monitoring security system alarms Archives - Page 5 of 6

With Wireless Home Security Systems Renters Receive the Same Protection as Homeowners

Sometimes out of economic necessity, renters can find themselves living in neighborhoods that are less than ideal. Their apartment or rental house doesn’t have enough protection for peace of mind. The ideal situation would be to have the landlord install an alarm system, but that is not going to happen. Years ago, the renter would have few options. Fortunately, today things are different. Wireless home security systems offer renters the same protection that homeowners enjoy.

What makes wireless home security systems so different?

There is one major difference between wired and wireless alarm systems: the wires or lack thereof. To put it simply, a wired alarm system requires wires to connect sensors to the central control panel. This type of installation can require modifications to the home’s structure such as drilling holes in walls which can be a problem if you are a renter. Wireless home security systems use wireless signals to communicate instead and that is what makes it such a good option for renters.

Wireless home security systems are easy to install and do not require permanent changes to be made to the rental unit. The system can be customized to the rental place, without the need to pull wires through walls or mess with the electric system at all.

Entry sensors, motions sensors, and cameras can all run off of batteries, which provides the most flexibility when it comes to placement. The control panel is usually located at a center point in the home or apartment to provide good signal coverage for all sensors. The panel itself can communicate with the monitoring service typically through a wireless cell phone type carrier signal.

What kind of coverage can a renter get with a wireless home security system?

With a wireless home security system, renters get the same coverage that a homeowner does. This includes coverage for break-ins, fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, and medical emergencies. The alarm system can also help renters keep an eye on housekeepers, nannies, and other people who have access to the rental unit.

Renters get the same advantages that homeowners get as well. Home alarm systems can deter criminals from even committing crimes. They don’t want anyone to capture their activities on camera or alert the cops of their presence. These systems also provide evidence if something occurs. That helps law enforcement professionals find the criminals and helps the prosecutor convict them.

Renters can select from a number of options to customize the system to their needs and wants.. You can add cameras to the security system to give you eyes to what is going on inside the house when you are not home. You can customize where motion sensors are placed to minimize potential false alarms. You can add personal medical alarms for disabled or senior members of the household.

If you are renting, don’t take chances with you and your family’s safety. Get a wireless home alarm system installed today. 1st Alarm can help you. 1st Alarm is one of the biggest and best security systems companies in the region that specializes in both residential and commercial security systems. Serving Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland / Odessa, El Paso, Abilene and San Angelo, we are committed to offering high quality, professional service with the utmost level of integrity. If you are considering adding a security system or a security camera to your home or business, contact 1st Alarm today. We have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price. Let us help you with all of your security needs for your business and your home. Call 800-276-5559 today. Request a Quote online or come by our office near you.

Top 7 Reasons Why You Need to Install Home Alarm Systems Today

How important is your personal safety? What about the safety and well-being of your family members? Your home? Your valuables? Installing home alarm systems can give you, your family, and your property the safety you desire.

Need more reasons why you should install a home alarm system today? Here are the top 7 reasons why you should install a home security system today.

Home alarm systems deter criminal activity

To put it simply, the mere presence of a home security system will deter many perpetrators from doing criminal acts. They do not want to increase the chances they will get caught by the homeowner or by the police in the act. And if they see or suspect security cameras, the chances of them doing the crime decrease even further.

Home alarm systems protect property and valuables

A home security system is a first line of defense for keeping your property and valuables safe. Vandals are less likely to do damage to your property if there is a chance of being caught. An alarm system can alert police if something bad is going down, which keeps both your property and your valuables safer. This is why the new builds shown at https://residential.jll.de/ have state of the art security systems installed.

Home alarm systems allow remote viewing/access to your house

Modern home security systems offer the homeowner the ability to see what is going on using smart devices. They can alert if someone comes into the home, like a child after school lets out. The homeowner can also arm and disarm the system remotely. If security cameras are installed, along with the home security system, the homeowner can also get a view of who is around the house.

