In addition to spring, April is commonly recognized as an eco-friendly month since there are so many preparations to be made for Earth Day. Home security technology has made some advancement so it’s now possible to monitor your home energy consumption via your home security system. These systems enable you to put more money in your pocket and prevent wasted water and electricity.

Also, these more advanced systems can save you gas. If you forgot to lock the door or want to know whether your child made it home safely, you can simply consult the home security application on your phone and know the answer or solve the problem. Why drive all the way home when you can control the locks, lights, cameras and alarm right from your mobile phone?

To guarantee that you really know what’s going on in your home, you can install motion sensors, which can tell you what’s happening indoors and outdoors. Has anyone driven by your house or delivered a package? Find out the answer quickly. You can also keep tabs on pets or elderly family members.

For you and your family, a new home security system can mean more convenience and freedom for your family. Now that it’s lighter later you might be forget to turn on the outdoor security lights or forget to lock the door when you’re running out for ice cream. All of this forgetfulness can put you in danger, but you can double check these things right from your mobile phone or customize the controls via your home system.

Lifestyle expert and “Safety Mom” Alison Rhodes toured a home from the international builder’s show in Orland, Fla., which was managed by some of the best technologies available today. When you have technology working for you, your family is safer and you can become more efficient as a home unit.

One device in particular that Rhodes highlighted was ADT’s Home Pulse Monitoring System. From one unit, you can control lights, cameras and motion detectors.  Then you will be able to tell when your son or daughter arrives home from school, or you can check on your elderly family member when you’re not at home. If you left lights on or doors unlocked, you can fix the problem without driving all the way back home — what a time saver!

A common trend is smaller, more manageable homes instead of mansions, and it’s easy to manage a home when everything is accessible on a computer. You can view surveillance video from inside and outside of the house, or monitor your utility bills to keep costs down. The particular home Rhodes was touring had solar panels and was self-sufficient, but the monitoring system kept track of the energy usage.

This ADT system is available to anyone, and you can customize it to meet your safety needs and budget. By getting organized and installing an all-inclusive security system, you can have peace of mind when you’re away from home juggling your work and personal life.

Natural resources such as electricity, water, gas, etc. aren’t cheap, and the prices of them are increasing and the actual resources are becoming more difficult to come by too. If your home security system managed your home’s energy consumption, you would definitely be multi-tasking and saving money in places that you wouldn’t expect.

Recently, APX Alarm introduced a new addition to its Go!Control security panel. The add-on is a home energy management package, which is expected to save customers up to $24 per month or $288 per year on energy utility bills. This might not be something you thought would go hand in hand with home security. However, it definitely has its advantages.

Through the APX Alarm’s feature, you can regulate your home’s heating and cooling, lighting and even appliance systems via a remote, computer or iPhone. If you can manage your lighting, you can turn off unused lights that maybe another family member left on. Or you can turn on some lights when you’re away during the evening. The possibilities are endless.

So what does a system like this cost? Well, for the thermostat, customers are responsible for a $60 one time fee and then $6.99 per month for the service. However, APX will give a gift of 12 energy-saving CFL light bulbs to get you started on the right path. For easy use, there will be three pre-programmed settings, which have all gone under “Energy Star” guidelines.

This revolutionary system is changing the way we see home security, and it’s giving customers more control over their home, bills and environment. If you’re pro green living and protecting your home, this is an option you might want to consider.

Visit a Pet Store

Having a loyal companion who will also protect your home doesn’t mean that you have to pay a bodyguard. You can simply get a dog and train him/her to be your guard dog. If you’re already looking to get a dog for the family, all you will need to do is give the dog as well as the family more extensive training. Then you will at least have a deterrent in your home for when burglars think your home is an easy target.

Do-It-Yourself

Some devices that you can install on your own include video cameras, recorders (DVR), plug-and-play cable and motion-detection. However, the one downside with these products is that you will have no advance warning. If someone steels your belongings, you will have to watch hours of tape and go backwards to track down what the person looked like and the damage is already done.

Try Out-of-the-Box Kits

New technology such as Cernium’s Archerfish Solo, which is expected to be on the market in June, will record and monitor your home as well as send you text, email or video alerts. These out-of-the-box kits are one step up from the DIY ones, and they will save you some aggravation and the hassle of reviewing material that isn’t significant.

Professional Systems

The most high-tech home security is a professional system from ADT or another security company. These systems are more user-friendly, because you can access the recordings from the Internet or even your flat-screen television or computer. Depending on the package you purchase, you can get so many extras either included or at a cost. So you can build your security even further and have the company install alarms on the windows and doors.

There is a nice range of home security products to choose from, and these devices are only improving as we move into the future. So install whatever you can afford and plan to upgrade when money allows for it.

