Investigating Home Security Systems

The cost of home security systems is worth it for the peace of mind that you, your loved ones, and your belongings will be safe. Now, it’s even easier to add a layer of protection for your loved ones and belongings. Advances in technology have made today’s home security systems more integrated and customizable than ever before.

What’s the best home security system for you? Investigate the benefits and disadvantages of the different types of security systems on the market. This information includes which installation would be best based on your budget and specific monitoring needs.

How Do Home Security Systems Work?

All types of security systems work on one basic premise: deter intruders and keep the occupants safe. To that end, modern security systems use a mix of smart home features and devices to make this happen. Most are about monitoring entry points using video cameras, video doorbells, or other security sensors. You can work with a security company to design an integrated smart home security system that includes smartphone access, outdoor cameras, voice control, and more. Or, you can put together a system yourself. Because of all the market choices, the cost of home security systems varies based on what equipment you buy and the level of monitoring you choose. The main types of home security systems:

Local Alarm Systems

This is the most basic type of alarm system. It uses simple, unmonitored motion sensors placed on doors and windows. When the circuit is broken–e.g., the door is opened—it may make an alarm sound directly from the sensor. You’ve probably heard a door chime when entertaining a business. It’s the same principle but for your home. The battery-powered sensors are similar to those used in the wired and wireless systems, but they’re not connected to a control panel.

The advantage of local alarms is their cost. Sets of alarm motion-based sensors can be found in stores or online for under $100. Easy installation means anyone can install them. Usually, it’s just a matter of sticking them in the right place.

On the downside, they only make a loud noise. No authorities will be alerted if someone enters your home. If you’re not home, you will know it’s been triggered once you get back. These alarms are a temporary solution since they don’t add much to your home’s security level.

Wired Alarm Systems

This standard home security system connects all security devices to an alarm panel through wiring in the home’s walls. Components usually include wired sensors, motion detectors, and video cameras. Besides monitoring entry, smoke alarms can be wired to alert authorities if there is a fire or high carbon monoxide in the home.

These systems normally have a remote monitoring service through a subscription, although some want a long-term contract and charge equipment fees or installation fees. The advantage of professional monitoring plans is you’ll always be connected to emergency services. When someone trips the system, the alarm sounds, and a notice is sent to the alarm company. The company first attempts to reach you to ensure it’s not a false alarm. And if they can’t reach you, they’ll send services to the home on your behalf.

On the premises, the smart devices can be programmed to emit a sound when a sensored door or window opens. The modern ones also integrate with smart home devices and give you mobile access to the home’s features.

Wired security systems are a little more complicated than local alarms. They often require professional installation if you’re going with a security provider. Conversely, their more reliable monitoring means someone is always watching the system. The professional monitoring center is alerted when the alarm is triggered. They can send emergency services to the home even if you’re not around or have been incapacitated.

But because they’re wired, the professional installer will need to drill holes in your wall to power the system. Because of the hard-wired components, the system won’t move with you if you eventually plan to move. The alarm companies charge monthly monitoring fees that will lapse if you cancel service.

Wireless Home Security Systems

Wireless systems function similarly to wired systems but without being hard-wired to a central panel in the home. All communication between the smart devices is through a wireless signal. These often use the cloud to integrate a whole smart home security system with video doorbells, door sensors, and security cameras.

Like wired systems, you can purchase remote monitoring plans where alarm companies install and provide emergency oversight. Or, you can choose a self-monitored security system. In this case, the smart devices send you an alert when the security sensors are triggered.

Wireless systems still alert you and the authorities if outside monitored when the alarm sounds. In a self-monitored plan, adding security cameras and video doorbells enables you also remotely to check on what’s happening at home.

You can have the installation done by a professional or tackle it yourself. The advantage is the route is most customizable, and you’ll have multiple equipment options. You can even add components as you go. Build your own integrated system with sensors for doors, remote entry, carbon monoxide sensors, fire alarms, doorbell cameras, and an app. Most wireless systems are easy to install and take with you when you move.

On the downside, buying the individual components can be higher priced. You’ll also want to buy smart home devices with the same operating system. For example, if you buy Google Home, then your outdoor cameras, video doorbells, and smoke alarms should be compatible with Home for the easiest installation and monitoring. The batteries must also be changed manually every couple of years. The wireless security system may also not work if your network goes down during a power outage. This can also be true of wired security systems without battery backups.

Monitored Systems

As we’ve already mentioned, some security systems are monitored. This means your home is connected to a person at the alarm company’s monitoring center. When the alarm is triggered, a person will call you to verify it is not a false alarm. They contact the appropriate authorities. All the homeowner needs to do is engage the alarm panel when leaving the home or going to bed.

Unmonitored Systems

These systems, whether wired or wireless, do not come with professional monitoring plans. Instead, the monitoring is up to you. If the smart home device has an app, you may get a siren/alarm alert. Some equipment options may emit a loud sound when a sensor is tripped to scare away intruders. Because self-monitored security systems don’t use call centers and people, unmonitored systems are your most cost-effective security option.

Questions to Consider

When deciding on the best system for you, your home, and your budget, ask yourself:

Do you want to install the system on your own to save money?

Or, do you want a professional installation and ensure things are done correctly?

What features are available with the system, i.e., fire and carbon monoxide detectors, glass break sensors, panic buttons, additional motion detectors, doorbell cameras, and 24-hour video monitoring?

Which Type of Security System is Best for You?

Every home is different, and all owners have different accepted levels of risk. But here are some universal suggestions:

If you own your own home or are renting, a wireless security system is the easiest option unless the previous homeowners already wired the home for a system. The upfront cost can be controlled by buying components as you can.
For larger homes and budgets, a wired, monitored system may be preferable to cover the area.
Do you plan to move in the near future? If you will only live on the property for a couple of years, using a wireless system you can take with you makes more sense.

Home security products are continuously innovating to maximize the protection they provide homeowners. The home security market now has multiple companies and products to explore regardless of your route. You can put together the right package to add protection to your home.

Updated June 2024

Preston Guyton Founder @ ez Home Search

Preston Guyton has spent 20+ years helping people find the right home—and helping them avoid the costly mistakes that often come from not knowing their options. As the founder of ez Home Search, he’s leading the charge to build a better way to discover real estate—one that puts your privacy first, delivers accurate information, and gives you the confidence to make informed decisions. Preston has assembled a powerhouse team—made up of the innovators behind many of the technologies people use every day—to build the tools and transparency that deliver on a single mission: A Better Way To Discover Real Estate.