Home alarm systems lower homeowner’s and renter’s insurance

Insurance companies do not like risk. If you have a home security system, you are at a lower risk of having a theft or burglary. Insurance companies will lower your homeowners’ insurance rates because of this decreased risk of incurring a loss. This is particularly enticing for recent buyers of homes hoping to cut back on costs. The financial implications of home loans can leave you feeling quite restricted. That is why any possibility of reducing insurance costs should be welcomed!

Home alarm systems can notify you of a gas or fire problem

Many home security systems come with built-in fire and carbon monoxide detection. If the alarm sensors detect a problem, the system will alert the central monitoring system while also sending out an audible alarm to anyone in the home. This can give you the time to get out of the house, while emergency services are on the way.

Home alarm systems help protect your home from intruders

Home security systems can alert if someone comes into the home without permission. The monitoring service can get emergency personnel on the way. Most systems come with panic features that allow someone at home to send an emergency signal if someone tries to come in when the alarm system is not armed.

Home alarm systems reduce worry and stress

When you know that you, your family, and your home are safe, it helps alleviate worry and stress. You get a little peace of mind knowing that someone is watching your home, even when you are not there.

These are just a few of the benefits that a home security system will bring you and your family. Your home and valuables will be safe and you gain peace of mind knowing everything is secure. 1st Alarm is one of the biggest and best security systems companies in the region that specializes in both residential and commercial security systems. Serving Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland / Odessa, El Paso, Abilene and San Angelo, we are committed to offering high quality, professional service with the utmost level of integrity. If you are considering adding a security system or a security camera to your home or business, contact 1st Alarm today. We have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price. Let us help you with all of your security needs for your business and your home. Call 800-276-5559 today. Request a Quote online or come by our office near you.

Making Sure Your Home Alarm System Is Working Properly

Securing your home in Lubbock, Texas is easy when you install a home alarm system. It is important make sure your security system is working properly after installation. Having an accurate home alarm system that works properly keeps both your property and your family safe.

There are many ways to ensure that your home alarm system is working properly, including making sure everyone knows how to use the system. You can also conduct regular testing to ensure the system is working properly and keep everyone in the home informed of security code changes. When installing a home security system, consider placement of panic buttons and the interactions between internal motion sensors and pets. You should also be careful about where you place outdoor and indoor motion detectors. Finally, let house guests know about your home alarm system to keep it working properly.

Make sure everyone knows how to use the home alarm system

Many false alarms happen because someone does not know how the home security system works. Everyone in the Lubbock household should know how to activate and deactivate the system. It is also important to know how to contact the monitoring service to report a false alarm before the authorities in Lubbock, Texas are notified. Understanding the basics of home security systems will help prevent someone from accidentally triggering the alarm.

Conduct regular tests to ensure the home alarm system is working properly

When an alarm system is first installed, the technician will test it out to ensure it is working properly. After installation, the Lubbock homeowner must do monthly checks to verify everything continues to function well. Routine testing will identify potential problems that might cause false alarms to occur. If a problem is found with the home alarm system, it should be repaired as soon as possible.

Keep everyone informed of home alarm system security code changes

Most alarm companies recommend that their customers change alarm codes regularly for maximum security. If it is time to change the code, make sure everyone who uses the system knows of the change. A parent can change the code in the morning and a teenager use the old code after school, if the change is not known.

Consider the placement of panic buttons for your home alarm system

If your Lubbock home security system includes panic buttons, make sure they cannot be hit by accident. The buttons should be placed in locations outside of the normal movement patterns of everyone in the household. For example, don’t place panic buttons near a light switch. Someone fumbling in the dark for a light may accidentally hit the panic button instead.

Consider the interactions between internal motion sensors and pets

The most notorious cause of false alarms is the combination of motion sensors and pets. Many alarm companies in Lubbock recommend keeping pets outside or confined to a single room, although this is not a viable option for many pet owners. Fortunately, technology has improved significantly. There are more advanced motion sensors available that can separate pet motions from human motions.

