A home alarm system is designed to protect your entire home by securing different entry and exit points such as your doors and windows. It also goes beyond this and works to secure interior or open spaces where you keep all of your valuables. Home alarm systems are made up of a number of devices including cameras, motion sensors and alarms that work with a central control panel in order to prevent intruders from entering your home.

A home alarm system generally functions by installing different types of sensors, including motion sensors around different areas of your house. The control panel will arm or disarm the system and will sound an alarm if a security spot is triggered. Most reputable home security companies offer 24/7 around-the-clock monitoring and in the event that an alarm is triggered, they will first contact you and then the proper authorities.

There are a range of different types of home alarm systems that are worth looking into. The main difference between them is the monitoring, whether they are monitored or unmonitored. Unmonitored alarm systems often cost less and provide you the ability to install and monitor it yourself, making them a cheaper option. Monitored systems are perhaps the more convenient option although more costly. They are monitored by a professional home security company that keep an eye on your home 24/7 and will automatically provide emergency services in the case of an incident. Therefore, you can leave your home and head out for the day with peace of mind that your belongings are safe and secure.

When deciding which home alarm system is for you, you should determine if you'd like a professional to install your system or if you prefer to go the DIY route. With a professionally installed system, you don't have to worry about installing it incorrectly because a trained security professional will come to your house, install it, and usually will show you how to use the system. They tend to be higher quality and more reliable than DIY systems. However, professionally installed alarm systems tend to cost more because most providers charge an installation fee plus it can take more time as you will have to wait for a professional to come to your house when they have availability.DIY systems tend to be less expensive as you don't have to pay an installation fee plus you can install it as soon as you get the system. You can also build your system gradually and add pieces as needed and they tend to be easier to move from one home to another. However, DIY systems are harder to install in large, multilevel homes and are harder to maintain as your provider might not have a professional to repair it.

Generally wireless home alarm systems are more advanced due to their flexibility and customization. They allow you to easily connect different devices to your home security system via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. However, it has often been said that wired systems are more reliable as they are not dependent on internet or cellular connectivity.

The short answer, yes. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of burglaries taking place meaning that more and more people have started to look into purchasing home alarm systems. Although they can be pricey to install, in the long term, having a home security system can actually save you money by helping to reduce your homeowner's insurance. It is certainly safe to say that home alarm systems are the most effective way to deter intruders from entering your home.

*Google Nest Doorbell (battery) + Yale Smart Lock on ADT: Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $49.99/mo. for professionally installed systems, (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $1,199.76), and enrollment in ADT EasyPay, OR month-to-month monitoring contract for self-setup systems starting at $39.99 (one month minimum). Professionally installed system orders not available online. Offer includes one (1) Google Nest Doorbell (battery) and one (1) Yale Smart Lock on us with minimum purchase price of $1,168.98 for professionally installed systems OR $638.98 for self-setup systems before promotion is applied depending on geographic location. Yale Smart Lock (Touch) not eligible. Maximum discount $569.98 for professionally installed systems OR $369.98 for self-setup systems. Nest Doorbell (battery) $179.99 MSRP. Monitoring service for professionally installed systems starting at $49.99/mo. includes 24/7 ADT monitoring, smart home automation capabilities, Nest Aware, and Integrated Smart Solutions service. Monitoring service starting at $39.99/mo. for self-setup systems includes 24/7 ADT monitoring, smart home automation capabilities, and Nest Aware. Integrated Smart Solutions includes unlimited consultations during business hours to review Wi-Fi and Smart Home connected devices and one annual remote 60-minute preventative maintenance check of ADT’s provided devices. Use of these services requires download of ADT’s Wifi Fix App. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty and is an optional add-on available at $10/mo. Offer available for new ADT customers only. Limit one per customer, not combinable with other offers. Upon early termination of 36-month monitoring contract, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Professional monitoring required for ADT to notify emergency contacts or services on your behalf. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. Cancel by calling (888) 392-2039 or by following the instructions in your order confirmation email. Free shipping applies to standard shipping (approx. 5-7 business days) and not available in HI or AK. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi, a Google Account and Google Home app linked to your ADT+ app. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services are compatible with the self-setup System, and depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit g.co/nest/TOS. Expires 3/12/2025.

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