wired security systems Archives

Wired Home Alarm Vs Wireless Home Alarm Systems in Amarillo Texas

When purchasing a home alarm system, you must decide whether you’d like a wired or wireless system. For many years, wired systems were the only systems on the market in Amarillo Texas. As such, quite a few people know very little about wireless home alarm systems and the benefits they offer. If you’re considering investing in a home alarm system, review the differences between the two types of systems first. This information will help you make an educated decision that offers the protection you need for yourself and your family.

Installation, upgrades, and maintenance for wireless home alarm systems

A wired security system is invasive and time consuming to install. It often requires drilling through walls and ceilings to run wires behind woodwork, tiles, or concrete. Wired security system installation is best left to professional contractors with electrical experience, which is expensive. The average Amarillo TX homeowner can get a wireless security system up and running in a few hours. You can place the varying system components, such as video cameras and motion detectors, where you want them without drilling any holes.

When it’s time to upgrade a wired home alarm system, you must upgrade the entire system. This process makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to add or replace a single component. With a wireless system, you can upgrade or add varying features to the system with ease. For example, if you want to add another video camera or switch out the main control panel, you don’t need a whole new system.

A wireless home security system is connected directly to the Amarillo TX security provider. A technician can identify, diagnose, and fix most issues remotely, keeping your security system running smoothly without an in-person appointment. You’ll save the time and money of a home visit and lower the risk of a break in or security breach by keeping the security system operating seamlessly

Remote monitoring and smart home features

Wireless home alarm systems in Amarillo TX offer a wide range of features that aren’t available for their wired counterparts, including remote monitoring and smart home features. A homeowner can sync up his alarm system with a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access to keep tabs on the home from virtually any location. See how your kids are doing after school while you’re still at the office or check up on your property while you’re across the country on vacation.

You can also sync up your security system with a number of smart home systems. Arm and disarm the security system, adjust the thermostat settings, turn on and off the lights, or lock and unlock the doors and windows, all with a few simple commands on your smartphone or tablet. The security system will send a text or email alert in the event of suspicious activity, such as a window left ajar or a sudden rise in temperature.

Distributed intelligence

It seems like a great advantage to have a security system capturing video footage around the clock. However, no one has time to watch all of that footage. Wired systems have gaps in security coverage, which wireless systems fill with distributed intelligence. The alarm system uses movement pattern recognition to detect certain activities, events, and behaviors, which trigger an automatic alert that goes to both you and and your security provider.

Rely on your local Amarillo TX security professional

A professional Amarillo TX security provider has ample experience installing, repairing, and maintaining wired and wireless home alarm systems. If you have any questions or need more details about either type of system, don’t hesitate to ask.

If you are considering adding a security system or a security camera to your home or business, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm Amarillo. We have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price. 1st Alarm Amarillo can help you with all of your security needs. Call (800) 276-5559 today. Request a Quote online or come by the office located at 3501 S. Georgia Street in Amarillo, Texas.

Wireless Technology Is The Latest Trend In Home Security Systems

Advancements in wireless technologies have transformed home security systems. In the past, these systems needed wires pulled through walls to connect everything, and installation was labor intensive and expensive. Today, home security companies can install a system in your home in Lubbock, Texas more efficiently, which saves you money. Knowing the differences between security systems of the past and modern home security systems can help homeowners understand the benefits of wireless home security systems.

Home security systems of the past

In the past, having a home security system was only for the rich or upper middle class. These systems required pulling wires through the walls to each window and door. Lubbock security companies were required to connect everything to a central controller, which managed the entire system. Installation of these systems also required a dedicated landline that the system would use to alert the monitoring service or emergency services.

Home security systems of the past were labor-intensive to install, so the installation costs were high. Making future changes required pulling new wires and rewiring the central control panel, adding even more labor and cost. The costs involved made most of these systems out of reach of most Lubbock homeowners.