Be careful where you place outdoor and indoor home alarm system motion detectors

Flocks of birds or wind chimes are just two things that can accidentally trip an outdoor motion detector. Before you decide on where to place outdoor motion detectors, consider the movements going on around your Lubbock home. You don’t want a herd of deer triggering a false alarm next time you are out of town.

Wind blowing through an open window or door can trip motion detectors inside the home. While it is nice to have fresh air in the house, windows and doors should be closed if the alarm system is armed.

Motion sensors can malfunction if cobwebs or dust build up on the sensor itself. Be sure to place motion sensors in accessible areas so they can be cleaned regularly. A simple dusting once a month can keep your alarm system motion sensors working properly.

Let your house guests know about the home alarm system

Anyone who is going to be staying in your Lubbock home, or accessing it when you are gone, needs to be aware of your home security system. It is easy for a guest to go outside to get a forgotten item out of the car and accidentally trip the alarm.

Don’t let the possibility of a false alarm prevent you from getting a home alarm system. With a few simple steps, you can drastically reduce the likelihood of false alarms and ensure your system is working properly. For more information about maintaining security systems, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email for more information about our products and services, or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Professional Installation Ensures Home Alarm Systems Are More Effective

Professional installation of home alarm systems in Lubbock, Texas ensures that your system is effective. However, online videos and blogs make doing most things sound extremely easy for an enterprising Lubbock homeowner. Most things, like installing home alarm systems, are best left to the professionals. There are many benefits to professional installation of a home alarm system, including accuracy. Professionals can install home alarm system sensors and motion detectors in the best locations and give you hands on training. Professionals will test home alarm systems after installation and will save you time by doing all of the work. Professional home alarm system installation technicians can also help with other areas of security.

Professional installation of home alarm systems is accurate

There is no guesswork when you leave the installation of your home alarm system to Lubbock professionals. Home alarm systems usually involve a number of technological components that all need to work effectively. Installing sensors, motion detectors, keypads, and control panels can be straightforward. However, it can be difficult to get all of the components to work together properly. Professional installers have the expertise and equipment to get the entire security system up and running efficiently.

Professionals can install alarm sensors and motion detectors in the best locations

Many of today’s Lubbock home alarm system components are wireless, which lowers the cost of installation by removing the need to pull wire through the walls. Using wireless components brings the challenge of placing sensors at strategic locations that have a clear communication path to the control panel. If a sensor’s signal does not have that clear path, it may not be able to alert if someone tries to break in. Installation of home alarm system components is more effective when left to the professionals, because they know of the best locations for the components.

Professionals can give you hands on training about home alarm systems

If you do a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation of a home security system, you don’t get any hands-on training. You might see a few videos or a manual showing you the basics, but this is not effective for installation or maintenance of the system. With a professional installation, you get a trained expert who can walk you through every step of installation, maintenance, and functionality of the alarm system. The technician can train you and your family on how to arm and disarm the system and answer any questions you may have.

Professionals will thoroughly test home alarm systems after installation

Once all the sensors, keypads, and control panels are in place, the installation technician will test each one to verify that the system works. Then, the installer will hook the system up with the monitoring service and verify they are receiving clear signals from all of the sensors also. In a DIY installation, you may think that everything has been hooked up effectively. However, if something is not done correctly, a false alarm could alert the Lubbock police of a non-existent threat.

Professional installation of home alarm systems saves you time

If you don’t want to dedicate your weekend to installing a home security system, then leave it to the professionals. Installation technicians can do the job effectively in a matter of hours. With professional installation, there is no guesswork on your part, only a feeling of security once the job is done.

Professional home alarm system installers can help with other areas of security

Professional installation of a home security system is more effective than installing a system on your own. However, professionals can also help with other areas of security. As the security system installer walks around your Lubbock home, they are looking at how to best secure the premises. Installers often make recommendations on exterior lighting enhancements, landscaping changes, and other areas of security that can make your home safer.

