Up the Detectors and Sensors
Choose strategic spots to put sensors and detectors around your home. Usually, your system will come with standard door and window alarm sensors and motion detectors. Typically these sensors come with an adhesive on the back that simply sticks to the wall or window sill. These can be moved as needed. Check the guidelines to determine the best spots for the detectors and sensors in your home.
3. Test Your System
Your instruction manual should have directions on how to test the system and ensure every part is functional. Follow these directions carefully.
