How Can an Alarm System Protect You from a Burglary?

Alarm systems are monitored by a local station 24/7. This means that whether you are at home or not, the alarm will alert you and the local monitoring station when someone or something ‘is in the zone’ and has activated the motion sensors. The monitoring station will then call you to verify a false alarm or to dispatch the authorities immediately if needed. However, since a burglar alarm system can be triggered by different things, it’s important to know how to correctly use all features. This will ensure that you’ll get the fastest and most accurate response and your family or business remains protected.

What Are the Main Components of an Alarm System?

Control panel

The control panel is the primary component of your burglar alarm system. It has a touchscreen or keypad in which you will be entering confidential codes to arm/disarm your alarm.

Motion sensors

As their name indicates, motion sensors detect motion. When these are activated, you’ll get notified right away. One of the advantages is that you can add as many motion sensors to your alarm as you wish. This is practical because if you have a larger home with more doors and windows to protect, it’s only reasonable that you’ll need more sensors.

Central monitoring station

This is usually a local station that is in charge of monitoring your alarm, receiving signals, and calling you to determine a false alarm or real emergency and dispatch the police right away.

Remote access

You can remotely control your alarm with an app in your smartphone. This app is handy when you forget to arm your alarm. It is also useful when you need to give access to a family member or friend while you’re away on vacation. Some apps also allow you to control your home lights or thermostat.

What Additional Systems Can I Connect to My Alarm?

Panic buttons and smoke detectors.

Do You Have to Be Present When Your Alarm System Is Installed?

The person who will be managing the alarm should be present at the time of installation. Installation shouldn’t take long so this will be the best time to discuss questions and make sure you have all you need to operate your system successfully.

Most security companies provide a user manual for their system. Those who don’t, will usually provide basic training the day of installation. Take this opportunity to ask questions and practice to arm/disarm your alarm. Make sure you know your passwords/codes and what steps to take in case of a false alarm.

Installation Day Checklist:

• Request a user manual for your system or ask about onsite training
• Practice arming/disarming your alarm
• Know what to do if you have a false alarm
  Ask additional questions
  Save your password/codes in a safe place
  Have your security company’s phone number handy.

What are the most common mistakes when using a burglar alarm?

According to VinTech Systems’ president Mun Wong, there are two main mistakes she has witnessed throughout the years:

“First, clients forget to arm their system. Second, they don’t use the stay function to protect themselves against home intrusion.” – Mun Wong

Fortunately, these common errors can be easily fixed.

Using a burglar alarm when you leave home.

It’s easy to forget to arm your alarm system when you are leaving your home in a hurry. However, not doing so would be the same as not having a security system at all. Before leaving your home, take a few seconds to arm your alarm system in AWAY mode.

To arm your burglar alarm in AWAY mode, enter:

Your 4-digit code + the number for (AWAY)

If any of the secured doors/windows are not closed, the system will notify you immediately.

Using a burglar alarm while you are at home?

When you are returning home or going to bed, you should set your alarm to STAY mode. That ensures that any motion sensors inside the house are not active but zones around the home are. Many people don’t use this feature. If an intrusion similar to the ones in Lincoln Park occurs, the alarm will sound immediately and the owners will have the opportunity to contact police right away.

To arm your system in STAY mode, enter:

Your 4-digit code + the number for (STAY)

Depending on the model, there should be additional modes available in your instruction manual.

Get the most from your Burglar Alarm

An alarm system can be an excellent tool to protect your family and home. If you have any doubts or concerns, work with your alarm company to help you use your system effectively. Only this way will you benefit the most from using your system.

More from our blog: When does a False Alarm become a problem?

The post How to Use your Burglar Alarm appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

The housing market is booming.

The need to work remotely and spend more time at home has increased the demand for larger living spaces. Additionally, more Americans are buying or refinancing their homes because of the current low interest rates on mortgages.

This could also be the reason why the DIY industry is gaining momentum. The home security systems market alone ‘was valued at USD 53.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 78.9 billion by 2025.’

Instead of slowing down during the pandemic, it is reported that homeowners ‘have continued to spend money on home improvements’ while paying special attention to DIY alarm systems.

A DIY alarm system might seem like an attractive option. But, how can you decide if it’s a good alternative for your property?

It really depends on your security needs and how tech-savvy you are.

When you first visit a DIY company website, you might notice that they place most of their attention in the buying process. This is because they aren’t required to obtain a license for installations. In a sense, they are like many other companies that only sell you a product.

This doesn’t necessarily mean bad business. However, it does mean that the company you choose has to be transparent and have a solid foundation. Not all security companies abide by the same values and some advertising of DIY alarm systems can be misleading.

But before you jump into reading reviews and comparing products, the following tips can help you decide if a DIY system is a good fit for you and your home.

Where does a DIY Alarm System perform best?

A DIY alarm system works best for small spaces like apartments or flats. An apartment usually has less doors and windows to secure, therefore, you will likely also need less motion sensors.

A second reason is that most wireless systems have to be within a certain distance of their wireless network. This is not difficult in small spaces but becomes more complicated in a multi-level building.

The Pros of Purchasing a DIY Alarm System

Installation is economical.

A professional installation tends to cost more. This is because of the high quality of the system and the personalized service you’ll receive if you hire a full-service company. This is why one of the main appeals of a DIY alarm system is that if you install it yourself, you’ll save big bucks.

This choice will not only give you the advantage of getting your system sooner but you’ll be saving on initial costs. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to first research the DIY company of your preference to make sure it is well-established. This is important because a DIY system allows you to add other products in the future so you don’t have to buy it all at once.

For example, if you first want to buy an alarm system and a year later a video doorbell, you’ll be able to integrate both systems as long as you buy them from the same company.