These are just a few reasons why professional installation is the best and most effective choice for your home alarm system. If you would like more information about home security or home alarm systems, call 1st Alarm at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also email us to learn more about our products and services, or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

A Home Alarm System Can Help Prevent Seasonal Break-Ins

Residential break-ins seem to increase during the holiday seasons, including summer and winter. These are the times when many homeowners are away from their properties in Lubbock, Texas. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make your property more secure during peak break-in seasons, and throughout the year. These steps include increasing your outdoor lighting and making it appear as though you are not away from home. You can also install a home alarm system to help prevent seasonal break-ins.

Increase outdoor lighting to help prevent seasonal break-ins

At night, you should have enough light to see if anyone is walking around your Lubbock property. Burglars rarely enter the front door in daylight, preferring the dark shadows of the night or hidden access points like a garage window or back door. Lighting hidden areas is one way to prevent break-ins throughout the year. You can use lights that go on at dusk and turn off at dawn. You can also use motion sensor lights that will only light up if something moves as part of your home alarm system.

Prevent seasonal break-ins by making it appear that you are home

When you go on vacation, your Lubbock property takes on a different appearance than if you are just away for a few hours. Most people turn the lights on and off at random times when they are at home. The TV or radio may be on and routine lawn maintenance is done. When you are on vacation, the lights are not turned on and off randomly. The TV or radio are not typically on and your grass grows high because no one is mowing it. These are all signs that homeowners are on vacation. Whether or not you have a home alarm system, it is advisable to make it appear as though you are at home while on vacation. Another option is to hire a vrbo management company to lease out your home for the season, to holiday makers. This way, your home really is occupied and the chances of a break in are significantly minimised.

Install a home alarm system to help prevent seasonal break-ins

The best home alarm system can keep your Lubbock property safe when you are at home or on vacation. Your alarm system can alert you of many emergencies, including break-ins, fires, and gas leaks. If your home alarm system is triggered while you are on vacation, Lubbock emergency personnel can handle the situation.

One of the most frustrating things for police is having a burglar keep striking the same neighborhood, but never being able to catch them. A home alarm system can help prevent break-ins, but also help catch criminals. With a home alarm system, Lubbock police can be notified when a crime is in progress, which could give them time to catch the criminal. If you have cameras monitoring your property, inside or outside, the cameras can help capture video of the criminal. Having video footage can be helpful during times when seasonal break-ins are prevalent and criminals have not been caught.

Installing a home alarm system will help keep your property safe during the holiday seasons, as well as the rest of the year. If you want to learn more about installing a home alarm system, call the experts at 1st Alarm. You can contact us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email for more information about our products and services. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Home Alarm System Protection Levels

With so many home alarm system protection levels available, it can be difficult to decide which system is the best for your needs. You can choose a basic system for adequate protection or install a security system specifically made for your protection needs. Before choosing a home alarm system, it is important to understand the protection levels that basic alarm systems and monitored alarm systems can offer. You can also consider installing a home alarm system with motion detectors, one with cameras, and an alarm system with sophisticated features.

Protection level of a basic home alarm system

The simplest security you can have on your home is a door alarm. If someone comes through the door, the system will trigger a loud alarm. The loud noise will scare most intruders away. The downside to such a simple security system is that it is easy to disarm or avoid. If the home is isolated, someone may not hear the alarm going off.

Protection level of a monitored home alarm system

If you want something a bit more secure than a door alarm, a simple monitored home alarm system may be your best option. These systems include sensors on key entry points (windows, doors, etc.) which connect to a central control panel. A keypad attached to the control panel allows the homeowner to program and control the alarm system. When everyone is active, the system is disarmed. When everyone leaves, or is sleeping, the security system can be armed. If someone tries to enter the home at a sensored point, the alarm will be triggered if it is not disarmed in time. The control panel also sends out an alert to the monitoring service, who tries to contact the homeowner and the local authorities.