Modern wireless home security systems

Today, advancements in wireless technologies have transformed the way people live. Instead of using landline phones, people rely on cell phones to stay connected. Wireless routers have replaced hard-line network connections for personal and work computers.

Wireless technologies have also transformed the home security system industry. Wireless alarms and sensors communicate with the central control panel, without any wires. These systems are easy for companies to install and configure. It is possible to install sensors at every window and door at a reasonable cost. The central panel can either be tied to a hard phone line or use wireless technologies to send alerts through the nearest cell tower.

Other wireless technologies that have become available, including home security video cameras and personal alarms. Wireless video cameras make it possible to monitor activity inside and outside your Lubbock property. Wireless personal alarms make it possible for someone to trigger an alarm, without being near the central keypad.

Because wireless home security systems require very little labor to install, they are affordable for most Lubbock homeowners. Home security systems have even been developed for renters who want to take the system with them when they move.

Most Lubbock security companies offer basic monthly monitoring at a great price. Companies may also offer additional services such as real-time alerts and online monitoring of the central control panel status. If home security video cameras have been installed, the feeds may also be available for online viewing.

Today’s home security systems have been made available to more homeowners than ever before and wireless technologies have made these systems even more efficient. If you are interested in adding a wireless home security system to your property, contact the experts at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email for more information about our residential services. 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.

How To Choose The Best Home Alarm System

When you decide to purchase a home alarm system, it may be difficult to decide on what features you need. Before you start calling alarm companies, you need to do some basic research. This preliminary work will help you determine the features you need in your new security system. After you have done some research, you can begin to decide which home alarm system is the best for your family.

Do some basic research about home alarm systems

Home security system features range from basic to elaborate. Most homeowners find that a mid-range alarm system best fits their requirements while staying within a reasonable budget. One way to conduct research about what alarm system features you need is to survey your home.

Count the number of windows and doors you will need to monitor with the security system. Include all entry doors and any windows which are particularly vulnerable to intruders. You should also determine where you want the control panel located. The panel is what controls the entire security system. This panel should be somewhere close to the middle of your home, so that it can connect easily with sensors, motion detectors, and other system features.

Decide where the keypads need to go within your home. The keypads are where you program the control panel and arm or disarm the alarm system. Most alarm systems have a keypad at the main entry door. You can also have additional pads in other areas of the home, such as near bedrooms or by the garage door.

Consider whether you would like a wired or wireless home security system. A wired alarm system used to be the only choice available. Running wire through existing walls is labor intensive and expensive. If you are building a home, you might consider adding a wired security system. Modern home security systems tend to be wireless, however. It is cheaper and more flexible to install a wireless alarm system. Wireless systems also make it easy to increase or decrease the size of the system.

When looking for the best home alarm system, consider various features of each system. Cameras are great for capturing video of people who enter your property, whether invited or not. Motion detectors can be triggered if an intruder gets past your window and door sensors. Many home security systems allow for integration of fire and carbon monoxide detectors, as well. Your sense of security will likely be enhanced with these features, although they do come with a higher price tag.

Making a choice on the best home alarm system

Once your preliminary survey is done, you can start talking to home alarm system companies. It is best to talk with at least two companies, though more is better. Talking to alarm companies allows you to get a good idea of the pricing and features available for different systems.

Let the security company do its own survey of your home. This survey allows the company to see exactly what your property looks like and how the security layout would work. Be available to answer any questions for the company representative.

Consider the interfaces the security company provides. You want a user-friendly interface that everyone in the family can use. The alarm system should not involve a complicated process or require constant use of a user’s manual to do routine tasks.

Review the security company’s recommendations, because they may offer options you did not know existed. You may find that the recommendations of one company are very different than those of another.

You should also ask questions of the alarm company, if you have any. If one company offers an extremely low or high bid, you should ask why. You can also ask why each company recommended the features that they did. This information will help you determine the best home alarm system for your needs.

Once you complete all of your research, you will have enough information to determine which security system is right for your home. If you would like more information about home alarm 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.

