Home Security Systems Archives - Page 15 of 16

5 Questions You Must Answer Before Choosing A Security Camera

Having a home security system is great for keeping your family safe and adding video surveillance can increase your level of protection. However, you must consider these five questions before you choose your security cameras: Where do you want to install security cameras and what level of video quality do you need? Do you need night vision and do you want hidden or visible security cameras? Do you want to be able to see video footage from anywhere or just from one location? Answering these questions can help you decide what type of security cameras you need for your home video surveillance system.

Where do you want to install security cameras?

Consider where you need the protection of home video surveillance the most. Exterior security cameras are a good option for monitoring people who are on your property and can allow you to identify possible thieves and criminals. If outdoor cameras do not deter a break in, interior security cameras can record the criminal activities. Hidden interior cameras are also an option for your surveillance system. These security cameras can monitor nannies and other household employees as well as unwelcome guests.

What level of video quality do you need?

Video quality for home video surveillance improves each year. Today, you can choose from three levels in home security video quality: General, forensic and high detail.

General detail video is very low resolution and can only give you shapes and colors. Forensic detail video offers higher quality and can help identify faces and license plates. High detail video has very high quality resolution, offering the ability to see fine printing and logos on shirts.

Do you need night vision security cameras?

Night vision security cameras are more expensive than their daylight only counterparts, but they offer the assurance of recording events even during the nighttime. If you have proper lighting around your home, night vision is usually not needed.

Do you want hidden or visible security cameras?

Most people want visible security cameras on the exterior of their home. These cameras act as a deterrent to criminals and make it obvious to everyone that they are being observed.

Inside the home, hidden cameras are often chosen. You probably do not want your guests in your home knowing that you have security cameras. Plus, if you want to monitor the nanny or the housekeeper, you want to do it in secret.

Do you want to be able to see video footage from anywhere?

With modern home video surveillance cameras, you have the option of being able to see footage through your cell phone. You can monitor when the kids get home or if a package is dropped off at the door by having an internet connection to the feed. However, adding an internet video feed may increase costs to your monthly monitoring charges from the security company.

If you are looking for home video surveillance or a home security system, let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Types Of Home Video Surveillance Cameras

You might think that one home video surveillance camera is just like the next one. The fact is that there are many different kinds of wireless home security systems. Knowing what each type is will help you choose the best one for your home or business. Types of home video surveillance cameras include hidden or visible, wireless, closed circuit television, domed, and fake.

Hidden or visible video surveillance cameras

You can mount home video surveillance cameras where they are easily seen or make them blend into the surroundings. Whether you want a hidden or visible type depends upon what you want to accomplish with your security system.

There are plenty of reasons why you would want to hide a camera. You might want to see what your nanny or housekeeper is doing when you are away. There are also plenty of reasons to make one visible. Criminals are less likely to target your home if they see home video surveillance cameras on the outside. Hidden types also allow you to mount recording devices where you need them, instead of only where they can’t be seen.

Wireless video surveillance cameras

Today, wireless security cameras are the most common type found in video surveillance systems. These recording devices can be mounted or set anywhere. Wireless types run off of battery power and can send their signals to the central unit via a wireless signal. These devices can also have on-board memory to capture video without sending it out. Because they are not tied to physical cables or wires, wireless video surveillance cameras can be moved as needed. Most wireless devices are mounted inside. However, there are models that are weatherproof that can be used outside.

Closed circuit television

Closed circuit television, or CCTV, is the classic choice when it comes to home video surveillance cameras. The CCTV system uses wired cameras that are cabled back to a central DVR and offers the ability to watch the feeds live on a monitor. A camera can be installed both inside and outside. This kind of home video surveillance system requires professional installation to work properly.

Domed video surveillance cameras

A domed camera usually mounts on the ceiling and offers a protected 360-degree view. This type is most often used in offices and retail establishments and can be hardened to prevent damage from vandalism. A domed camera is often blended into the background to make it less obvious. This way of disguising makes it easier to capture useful footage of dishonest activity.

Fake video surveillance cameras

These replicas do not record video. However, just the appearance of a fake camera can have the same deterrence level as a real one. This security product is affordable and simple to install.