Protection level of a home alarm system with motion detectors

A basic monitored home alarm system is enough for many homeowners to feel protected. However, there are options that can make a simple system a bit more sophisticated, including motion detectors.

Motion detectors will trigger lights or alarms if motion is detected within a monitored perimeter. In the past, motion detectors got a bad reputation for being triggered if a cat or dog walked by. Technology has improved detectors, however, preventing these kinds of false alarms. Motion detectors are great for detecting movement through indoor and outdoor areas that should have no one in them.

Protection level of a home alarm system with video surveillance

It is impossible to watch every area within your home, even if you are at home. A home alarm system with video surveillance cameras allow you to see what is happening around your property, whether you are away or at home.

Exterior cameras, placed in optimum positions, can capture footage of people entering and exiting your property from many angles. Interior cameras, usually hidden, can tell you if your nanny or housekeeper are doing their jobs correctly. If the surveillance cameras are hooked into a live internet feed, you can see what is happening through a mobile device.

Surveillance cameras are great for identifying problems that you suspect, but cannot prove. Cameras can also capture video footage of criminals, which helps if prosecution if necessary.

Protection level of a home alarm system with sophisticated features

The best home alarm systems have surveillance cameras and motion detectors. However, there are other options available that give your security system even higher levels of protection.

There are detectors that let you know if glass within your home is broken. Some burglars will break through a pane of glass at the door or window to unlock it from the inside, so this feature greatly enhances safety.

Pressure mats can slide undetected under rugs. If someone steps on the pressure mat, an alarm is triggered. This feature is good for detecting an intruder when someone vulnerable is home, such as an elderly parent or small child.

Panic buttons allow an individual to set off an alert, without the need for a phone. The individual wears a pendant or bracelet with a panic button imbedded. If a situation arises where the individual needs help, a simple press of the panic button will contact local emergency personnel.

Once you have done research and decided what level of security your home needs, you can decide on a home alarm system. Call the security experts at 1st Alarm today at 1(800) 276-5559 to find out about installing your own security system. You can also send us an email for more information about our products and services or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Benefits Of CCTV Video Security Systems

CCTV (closed circuit television) has been the foundation of video security systems for decades. CCTV has become the favorite of businesses who want to deter shoplifters and vandals. The popularity of this type of video surveillance system has made it a favorite with homeowners as well. CCTV offers certain benefits for commercial and residential properties in Lubbock, Texas that other security systems cannot match. These benefits include preventing theft, promoting adherence to protocols, and preventing vandalism. CCTV security systems offer convenient remote viewing, increase chances of criminal prosecution, and decrease chances of fraudulent insurance claims. CCTV security systems also offer employee surveillance, lower insurance premiums, and off peace of mind.

CCTV video security systems prevent theft

CCTV surveillance prevents shoplifting and other forms of theft. Thieves do not like their activities captured on video. In a retail store, prominent cameras can keep shoplifters away. Cameras also deter burglars who want to enter a property after dark.

CCTV video security systems promote adherence to protocol

Having a CCTV video security system promotes adherence to health and safety practices. Businesses have an obligation to keep the workplace safe for employees and customers alike. Video can help determine if employees are following proper procedures and practices for your business in Lubbock. Video footage can also serve as a training tool for what to do and what not to do in certain situations.

Vandalism can be prevented with CCTV video security systems

Using a CCTV video security system can help prevent vandalism. Outdoor surveillance cameras act as a deterrent by showing vandals that they will be recorded if they commit a crime. If a vandal sees a camera, that person is less likely to do damage and if they do commit a crime, it will be recorded.

CCTV video security systems offer remote viewing

Remote viewing is one of the wonders of the Internet age. CCTV systems can be tied into the network, allowing Lubbock property owners and the monitoring service to see what is going on in front of the cameras. Video footage is also helpful in guiding police and emergency workers to the right spot on a property during an emergency.