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 Stop An Alarm On A Home Security System When The Power Is Off

Turning off a security system alarm during a power outage may seem impossible, but there are ways to accomplish this on your own. The steps to powering down an alarm without a keypad available include locating the main source of power and removing and the backup battery. Next, the system must be reset and the battery replaced.

Find and disconnect the main source of power for the home security system

Your home security system likely has a main source of power, which is a box that is secured to the wall with an outlet. This box is the key to turning off the alarm while there is no electricity. Simply disconnect the box from the outlet by unplugging it.

Remove the battery from the security system

Although the main source of power has been disconnected from the home security system, the backup battery is still providing power to the alarm. A screwdriver may be required to access the battery box and you will need pliers to remove the battery. Carefully use the pliers to remove the plugs and wires from the battery. Take note of where each plug should be reattached once everything in the system is reset.

Reset the home security system

Even though you can turn the alarm off on your home security system without assistance, you cannot reset it on your own. Contacting the security company will allow you to have the system reset, although this may mean creating a new security code or pin number.

Replace the battery on the security system

Now that the home security system has been reset, you can use the pliers to replace the backup battery as it was before. Use a new battery for the alarm if the old one exhibits any signs of leakage or if the low battery light is on.

At 1st Alarm, we offer all types of home security systems and alarms. If you would like to know more about our services or products call us at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also contact us by email or receive a price quote. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Video Surveillance And Home Security

Adding video surveillance to your home security system in Lubbock, Texas is a great way to enhance protection. Video surveillance was once an expensive option for home security. The cost for this type of surveillance has decreased as the technology has advanced. Video surveillance home security is now an affordable option to add to your home security. It is important to consider the reasons to add video surveillance as a security measure, as well as what types of camera systems are available.

Reasons to add video to your home security system

Video surveillance serves several purposes when it comes to home security, including acting as a deterrent to would-be intruders. A visible video camera on the exterior of your home can deter some thieves and intruders from committing a crime.

Video surveillance captures evidence. If a security camera does not deter a criminal, it will capture video evidence of any crime being committed. The footage can help identify the intruder, aiding any police investigation. Video surveillance can also stand as evidence of a crime in court.

Although video surveillance is a great addition to a home security system outdoors, it can also be used to monitor the interior of a home. If you have a housekeeper or a nanny, there may be times when you need to monitor their presence within your house. Hidden surveillance cameras, also known as “Nanny Cams,” can give you eyes inside the home when you are not there. These hidden cameras also serve as additional evidence if someone breaks into your home in LUbbock, Texas.

Video surveillance enables you to see who is outside of your house, without the need to open a door. You can have the cameras feed into a central monitor that allows you to see what is going on outside your home. These options offer a safe way to identify who might be outside and if it is safe to open your door for them.

Types of camera systems for your home security

An open camera video surveillance security system displays the cameras in an obvious manner. This system includes having cameras above entry doors, on the corner of the house, and along the main walkways and driveways going towards the house. Cameras are mounted in conspicuous places to deter criminal activity.

Hidden camera surveillance systems can be used both inside and outside of the house in Lubbock, Texas. There are numerous reasons to use hidden video surveillance. Video can be recorded of anyone inside the home, whether they are supposed to be there or not. Outside the residence, video surveillance can be used to monitor who might be coming onto the property, without being conspicuous.

Fake cameras are also commonly used in home security systems. There may be one or more live working cameras in the security system, but they are supplemented with fake identical cameras. Fake cameras keep the cost of system installation down, while providing a similar level of deterrence.

Wired camera surveillance systems are those which use cable to transmit their signal back to a video capture or monitoring system. This type of video surveillance within a home security system requires running cable and power to each camera. Wireless camera systems do not use cabling, however. These cameras send their signals through a wireless network connection and often run on long-life batteries, making them completely portable. Wireless cameras are very popular for video surveillance in a home security system in Lubbock, Texas.

At 1st Alarm, we offer all types of home security systems and alarms. If you would like to know more about our services or products call us 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.

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.