These camera types are a few of the video surveillance options available for your home or business. You can use one kind or a mixture of types that work for your security needs. To get more information, contact us here at 1st Alarm. Give us a call at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us a message via email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Tax Deduction For A Security System

You are interested in a residential or commercial security system, but you aren’t sure about the cost. Is it possible that you could claim a tax deduction for a security system? The overall answer would be no. However, there are special circumstances. There are tax deductions for working from home and you can use your security system as part of these deductions. When doing your taxes for a home office, just use the maintenance or installation of the product as a deduction like you would other utilities. There are many financial benefits of installing a security system even if you can’t claim a tax deduction. This product increases your home’s tax basis, which can increase the value of your house if you choose to sell it. A security system can also reduce your homeowners’ insurance premium and prevent burglars from stealing your valuables, saving you money.

Tax deductions for working from home

The only way your wireless home security system could be tax-deductible is if a portion of your house is used for work. If you have a home office, you can use this product as a tax deduction. When you do your taxes, use the system and maintenance, or installation, as a deduction just as you do other home office deductions, such as utilities.

Another way you could use your security system as a tax deduction is if you run a home daycare center. Also, only a portion of your expenses are tax-deductible, since you are only using a part of your home for work purposes.

Financial benefits of installing a security system

Even if you can’t claim a tax deduction, there are financial benefits to having a wireless home security system. This product increases your home’s tax basis, which means it can increase the value of your house if you choose to sell it.

Another financial benefit of having a wireless home security system is the fact that it can reduce your homeowners’ insurance premiums. Since your house is less likely to be burglarized, it can reduce your monthly insurance costs when you install a home alarm system.

Having an alarm system prevents criminals from taking your valuables, which could be costly to replace. This is another ironclad financial benefit of having this product in place. It’s a worthwhile investment to put one into your home for the present and for the future. You can’t put a price on your safety and peace of mind.

For more information about security systems

If you are interested in a wireless home security system but you need more information before installing, contact 1st Alarm. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559 or contact us via email with your questions about residential or commercial security. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

4 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Wireless Home Security System

You installed a wireless home security system. You think you are safe, but are you really? A wireless home security system is your first line of defense for keeping your residence in Lubbock, Texas safe and sound. However, this form of security should not be the only line of defense you have. If you want to make the most out of your wireless home security system you just installed, you need to take further action. Use heavy-duty deadbolts on each entry point. Install motion detector lights outside and eliminate hiding places. Also, used timed devices, stop the mail, and notify neighbors when you are going on vacation.

Use heavy-duty deadbolts on each entry point

A determined burglar or home invader in Lubbock, Texas is not going to let much get in his way. Heavy-duty deadbolts, however, will make it very difficult for him to gain entry to your home through the doors. Make sure these deadbolts are made of hardened steel and installed by a professional. When you leave the house, arm your Lubbock wireless home security system and lock those deadbolts.

Install motion detector lights outside

Burglars and other criminals in Lubbock, Texas love the back yard, with no lights on, because they can gain entry into your home without anyone detecting them. With motion detector lights installed around the perimeter of your home, the dark won’t be an aid to burglars anymore. These lights will make you feel even more safe with your wireless home security system. When the light goes on, it may scare the criminal away. If not, it will at least alert you or the Lubbock police as to where the burglar is. Plus, if you need to go out at night for any reason, you will have lights go on automatically, making it safer for you.

Eliminate hiding places

An open garage, a dark unlit porch, or even an overgrown shrub, all make great hiding places for criminals. Take a walk around your home in Lubbock, Texas and see where there may be potential hiding places. Then, take steps to eliminate these hiding spots. Keep the garage door shut and get motion sensor lights on both the front and back porches. Also, trim hedges and plant prickly plants in areas where you cannot add light or eliminate the barriers. Taking these steps will help you get the most out of your home security system.

Use timed devices, stop the mail, and notify neighbors when you are going on vacation

Burglars will often stake out a house to see if anyone is at home. Having your lights, radios, televisions, and even small appliances go on occasionally will help deter their interest.

Stop the mail and Lubbock newspaper or have someone pick them up each day. A pile of unread newspapers or an overflowing mailbox are all signs that a homeowner has not been there in awhile. You can contact the post office and the Lubbock newspaper company to stop delivery until you get back. Alternatively, you can ask a neighbor or family member to come by each day and take these things inside.

Notify the home security company and your neighbors when you go on vacation. The home security company can send emergency responders instantly if they know you are not there. Your neighbors can also make sure that no one suspicious is hanging around your property in Lubbock, Texas when you are not there.

