There are many terms used by home security companies to describe their products. Here we have described what many of these terms mean so you can use them when referring to our home security comparisons.
• 2-Way Intercom: This refers to the ability for homeowners to communicate directly with their home security monitoring service with provided equipment.
• 24-Hour Monitoring: When a home security system has 24 hour monitoring, it means that the alarm company has a monitoring facility that is staffed by real people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that any time of day your home alarm sounds, someone is watching your system and you'll receive notification from your monitoring service.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Recently, home security companies have started including carbon monoxide detectors as a part of their home alarm packages.
• Cellular Monitoring: a cellular connection is the safest home security option, since your alarm system won't go down if your telephone lines are cut or your wireless connection goes down. Cellular monitoring is only considered 100% dedicated if the home security system provides a cellular signal between your sensors and the control panel, as well as between the control panel and
your monitoring station. Some providers only offer a cellular
connection between the sensors and the control panel.
• DIY Systems: Do It Yourself systems cut out the professional alarm system installation fees that many security companies charge. These systems are usually wireless in order to make installation as easy as possible. They tend to be good for renters since these alarm systems can usually be moved.
• Door and Window Sensors: Door and window sensors are a basic component of any home security system. They notify your alarm monitoring service when a door or window is opened and the contact between two sensors is broken.
• Equipment Manufacturer: Depending on your home security company, the manufacturer of the actual alarm equipment you receive may be provided by a 3rd party technology company, developed by the alarm company themselves, or intermingled between a number of different manufacturers. If you choose to change home security companies in the future, this can make upgrading or changing your
alarm system expensive and complex.
• Equipment Warranty: This refers to the coverage provided if the home security equipment you install is faulty or malfunctions in any way. Depending on your home security company, your equipment may be covered by a full lifetime warranty, a limited time warranty, or an optional warranty for additional cost.
• Flood Sensors: For homes with basements or close to water sources, flood sensors can be an important feature. Flood sensors will trigger the home security system if it determines that excess water may be accumulating in your home.
• Freeze Sensors: Freeze sensors help prevent damage from burst frozen pipes or other cold-related damage that can occur in homes that experience extremely cold temperatures.
• Heat Sensors: Some home security systems provide heat sensors that can help detect the threat of fire by measuring changes in temperature. Heat sensors do not provide smoke detection.
• Home Automation: Home automation refers to the ability for a homeowner to control certain events in their home, such as lighting, heating, and cooling, through their security system. These functions can be controlled by the homeowner whether they’re at work or on vacation.
• Interactive Monitoring: Many home security companies now offer the ability to monitor your system through online websites or smart phone applications. These utilities will let you turn on your home alarms, receive messages if your alarm sounds, and in some cases even control certain events in your home through home automation.
• Garage Door Sensors: Garage door sensors are similar to Door and Window sensors, except they are specifically designed to work with garage doors.
• Glass Break Sensors: When a window is broken, the glass break sensor notifies your monitoring service.
• Personal Security Devices: These devices usually come in the form of bracelets or ceiling pulls that can be used to call for medical attention through the security system monitoring service. They are usually requested by elderly people or individuals who have special medical needs.
• Relocation: Systems that can be relocated let homeowners take their home alarm system with them if they move, and have it installed in their new home for free or for a minimal fee. Relocating a home security system can be important for people who move frequently or live in rental properties.
• Upfront Cost: A home security system’s upfront cost is the amount of money needed to have a security system installed. This includes the cost of installation and equipment.
• Wireless Sensors: Wireless sensors do not have to be hardwired into home security systems in order to work. They’re more convenient to install and are more practical because they can be moved without drilling holes in your walls.
