Home alarms: everything you need to know

You can’t buy peace of mind, but you can have a home alarm installed. From the classic battery-operated alarm systems to modern wireless technologies and mobile apps, home security systems today are much more reliable and efficient. Text messages, live videos, and even still photos will be sent to you when you’ve left a window or a door open. If you’re looking to install a home security system, here are some factors to consider.

Cost
Installing a home alarm system is more cost-effective than having to replace all your expensive items lost after a break-in. When budgeting for home alarm installation, consider the rate of hiring a professional and the cost of your home alarm system.

Experts from our site charge as little as $80 per hour for their services.* Make sure that your alarm is Australian Standards Certified prior to installation.

Hottest alarms today

Most property owners are looking for better protection and security. For added assurance (and insurance), you should install a video-verified alarm that receives priority police response 15 minutes faster compared to a classic alarm. This type of alarm is armed with cameras that record video signals or image snapshots. These videos and snapshots can be relayed to a central station through an IP network and may serve as prosecution evidence later on.

Home automation is an interactive service that can make your place look like someone is always at home. Your appliances – like the lights, TV and radios – can be turned on and off at random times (or on random schedules).  It can also raise or lower your blinds on your command. Home security gives you the peace of mind that you need even if you’re on vacation. Alarms will go off when someone is trying to tamper with your safe or locked tool chest. Alarms will sound when they detect a fire and high carbon monoxide levels. If you’re a working parent, you can also set up an alarm to check if your child has arrived home. Interactive systems also come in handy if you prefer not to give your keys to cleaners or tradies. You can unlock the door using an application on your phone and let them in from a remote location.

Security systems

Today’s security system hardware doesn’t look much different from what it was more than two decades ago, but the software and sensors are. Equipment has gotten sleeker and smaller, so intruders won’t notice that you have an alarm installed.

Modern home security systems operate on two major bases: cellular primary and broadband primary systems. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Broadband primarily uses cables that run down the house, which can be cut, therefore disabling the system. Check with your provider to make sure they’re offering cellular backup if this happens. On the other hand, the cellular primary is a wireless connection to the monitoring station, and this makes it prone to power cuts or someone cutting a cable.

Your home alarm system may be connected by wire or via radio frequency. Hard-wired components are more difficult to disable and don’t rely on batteries for power, and this is considered the standard. Wireless hardware is easier to install than hard-wired components, and this makes it more attractive to DIY homeowners. Wireless home security systems offer almost everything that you need to keep your place safe. You can look for bundles that can handle your water, temperature and fire problems. They also offer glass break and vibration sensors.

Home security plus
Being alert and observant at all times is your front-line security, but you can’t do it 24/7. Here are some tips that will work well with your home alarm system installation for better security.

1. Install your appliance timer to make it appear like someone’s always inside the house
2. Change the locks on all your doors and windows
3. Install window and door shades to hide the interiors of your home
4. Put motion-controlled outdoor lighting to sync with your porch lights depending on the time of the day
5. Get rid of large plants because intruders can hide behind these during the escape or while planning their way in
6. Always lock your garage, and don’t leave valuables in your car

We have thousands of alarm installation experts who can start working for you as soon as you complete our simple quote request form.  Get your free quotes now.

*Pricing data updated on 21 November 2023.