Smart Home Video Cameras with Security

Broken Home Security: Outdated Alarm Systems That Won't Work

Why Monitored Home Security Systems Have Stopped Working

by Arby Babaian: All About Security 1111 East 54th Street #113, Indianapolis, IN 46220             (317) 559-3500

Have you had your security system for more than three years? If you have, you may want to call your security company and test your system to make sure your alarm monitoring is working.

Are You Paying For Alarm Monitoring For Nothing?

Because of some changes in telephone and cellular technology, there are thousand of homes that are paying for a service that isn't working.

     

Home security systems are a great way to protect your home and help you sleep better at night. No doubt about it. But what if your system isn't working? Even worse, what if you think it is working, but it isn't?

Well, guess what? There are a lot of homes with old alarm systems with monitoring that aren't working.  Plenty more that won't be working in the near future and I'm going to tell you why.

Technology changes rapidly.  For the most part, that's a good thing. With alarm systems, there have been a lot of big advancements in the last 5 years.  Especially when it comes to wireless security systems and alarm monitoring in general. If you have had your system for more than 3 years, or so, you'll want to have your system inspected to make sure your alarm is doing more than making noise.

Just because your alarm is physically working doesn't mean it's communicating with your alarm monitoring company.  There are 2 main reasons why your old security system may not be working and we will go over them both.  That way, you can make the need changes, update your system, and make sure your home and family is protected. Not to mention the fact you may be paying a monthly monitoring rate for nothing!

Even though an alarm system can deter and detect an intruder, it’s important to make sure the system is fully functioning and kept up to date. There are many home that are equipped with a faulty system because of maintenance issues. We recommend a system check that is done annually to avoid a potential disaster. That goes for alarm systems and any type of video surveillance as well.

Why Upgrading Your Home Phone Affected Your Home Security

Traditional phone lines are going away. A true landline can cost $50 a month, sometimes more. Let's face it, most of us don't have a home phone anymore. Lot's of folks have gotten rid of them and use their cell phone as their primary means of communication. However, there are lots of people who have some type of landline phone in their homes. With good reason too.  If your cell phone stops working, whether its a carrier issue or of the battery is dead, having a 2nd phone at your house can come in handy. 

But just because you want the security of having a second phone for emergencies, it doesn't meany you have to pay a crazy monthly bill.  With advancements in broadband technology, there are great alternatives that are a lot more affordable.  From cable companies to big carriers like AT&T, alternative phone lines are becoming more popular options for everyone.  

Most carriers will be switching to a digital platform in the next few years. The technology for land lines isn't getting any better. Using a landline phone for your alarm monitoring is kind of like using dial up for your internet service.It's outdated!

Professional burglar can easily cut a phone line and even disable your system. Even worse, some can disable the system and put it back together so you never know they were there to set up a better opportunity later.bout Security, we don’t recommend traditional alarm systems. In fact, we avoid them if at all possible! There are many reasons your system may fail. 

If you switched from a traditional landline phone to a less expensive option, like U-Verse, or if you are using your cable company to bundle the service, your alarm system will need to be upgraded. If you haven't contacted your monitoring company and verified the system is working, it probably isn't.

There are thousands of Indianapolis families who are paying a monthly fee for a service they don’t have. Even worse, many won’t find out until their alarm is triggered. Whenever making any changes to your phone line, or even your internet, you’ll want to have your security provider test your security system and make sure it’s compatible with the changes.

Cellular Technology for Alarm Systems and the 2G Sunset

If your system is a true wireless system that is older than 3 years, you’ll also want  to have your security provider make sure your system is fully functional. This is because AT&T is discontinuing their 2G service. Most older wireless systems use this type of service, and if your security company doesn’t make the necessary changes, your alarm system wont be working either.

These are all issues that can be addressed so there isn’t anything to worry about. As long as you make the needed updates, your system will be fine.  If you aren’t sure, you can always call All About Security at (317) 559-3500 and we will be happy to help.

Before getting locked into another long term contract compare other providers to your current alarm company.  Ask the right questions, see what upgrades are available, and make sure you're getting the best value and protection for your home and family. Don't waste your money on broken home security, there's a better way!

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The 7 Most Common Parts of Home Security Systems

Breaking Down Your Security System

Whether it's a traditional alarm system or if your looking at integrating smart home security, there are different pieces that make up security systems. There are lots of different types of equipment in the market today but most systems start with the basices. Here is a brief explanatipn of those pieces of equipment, and how they work.

Control Panel

It all starts with the control panel, also known as the alarm panel. The control panel is not only the brains of your system, but it's also the central nervous system.  Without the control panel , nothing else in your security system would work.

If your looking at an older alarm, or new construction, there's a good chance that your system will be hardwired. If that's the case, the panel should be placed in a low traffic area.  All the other equipment will be connected to the alarm panel. Normally, the panel is locked to avoid damage or interference.

Newer alarm systems normally combine the panel with the next piece of equipment. 

The keypad.

Keypads come in different shapes, types, and sizes. Wireless security systems keypad will contain the brains of the system inside.  You'll be able to arm and disarm the system from your keypad using a 4 digit code.

More traditional keypads will have push buttons. Today's systems have come a long way.  Even the button type keypads are far more advanced using responsive touch and voice guided menus. 

The touchscreen panel is quickly become the new standard.  These systems will often have "smart home" capabilities.  This can be done by integrating different modules and radios to communicate with other equipment within your home.

Door/Window Contact

To protect your home, the first area to cover is the front door.  Door sensors are used to detect an intruder when they enter the home through a protected entry.

Door sensor, or contacts use magnets to function. If a door, or window is opened the magnet will break it's contact and trigger the alarm. These types of sensors are used on doors and windows. Older hardwired systems normally have contacts on all doors and windows. Since wireless sensors are more expensive, using window sensors on every window isn't always possible.  With advancements in technology, there may be a better solution for most homes today. One that is more cost effective as well.

Motion Detectors

Interior protection with today's alarms use a different type of technology that detects movement in a protected area. The motion detector is used to create a trap zone.  The most common type of motion detector is the passive infrared motion, also known as  a PIR.

Motion detection is much more affordable and can cover a wide area. Even though false alarms are a common cause of motion detectors, more often they are caused by user error. With advancements like pet sensitivity, motion detectors can be an effective method for home protection.

If pets and their activity is a concern, a different type of equipment can be used.  The glassbreak sensor is an audio sensor that uses the sound of breaking glass to detect an intruder.  These sensors are a valuable addition in homes where motion detectors aren't an option and a good solution for protecting a home when people are home.

Siren

No matter the equipment, the most effective way to keep intruders away is with the sound of an alarm. The siren is meant to scare off unwanted guests. If an intruder triggers the alarm, a loud siren will normally have them escape.  The siren is also meant to let residents know that there is a problem.

Alarm Monitoring

Alarm monitoring is the most important part of a professional security system. Without the monitoring, an alarm is nothing more than a noisemaker, By having your security monitored, you can ensure that help is on it's way if an intruder does attempt to break in your home.

Signs

Another key piece of equipment that can be a valuable deterrence is a security yard sign.  Just having a sign in your yard that lets people know that your home is protected can drastically reduce your chance of a burglary. Yard signs are often called your first line of defense.

Alarm systems can protect your home and family. More importantly, they help with peace of mind. By having a home that is monitored by a professional security company you are statistically 300% less likely to have a break in.  

There you have it! The pieces that make up home security systems! Those are the basics.  With today's technology, systems can do so much more than protect your home from a burglary but that is for another article.

If you want to learn more about home security systems in Indianapolis here

All About Security
1111 East 54th Street
#113
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 559-3500

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