For the times when a burglar does try to break into your house, your wireless home security system will alert the proper Lubbock authorities. You can be rest assured that you, your family, and your belongings are protected with these tips and a good home security system.

If you are in the market for a home security system, give us a call here at 1st Alarm. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best home security system available.

Finding A Wireless Home Security System On A Budget

There is a common myth out there that getting a home security system is out of the price range for most homeowners. However, you can get a decent wireless home security system that still fits within your budget. You can even get a temporary security alarm if that’s what you desire and it may be the best option if you’re in the process of moving home, but these are mainly used for construction or building sites. Start with a basic home security system package, but don’t go with one that does not have a monitoring service attached. After you get a basic system, add budget-friendly options such as GSM cellular radio alarm monitoring, cameras, glass breaking sensors, and smoke and fire sensors. Finding a wireless home security system on a budget is all a matter of picking the options you need and getting a quality alarm company behind it all.

Start with a basic wireless home security system package

Most alarm companies offer a basic wireless home security system package that will fit into most budgets. If your budget is tight, this is the place to start.

A basic wireless home security system will come with a central control panel that hooks up with an alarm company’s monitoring service. This basic system will give you door sensors to keep entry points secure and may also come with a motion sensor. This motion sensor will help detect any unexpected movement within the house. An alarm company should install a basic wireless home security system package for a low price.

You do not want to go with a wireless home security system that does not have a monitoring service attached to it. Even the loudest alarms will not deter a determined thief if he knows that there is no one available to call the police.

Add budget-friendly wireless home security system options

If you want a wireless home security system that is a bit more sophisticated, you can add options that will not raise the price too much. These options include GSM cellular radio alarm monitoring, cameras, glass breaking sensors, and smoke and fire sensors.

GSM cellular radio removes dependency on a hardwired phone system. Getting this service added should only cost a bit more for installation and a few dollars more each month for monitoring service.

Cameras are another option to consider. This wireless home security system option lets you capture video of what is going on in, and around, your house. If you have a babysitter or a housekeeper you suspect of wrong behavior, a camera can capture the evidence. A camera on the outside allows you to see if someone is trespassing on your property, even if that person does not trip the alarm. Cameras do add a bit of cost, but not a large amount.

Glass breaking sensors react to the sound of glass breaking. This wireless home security system option is an added backup to the door sensors that protect your main entry points. If an intruder decides to bypass the door and go through a window, the glass break sensor will trigger an alarm. Adding additional sensors to your basic wireless home security system package does not cost much and shouldn’t go over your budget.

Smoke and fire protection is another low cost wireless home security system option. Sensors inside the house will trigger an alarm if smoke or fire is detected. This option is perfect for when you are not at home and something happens.

These are just a few of the options you can add to your basic wireless home security system without going over your budget. The best way to find the right combination of sensors and cameras for your house is to talk with an alarm professional. Contact us here at 1st Alarm. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call at 1(800) 276-5559 or contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best wireless home security system available that is within your budget.

How To Choose The Best Home Security Company

If you do a quick internet search or grab the phone directory, you are going to find dozens of alarm companies out there. Trying to sort out which home security company best fits your needs and your budget can be a challenge. Start your search by finding home security company references and reviews. You can get personal references or ask the business for a list of recent references. You can also find customer reviews online. Don’t choose a home security company that is too big or too small. You don’t want to be just another number, but you also don’t want to jeopardize your security. Make sure to verify that the home security company has the proper licensing and accreditation as well as no hidden fees. Taking these steps will help you choose the best home security company that best fits your needs.

Find home security company references and reviews

Personal references are a great place to start when it comes to sorting out the good home security companies from the bad ones. If your family and friends have personal experience with a company, listen. Ask about their experience and whether they would recommend it again or not.

Ask the home security company for references. Besides licensing information, the client should also be able to provide you with recent references. These are other customers that use their services. If the company provides a list of references, check them. Call the people on the list and ask them about the alarm company. What kind of service do they provide? Has there been any negative experiences? Were there any hidden costs?

If you go online, you should be able to see customer reviews on the company’s website as well as third-party review sites. You can also check with the local police to see if they have any negatives to say about the home security company. Taking the time to check out the alarm company will save you headaches down the road.