CCTV video security footage increases chances of criminal prosecution

CCTV surveillance increases the chances of criminal prosecution once a criminal is caught. If the cameras capture the face of a criminal in the act of a crime, the chances of a successful prosecution are higher.

CCTV security systems decrease chances of fraudulent insurance claims

Video security systems decrease the chances of fraudulent insurance claims. Today’s world is highly litigious and people often sue over just about anything. A simple bump against a display may turn into a someone claiming they have an injury that requires extensive treatment. Video surveillance footage can show exactly what occurred in situations where insurance claims are involved.

CCTV security systems offer employee surveillance

CCTV video surveillance systems make it possible to monitor activities within a business or home in Lubbock, Texas. Business owners can monitor their employees, but household employees can also be monitored with this system. Many families have a housekeeper or nanny to help with things around their home. That person is often left in the house without the homeowners being present. Hidden surveillance cameras can give the homeowner proof of the employee’s activities if they do something unethical or commit a crime.

CCTV video security systems can lower insurance premiums

The benefit of having lower insurance premiums is one that many Lubbock property owners don’t consider. A full security system, including video surveillance, can lower insurance premiums by up to 20 percent. These savings can actually help pay for the security system and save you money in the future.

CCTV video security systems offer peace of mind

Having a video surveillance system offers business owners and homeowners peace of mind. When you know that you have video protection in place, it promotes a sense of security that can’t be found with other types of security systems.

If you are interested in adding a video surveillance system to your home or business in Lubbock, Texas, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email with your questions and concerns. You can also email us to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Wireless Home Security Systems Create An Invisible Force Field

With today’s advances in home security systems, having an invisible force field protecting your home In Lubbock, Texas is not just something of science fiction. Wireless home security systems provide an invisible perimeter around your house, protecting you, your family, and your property.

In the past, wireless alarm systems were considered inferior to hard-wired systems. However, new technologies have overcome most of the issues with wireless systems, making them superior to hard-wired systems in many ways. It is important to understand the benefits of protecting your Lubbock home with a wireless security system, as well as any potential downfalls.

Protecting your home with a wireless security system

Wireless home security systems are easy to install and program. Older alarms required installing wires through walls and attic spaces to connect sensors to the central alarm console, which was time consuming and expensive. These negative aspects of home security systems put them out of the reach for most residential property owners.

Older home security systems also connect to the monitoring service using a landline, which is not as convenient as wireless systems. Burglars can easily cut the landline wires, rendering the alarm useless.

Installing and programming a wireless home security system is much easier and safer than using an older alarm system. The technicians in Lubbock, Texas can place sensors wherever you want them, with the most basic systems having sensors in the doorways along the entire house. When the alarm sensor is activated, it connects wirelessly to the central console.

Each alarm sensor has its own battery, so installation of wireless sensors require no wiring whatsoever. Portable sensors make it easy to customize an alarm system during installation, and afterwards. If a Lubbock homeowner wants to add additional sensors, it can be done quickly and easily. If an alarm sensor needs to be relocated, it only needs to be moved. Rewiring or reprogramming the entire home security system is not necessary. The ease of installing a wireless home security system is why it has a minimal cost when compared to a traditional wired alarm system.

Are there any downfalls with wireless home security systems?

Wireless home security systems use radio signals to communicate. One concern with wireless options is that radio interference can interrupt the signals between the sensors, the central console, and ultimately the monitoring service. If there is an issue with radio interference, a signal could be lost if someone tries to enter a window or door with a sensor.

Alarm companies have recognized the problem of radio interference, however, and have addressed it. Home security systems can now actively block radio interference on the frequencies alarm companies use, keeping the system secure and working smoothly.

