How Does Home Security System Houston TX Works
We’ve seen every type of security system on the market, ranging from those that only use security cameras to those that only use sensors, and everything in between. With such a wide range of options, what exactly is a home security system in houston TX? And how do they work? Let’s break down everything you should know about home security systems using our personal experience as a guide.
What Is A Home Security System Houston TX?
Motion sensor: Place motion sensors in a main entryway or hallway on the ground floor of your home, allowing them to detect motion and alert you when your system is armed. Some motion sensors are sensitive to pets, so they don’t go off every time our dog walks by.
Entry sensor: Also known as contact sensors, entry sensors consist of two parts: one that attaches to the window or door and another that attaches to the frame. These sensors use magnets to determine when one of these entrances is opened or closed. If the sensor detects an open entry point, it alerts us. We recommend installing entry sensors on the ground-floor windows or doors. The majority are battery-operated, and many even have adhesive backings for easy installation.
Glass break sensor: Sometimes, instead of opening windows the old-fashioned way, intruders will break them open to avoid setting off the entry sensors. However, a glass break sensor also detects the sound of glass breaking and alerts us via mobile notification.
Sirens: Sirens are included in home security systems, either as standalone devices or as part of other components, such as the base station (which we’ll discuss below). Sirens often go off simultaneously with other alarms and are intended to scare intruders away or alert our neighbors.
Smart locks: Recently, several providers have begun offering smart locks as part of their home security systems. Most offer a third-party smart lock from Yale or August, but Vivint created its own. We love this addition since it means we can always be sure our front door is locked. It also lets us lock the door as we arm our security system.
Panic button: In the event of an emergency, a panic button provides a quick and easy way to alert emergency services, such as the police, hospital, or fire department. Like key fobs, panic buttons aren’t installed in a particular location, but we always have one nearby in case of an emergency. We recommend that everyone keep at least one at their bedside table.
Yard signs and/or window stickers: Many security systems also provide yard signs or window stickers that allow us to advertise our security system. Often, burglars will turn around if they see a security system, so having these signs is beneficial.
Smoke and CO detectors: We recommend that every home have a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. With this simple tool, we are alerted if the air in our home becomes unsafe to breathe.
Types of Home Security Systems
There are a few major types of home security systems:
DIY: With DIY home security systems, the user assembles the system themselves and typically monitors it through its respective mobile app. However, some DIY systems can be monitored professionally, so the categories aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.
Professional: A professional home security system can mean one of two things. One, it can mean professional installation, which involves a technician installing the equipment. Alternatively, it can refer to a system with professional monitoring, where a team of personnel responds to alerts from call centers. Again, some professionally monitored systems can also be self-monitored or installed as a DIY project, so these categories aren’t binary.
Wired: A wired security system is hardwired into a home’s existing electrical system.
Wireless: A wireless security system, on the other hand, doesn’t have any wires and instead depends on a combination of batteries, Wi-Fi, and/or cellular backup to connect to the app and monitoring center, if applicable. Wireless security systems are easier to install than wired systems, but you’ll need to either change or recharge the battery.
Smart security systems are connected to the internet, allowing users to view live footage from a mobile app, receive notifications when alarms are triggered, and remotely control the system.
Local only: Local alarm systems, in contrast to smart systems, aren’t connected to the internet, so there’s no remote control, monitoring, or notifications. Rather, if an alarm goes off, you will only know if you are close enough to hear it. However, local alarm systems can still be professionally monitored via cellular or landline backup.
In conclusion
We highly recommend obtaining a siren that’ll activate with the home security houston TX, either embedded in the base station or as a separate device, for anyone who chooses to self-monitor. The siren should have a sound level of at least 85 decibels, which is approximately equivalent to the noise of a diesel truck. Remember, the louder it is, the more likely the neighbors are to hear it as well, which is ideal in an emergency.