Don’t choose a home security company that is too big or too small

Many home security companies are just too large. You become just another number on their list of clients and getting personal service is next to impossible. On the other end of the spectrum, some alarm companies are not much more than a storefront and a guy with a pager. Going too small can jeopardize the security you want. You need a home security company that has a strong regional presence, but still provides personal service.

Verify that the home security company has the proper licensing and accreditation as well as no hidden fees

Alarm companies need to have proper licensing and accreditation, which shows they are above board and professional with their clients and the local authorities. The home security company should have no issues providing information on their licensing, accreditation, and associations. If the company is evasive or cannot come up with the information, look elsewhere.

The home security company should also be upfront with all pricing. This pricing includes installation costs as well as monitoring fees. While there may be taxes included (depending on the jurisdiction), there should be no hidden fees or other unmentioned charges on your bill.

If you are looking for a home security company, give us a call here at 1st Alarm. We proudly serve our neighbors throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle areas. We have locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559 or contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best home security system available.

Options For Monitoring Wireless Home Security System Alarms

If an alarm goes off in your home, what happens? The whole idea of getting a wireless home security system in the first place was to protect you, your family, and your home from intruders, thieves, and other criminals. You want that protection to happen, even if you are not home. That is where a wireless home security system alarm monitoring comes into play. There are various options available for monitoring your wireless home security system alarm. Self alarm monitoring and telephone line monitoring can leave your home vulnerable to intruders, thieves, and other criminals. VoIP monitoring is a newer option for those with a fast, reliable internet connection. GSM cellular alarm monitoring is the newest option available and probably the most reliable.

Self alarm monitoring and telephone line monitoring can leave your home vulnerable to intruders, thieves, and other criminals

With self monitoring, you receive an alarm from the home security system via your cell phone. It is completely up to you to respond to the alarm. You have to determine whether to call the police, an ambulance, or the fire department. This form of monitoring only works if your cell phone is charged and you have it on you at all times. This kind of wireless home security system is not provided or supported by most alarm companies.

With telephone line monitoring, your home security system is tied into a hard phone line. This option is very reliable, but also very vulnerable. A burglar can cut the phone line, completely cutting off the alarm from the central monitoring system.

VoIP alarm monitoring is a newer option for those with a fast, reliable internet connection

Instead of using a hard phone line to connect to the central panel, this option connects through the Internet using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). VoIP involves converting analog signals from the home security system control panel to data packets that can run over an internet feed. The problem with VoIP is that it relies on a fast, reliable internet connection, this why some businesses use voip monitoring to keep an eye on their servers and networks. If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, it will delay or prevent the alarm from reaching the central monitoring station.

GSM cellular alarm monitoring is the newest option available

Instead of relying on a hard phone line or an internet connection, this kind of monitoring sends signals via the cellular phone network. This option works much like the hard phone line systems, without the vulnerability of having the phone line cut. If you get strong cell phone signals in your home, this is probably the most reliable option you can go with.

If you are in the market for a new home security system, contact us here at 1st Alarm. We provide residential and commercial security systems throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best home security system available.

The Basics Of A Wireless Home Security System

Most of today’s home security systems are wireless. If you are considering adding one to your home, it pays to understand how a wireless system works and how it differs from a wired version. This knowledge can help you make an informed decision between the two.

How does a wireless home security system work?

All home security systems are going to have a central control panel. Alarms go through this control panel and get routed to the monitoring service as needed. This control panel is where the homeowner can punch in access codes and manage alarm settings.

In a wired home security system, all the sensors and cameras in the house are hardwired into this control panel. With a wireless home security system, the sensors send their signals via radio waves to the central control panel.

Wireless sensors are placed at each entry point and at the windows. If someone opens a door or window, the wireless sensor sends an alert to the central control panel. The homeowner has a certain amount of time to enter an access code to keep the control panel from sending the alarm to the monitoring service. If no one enters an access code, the service receives the alarm and notifies the appropriate authorities.

A wireless home security system can also include cameras and motion sensors placed inside and outside. Cameras can be placed at any point around your house and be moved as needed. The same goes with motion sensors.

What are some of the key differences between wired and wireless home security systems?

Installation ease is a noticeable benefit of wireless over wired alarm systems. A wired home security system requires the installation team to pull wires through the walls and hooking them up to the central control panel. The intensive labor involved can quickly drive installation costs up.

Portability is another difference. Going wireless offers you the ability to move and reconfigure the sensors and cameras in your home security system, without the need to rewire.