If you would like more information about wireless home security systems, call the experts at 1st Alarm in Lubbock, Texas. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559, send us an email to find out more about our products and services, or get a quote. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

How To Monitor Home Security Systems With A Smart Device

Many electronic devices and products being released today are wireless. You can connect to just about anything, anywhere, without a cable attached to your electronic devices. You can even connect to your home security system using a smart device, which means you can see if your security system is armed from almost anywhere.

How to use a smart device to monitor your home security system

Most modern alarm systems are connected to monitoring centers via wireless connections. Alarms and updates are sent to a cell tower, which relays messages and alerts to the monitoring service. The same wireless signals can also be used to alert homeowners via smart devices.

To connect, the device will need a special application, usually provided by the monitoring service. This app connects to the home security system and can send out alerts, both emergency and non-urgent, as specified by the homeowner. These alerts allow you to see what is going on, and react as needed. Some monitoring apps offer two-way options and the ability to arm and disarm the system remotely.

What kind of home security systems can you monitor?

For you to have remote connectivity, you will need a home security system that has a compatible connection. Older alarm systems may not have a wireless option available and it may also not be available on newer systems that cost less. Contact your home security system provider and ask if you can have remote access using a smart device. The alarm system provider can review your current system and let you know if it is possible to have a wireless connection. If you don’t have the option of connecting to your alarm system with a smart device, the provider may recommend certain upgrades to allow for remote access.

Other available options for monitoring your home with a smart device

The remote access you gain with your home security system can be extended to home automation. This wireless option allows you to monitor and control other systems within your home, including the thermostat of your HVAC system and internal security cameras.

One application gives you the ability to monitor your security system and other systems within your home. The same application can monitor your activities and give you suggestions on how to further customize your automation to suit you and your family’s needs.

If you are interested in having remote access to your security system, or to add home automation to your residence, contact the security experts 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. You can reach us at (1800) 276-5559 or Contact Us by email with your questions, or to get a price quote.

Tips For Finding The Home Alarm System That Best Meets Your Needs

Choosing the right home alarm system for your family’s needs requires research. Choosing a reputable company in Lubbock, Texas is the first step in finding an alarm system, but you should also determine the features that you will want. When choosing a home alarm system, it is important to consider installation and service costs, as well as monitoring options and cost.

Choose a reputable company for your home alarm system

Not every home alarm system company is the same. Some companies have been in business for years with a solid reputation, while other companies have been around a few months and have few references. Always choose a reputable company when installing a security system into your home in Lubbock, Texas. Look online for professional reviews to see what others think of the company. You can also check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if the company has any complaints lodged against it.

Determine what features you want in a home alarm system

Once you start talking to a company representative, they will give you an entire list of features that you can add to your home alarm system. Think about the way you and your family live and decide if you need all of the options. You may have pets to consider or you may or may not want cameras inside or outside of the home. By taking the time to figure out what features you want, you will save yourself time and money.

Consider the installation and service costs for a home alarm system

Look at the installation and ongoing service costs of the home alarm system. Besides the system features, also consider the installation costs. Do it yourself security kits may fail when you need them or cause false alarms that drive you and Lubbock emergency services crazy. Professional installation of the system should be a priority. You should also consider the monthly fees of running your alarm system and what services you receive for the fees.

Consider the monitoring options and cost with a home alarm system

There are many monitoring options available for your home alarm system in Lubbock, Texas. These options include 24 hour monitoring, which can be expensive. There are less expensive options like audible alarms or a feature that dials a preset number in case the alarm is triggered. The problem with these cheaper options is that they may not work. Neighbors may not be at home to hear your alarm sound and calling the preset number may not result in reaching anyone. With a 24 hour monitoring service, you get someone responding to the home alarm system immediately.

If you are unsure what you want or need in a home alarm system, start small with a basic system. You will get sensors for the door, a central console, 24-hour monitoring, and panic buttons. A basic alarm will give you a basic layer of protection. Later, if you feel like you want more protection, you can always upgrade the package or install further security options yourself.

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