Modern Alarm System Upgrades That Your Family Should Be Embracing

Photo courtesy of Expect Best via Pexels

Do you know that a home is being burgled every 15 seconds in the US? With tech innovations, criminals are more equipped than ever. There are tech-savvy burglars who scout for victims using social media. They can hack through security systems and gain access to properties without physically forcing their way in. It's important that your home security system is able to deter new threats.

Upgrade your old burglar alarms to take full advantage of the latest technological advances in crime prevention technology. Burglars can easily paralyze your alarms and cameras by cutting off cables. With a wireless system, you can be assured that your security devices remain armed.

Expanding alarm system features doesn't necessarily mean that you need to add new devices. A recent study highlighted the need for quality over quantity. “Combinations of security devices in general afford up to roughly 50 times more protection than no security. The protection conferred against burglary, however, does not consistently increase with the number of devices that make up the configurations,” the researchers concluded.

Here's a guide on how to upgrade an old alarm system and updates on modern alarm system features.

Go from hardwired to wireless

Most older models of alarm systems are hardwired. This uses switches that connect with conductor wirings. The hardwired system is considered “generic,” the latest wireless alarm systems still feature hardwired capability as backup. A wireless system uses transmitters to “communicate” with the linked devices. This system may be installed and expanded easily.

You can upgrade your home security with a wireless security system kit. Honeywell offers a selection of kits that are compatible with various hardwired and wireless devices such as alarms, cameras, motion sensors, and smoke sensors. A wireless system kit includes a programmable keypad that controls the security system, cameras, and other devices.

Install a new keypad

You can power up your old alarm system by installing a new keypad. Newer models feature touchscreen display in sleek designs. There are some that provide weather forecasts, time zones, and other helpful information.

Honeywell's 6280 touchscreen keypad has high-resolution display with 16 million colors, user-friendly icons and prompts, voice annunciation, and a family message center. You can record and playback messages on this multi-purpose keypad. This premier model also displays zone lists for easy customization. Honeywell's Tuxedo keypad has a built-in wi-fi that allows your alarm system to control Z-Wave wireless devices such as locks, cameras, and lights. It can also store photos and videos. A new keypad can do wonders to your existing home security system.

Sign up for a monitoring service

One of the top home security innovations to date is the alarm monitoring service. This ensures the safety of your loved ones and material possession at all times. How does it work? Your security system, whether hardwired or wireless, is connected to a monitoring hub that receives notifications about any threat. Once the threat is confirmed, the hub will directly contact the appropriate authorities for immediate response.

You can sign up with alarm.com, which offers various plans that suit your needs and budget. The Basic Interactive, for instance, sends alarm signals to the monitoring center, arms/disarms alarms, changes user codes and geo services. For more features, you can opt for the Advanced Interactive or Interactive Gold. Another monitoring service provider you should explore is Honeywell's Total Connect. Aside from round-the-clock surveillance, it also allows you to view video feeds from your home remotely.

Add smartphone control over your devices

Photo courtesy of Bruce mars via Pexels

Smartphones are no longer just for communication purposes. These revolutionary devices can be your classroom, workplace, and home security control system. Upgrade your existing security system by having smartphone control. You can view live streaming from your security cameras, arm and disarm alarms, control door locks, and more.

Vivint mobile app is a customer favorite. It allows users to remotely control alarms, locks and the thermostat; see and speak to visitors via a front door camera; and receive notifications from anywhere. You can get a notification when your kids arrive from school and when a door is left open.

If you're using Honeywell and GE security devices, the ADT Pulse app is a great app for you. This app works with Z-Wave devices, security devices, appliances and gadgets. You can set up custom automation and vacation modes.

Shift to home automation

Photo courtesy of Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

Upgrade your home security system by making your home smarter. Z-Wave devices, which use wireless protocol, include lights, locks, plugs, and sensors. These devices communicate via low-energy radio waves, which are more powerful than Bluetooth but less energy-consuming than wi-fi. The Z-Wave devices are integrated into a mesh network, which may or may not be controlled by a hub. The waves can hop from device to device.

Why should you consider home automation or a “smart home”? First, it's easier to secure your home with greater control over devices. Your can monitor cameras and arm sirens remotely. Second, smart devices are energy-efficient. The thermostat and lights can turn off automatically when you leave the house. Moreover, home automation can help prevent fires, gas leak, and other similar tragedies. Smart appliances deliver the right power and turn off when you're not around. Install smart smoke alarms, carbon monoxide sensors, and leak sensors to prevent emergencies.

A security system is an essential for every household. It can save you thousands of dollars in property losses and damage, not to mention the psychological trauma brought by a home invasion. The presence of a home security system can deter burglars, according to a study by the University of North Carolina (Charlotte) researchers. About 83% of the respondents who were convicted burglars said they would try to determine if an alarm was present before attempting an attack, and 60% said they would seek for an alternative target if there's an alarm installed.

Install a home security system and, if you already have one, make sure it's equipped to protect against new threats.