Home Security Systems

A siren linked to your security system can alert you and your family to a fire. But to make sure your children know what to do, you also can custom record phrases in your own voice, such as: “There’s a fire! Get out of the house!” New technology further integrates the security system with your HVAC system. “In the event of a fire, HAI’s system automatically turns off the heating/AC f so you’re not spreading smoke throughout the house and throwing fresh air on the fire,” Pickral says. Alarm.com’s wireless GE smoke detector has a photoelectric smoke sensor as well as a built-in fixed temperature/rate-of-rise eat sensor. Other features include a tamper switch, built-in sounder, and a large test and silence button. Customized Threat Alerts Thanks to new technology, you can get two levels of monitoring. Your alarm company’s central station will track outside threats such as fires and intruders. Additionally, you can be personally alerted by phone or email to changes in your An Alarm.com system can tell the owners who disarmed the alarm and when. home even when your alarm system is disarmed. “A typical consumer home has threats that have nothing to do with intrusion or fire,” Knebel says. “You can monitor your liquor cabinet, your medicine cabinet, your pool gate, [even] your gun cabinet.” Keyed Up The good news about security keypads is they’re becoming both more sophisticated and easier to use. Your alarm system can link to a simple key fob similar to what you use for your car alarm. Another option is a touch screen interface that can control not only basic security but also numerous other functions such as light, temperature and even your stereo. Or, you can get a key card similar to what you use to in many hotel rooms. You can access your system remotely with a touchtone telephone, online or through a smart phone. “There are very few limitations these days,” Pickral says. Save Money Your security system can also help you save money on heating and cooling. “If you set your system in ‘away’ mode, the system knows you’re not there and you can save energy and power,” Barra says. A programmable thermostat is great for people whose hours away from home are predictable. But people whose schedules vary may prefer to link their security system to the thermostat. When the system is in ‘away’ mode, it automatically adjusts the thermostat up or down, depending on the season. So, if you opt for a rare night on the town, you won’t have to remember to change the program. “Managing the temperature on your thermostat can save you 10 to 15 percent on your energy bills,” Pickral says. “If you integrate the thermostat into your security system, you don’t have to remember to adjust the thermostat when you leave. When I left the house this morning, I armed the alarm and the system changes my thermostat. When I get home and disarm the alarm, the house goes back to a comfortable temperature.” Reduce False Alarms False alarms are a major concern of law enforcement agencies, monitoring companies and consumers. Security system manufacturers are looking for any way they can reduce false alarms and still maintain consumer safety, Knebel says. Some systems are set up so you can press a button on your phone and disable the alarm immediately if, for example, you remember you forgot to give your housekeeper the access code, she says. Since some burglars will break the alarm panel, Alarm.com has added a feature that will send a signal back to the monitoring company if something is irregular such as a smashed alarm panel. A company representative will immediately call the customer and ask for a password to make sure everything is fine.

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