It’s also important to ask about the equipment’s warranty and return policy. Since not all DIY alarm systems are good quality, a good return policy can protect you if the system doesn’t work well or it isn’t what you expected. Only because the system fits your budget, it doesn’t mean it will also fit your needs.

Take your DIY Alarm System Wherever you go

If you are tech-savvy, it will not be difficult to uninstall your DIY System. If you rent your apartment or move often, this might be a good option for you. The ability to take the system wherever you go will not only be convenient but installation costs will again not apply as you will re-install the system yourself.

You’ll be Free from Annual Contracts

Most professional security companies require that you sign a 1 or 2 year contract of alarm monitoring services. This means that as soon as your alarm is installed, it will be monitored by a central station. In case of an emergency, the monitoring station will call you to verify if they need to alert the authorities.

In contrast, with a DIY alarm, you’ll have the task of self-monitor your security system.  This means that your alarm system will not be monitored by a central station and when the alarm is activated, it’ll be up to you to alert the authorities. You’ll also be free from a monthly monitoring fee and responsible for any repairs the system will require in the future.

The Cons of Purchasing a DIY Alarm System  

DIY Installations Can Be frustrating

Some DIY companies don’t even include information about the installation process in their websites. They focus on describing the system’s features and having images of people using their systems.

Before you start adding items to your cart, it’s reasonable to want to know if a company has a support team. If questions about the installation arise, you’ll need someone to guide you through the process. You should also ask about the options you’ll have if and when the system malfunctions.

For example, Park’s Associates’ Senior analyst Dina Abdelrazik, told Security Systems News  that “From our data, on average, consumers spend 4 hours or more installing their DIY security system in the home – that is a very long time,”.

Are you willing to spend 4 hours or more installing your system? Have in mind that this time only accounts for installation. Additional hours of your time will be required to self-monitor and repair your system.

This is one of the main reasons why if you are not tech-savvy, its best to stay away from DIY alarm systems.

The post Pros and Cons of a DIY Alarm System appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Pros 

DIY Alarm is economical

Installing the system yourself will initially get you big savings. Professional installations can have a high cost depending on the complexity of the system. Nonetheless, its recommended to first research the company to make sure its established. Second, its important to ask about the equipment’s warranty and return policy. After all, there shouldn’t be a reason to keep a system that doesn’t perform well or doesn’t fit your needs.

Take your Alarm System Wherever you go

DIY Systems are easy to uninstall. Renters or those who move often might consider this a good option. The ability to take the system wherever you go will be convenient. Additionally, installation costs will not apply as you will re-install the system yourself.

Has no Annual Contracts

Most alarm companies require a 1 or 2 year monitoring services contract. But a self-monitored security system doesn’t require a central station to monitor the system or a monthly service fee. This self-monitored security system saves the user from being in a contract and the cost of monitoring their alarm. However, the user is in charge of calling police in case of an emergency. They are also responsible for any repairs the system will inevitably require in the future.

Cons

Installations Can Go Wrong

We often receive calls from people who ask if we can fix or re-install a system they purchased online. The problem is that most professional companies will decline. Why? We can’t provide a warranty for either the job or the system. Additionally, we can’t verify if the equipment is faulty or if it has been altered prior to installation.

Limited Technical Support & Maintenance Madness

Have you called the company who sold you the equipment? Are they nowhere to be found or place you on hold for long periods of time? Other companies might agree to service the system but they can’t assure they will fix the issues. Nonetheless, they will still have to charge. The money initially saved might exceed the costs as repairs costs increase.

Remote Access Can be Hacked

Remote access is not only convenient but usually a secure way to monitor your alarm system. However, there is still a risk to be hacked. Once a hacker has your username and password, they can use it to disable your alarm system. Forbes’ article describes how a popular alarm brand can be disabled with magnets and tape. Save yourself from hackers! Have a professional walk you through the process of setting up your remote access App. Ask them for tips to protect your privacy.

These pros and cons of a DIY system should help you decide if this system fits your needs. Contact at least 3 companies and ask questions.

The post Pros and Cons of a DIY Alarm System appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Their hopes are that this policy:

• Saves patrol resources and money
• Allows police to respond to more important crimes.
• Eliminates a special service to a small part of the community.
• Ends public service that created private company profits.

However, research concludes that there are no facts supporting neither this policy of its outcome.

Research

Researchers at the University North Carolina Charlotte found that alarm systems are a proven method of protecting life and property. They say that the alarms’ effectiveness based on false alarms is misleading. In fact, studies showed that the false burglar alarm rate is lower than the standard alarm. This is because an accepted standard alarm rate is .5. This means that police responds to a false alarm one time every two years. Nonetheless, in Los Angeles, the alarm rate measures at .4. This means that on average, they have one police response every three years. Furthermore, the alarm rate is calculated by dividing the number of alarm calls into the total number of secured properties. What did they find? Alarm calls only contributed to 1% of all distress calls coming in.

Alarms & Public Safety

One of the main concerns was public safety. Officials concluded that eliminating police response to false alarms would not be a good move. On the contrary, it could “produced empirical evidence that this would have a negative impact on public safety.” Thankfully, the policy did not get approved.

Conclusion

Intrusion alarms have been found to improve public safety. They are effective not just in your property but for the whole community. Rutgers University concluded that “communities that have electronic security systems installed and monitored have a measurable positive impact on public safety.” It also found that this umbrella of enhanced protection extended beyond the protected property and homes or businesses benefited from their neighbor’s alarm system. The Rutgers study also showed that crime was not displaced or moved from the protected property to another part of the community.

The post When Does a False Burglar Alarm become a Problem? appeared first on VinTech Systems.