Wireless sensors and cameras work on battery power. That means that even if the power goes out, your wireless home security system is still on the job.

Range can be almost double when it comes to a wireless home security system versus a wired one. That makes it easy to secure detached outbuildings without the need to run cable underground.

Cellular alarms are another benefit of wireless over wired alarm types. Most wired systems rely on a hard telephone line to send signals. However, many wireless home security systems use a cellular signal instead. This signal takes out the possibility of an intruder cutting the phone line.

Upgrades are very simple with a wireless home security system. You can switch sensors and cameras out without a lot of hassle. Plus, you can add additional wireless sensors and cameras without adding more hard wiring.

A wireless home security system is an affordable, flexible option for most homeowners. To learn more about adding this product to your house, contact us here at 1st Alarm. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. We look forward to providing you with the best home security system available.

What Is The Average Cost Of A Wireless Home Security System?

One of the first thoughts that pop into a person’s head when thinking about wireless home security systems is, “How much is it going to cost?” There is a common misconception that a decent wireless home security system is going to cost a lot of money. The truth is that you can get a decent alarm system on just about any budget. According to an article published by U.S. News & World Report, Americans spent over $20 billion on wireless home security systems in 2011. That number is expected to top $34 billion by 2017. The reason for this growth is the increasing affordability of these systems as well as an increasing desire to have more protection. When considering the price of an alarm system, you need to look at two things: the cost of the installation and the monthly charges for monitoring. Both depend heavily on the kinds of features and upgrades you choose.

Installation costs for a wireless home security system

A basic wireless home security system installation charge can run as low as 70 – 100 dollars. More sophisticated wireless home security systems, with more features, can run as high as 1000 dollars for installation once everything is set-up and running.

For a basic installation package, you should get a central control panel and sensors for all entry doors in the home. The wireless home security system should offer panic buttons for emergencies, along with window decals and yard signs.

When you start adding additional features or equipment that is outside the package, you are going to get higher installation costs as well. Some features that will increase installation costs include motion detectors, window sensors, cameras, automation, emergency lighting, and alarms for smoke and fire detection.

Monthly charges for monitoring with a wireless home security system

To have your wireless home security system monitored, you need to pay an ongoing monthly service charge. This monthly monitoring fee can run anywhere from 20 to 100 dollars a month. A monthly charge of 30 to 50 dollars is average for a decent wireless home security system. These monthly monitoring charges can go up if you add additional features.

The monitoring service should be 24/7/365 and should alert the company immediately. The security company should have live personnel on-site to answer the calls and to dispatch emergency services as needed.

If you are in need of a reliable wireless home security system, contact 1st Alarm for more information. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best wireless home security system available.

Choosing The Best Home Alarm System For Your Budget

There is a misconception that it costs a great deal of money to have an alarm system installed in your home. However, you can get a basic home alarm system at a very affordable price. If your budget allows, you can add other options to expand your system and make it fit your lifestyle. When choosing the best home alarm system for your budget, you need to know what type of home alarm system you need as well as who can install it.

Know what type of home alarm system you need

The first step you need to do is figure out what you need for a home alarm system. Are you looking for something that alerts you if someone comes in the door without a code? Do you want cameras? Do you need a monitoring feature for an elderly person in the house? Do you have pets?

Any home alarm system you install needs to fit your family’s lifestyle and security needs. If the product becomes inconvenient or is hard to use, the family will start by-passing it which by-passes the security it provides. If the home alarm system does not meet your security needs, it is a waste of time and money.

A basic home alarm system will come with door sensors, a master control panel, panic buttons, yard signs, and window decals. The system ties into a central monitoring service that can respond to alerts and send emergency personnel as needed. You pay an initial installation fee plus a monthly fee for monitoring.

If you want to upgrade, you can add various options including links to your cell phone, indoor cameras, outdoor cameras and emergency lighting. Some options are one-time costs while others require a higher monthly service fee.

Know who can install your home alarm system

When considering a home alarm system, it is important to talk with alarm professionals. You should get at least two or three quotes from different companies. Ask what these professionals would recommend and if they offer basic packages for the budget conscious.

Once you have a service in mind, make sure the company is reputable. Look for online reviews and see what people are saying. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see what kind of rating the company has.

If you are interested in adding a home alarm system to your property, give us a call here at 1st Alarm. We are a West Texas company, owned and operated by locals, proudly serving our neighbors. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best home alarm system available.