Depending on what type of system and service you go with, you could be spending a monthly monitoring fee between $25 and $100. Obviously, it’s important to get a lot for your money. So why should you be spending all of this money on an alarm system every year?

It’s impossible to predict whether or not your house will be burglarized, but it can happen to anyone regardless of where you live, how much money you make or if you’re a typically “lucky” person. When it comes to home security, you just have to be prepared for the worst. Even if you live in a quiet and seemingly crime free neighborhood, a stranger could drive past your house one day and consider it an easy target to burglarize. So preparing for the worst can be a wise decision, but how else can you validate this expense?

Well, it’s beneficial to contact your homeowner’s insurance, because it’s possible that they will discount your monthly insurance rate. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the typical discount is between 15 and 20 percent. Of course, you would have to do all of the calculations, but maybe the discount would make up for the cost of the monthly monitoring fee or at the very least come close. Then you will have affordable homeowner’s insurance and a home security system.

Another plus to a home security system is that it can do more than just monitor your home. It can also include fire alarms, heat sensors and other features. Some will alert you to which door or window has opened, which can be helpful if you have indoor pets or if you’re trying to keep tabs on your child.

Of course, there are downsides to a home security plan. For example, you might not be particularly happy with the monitoring company or how they handle your concerns. There can also be a delay when you need authorities to come to your house immediately. All kinds of issues can arise including false alarms, but at least there would be an alarm to alert you when the real deal was happening and that might be enough for you to warrant the cost of the system.

We live in a technological world, so when it comes to updating and improving your home security, there are so many different devices out there. The problem is choosing the right ones. Becoming more high-tech with your home security approach can get you on top of the burglar before your home is compromised.

Wireless Alert Yard System

Instead of waiting until the intruder gets to your door or window, you can know of their presence ahead of time. With wireless sensors for your yard, you can receive alerts when someone triggers them. Although you will have some false alarms along the way from animals, these sensing systems are well designed to eliminate this as a common occurrence.

Basically, these wireless alert yard systems are similar to outdoor lights that turn on and off when they sense motion. Then they send a signal to a small monitoring device, which can be kept in your bedroom.

Night Vision Security Cameras

Installing wired camera systems is one way to see who is at the door during the day, but what about when you hear someone lurking at your door around 2 am? You’re definitely not going to be able to see the person well unless you happen to have an outdoor light on that late.

Night vision cameras enable to see who is at the door, so you can determine whether you need to call the police or not. If you decide to purchase a camera system, make sure that it’s easy to use and view, because when a burglar is seconds from breaking in, you’re not going to have time to figure out how to view the camera feed.

These are just two examples of some high-tech home security products that you might want to consider for your home. But remember, if you’re going to invest in a high-tech device, make sure that it’s user-friendly and not a waste of money and your time.

1. Connect the main control board to a power line as well as a telephone or cable hookup. IMPORTANT: Make sure you turn off the power circuit before tying the board to your home’s power supply. The main control board will process the signals coming from your cameras, lights and door and window sensors.
2. Attach the door sensors onto all of the entryways. Depending on the design of your door, you might want to experiment and see if it’s better to install them horizontally or vertically. Basically, you want the door to open seamlessly so it doesn’t knock or rip off the sensors. Once these are setup, you will need to connect the door sensor cables to the main control board.
3. Install the window sensors either horizontally or vertically. Test that they are working properly and run the signal cables for the window sensors to the main control board.
4. Place glass break alarms in the corner of your ceilings so they face the windows. This is a secondary alarm to the window sensors, and these will also need to be connected to the main control board.
5. Install two remote control panels, preferably in your bedroom and by your main or side door. These will also have to be connected to the main control board.
6. Check that the remote control panels are working properly. Also, double check all of the sensors on the windows and doors.

As long as you’re familiar with electrical cables and wiring, you will be able to finish the job on your own. If you’re leery of the installation, find out if the home security alarm system company offers professional installation. Then at least you will know that this is an option. If you feel somewhat confident, start the project yourself and see how it goes. Once you install your home alarm, you and your family will have to start a habit of setting it on a regular basis.

Glass Break Detectors

These are a type of burglar alarm that alert you when glass has been broken in your home. Some security systems come with this feature; however, you can also install them yourself. Basically, these devices pick up the sounds or vibrations that result from glass shattering on the floor.

This type of detector can be electric or non-electric, but the electric models can be set off more easily. It’s easy to install, because it’s a small device that you attach to the glass on your windows.

If you end up installing a glass break detector, it’s important to check the area for potential problems. For example, sometimes drapes, shutters or blinds can prevent the detector from working properly. Also, if your glass is cracked, the device won’t work properly.

Magnetic Detectors

This is another device that you can put on your windows as well as doors. There are two pieces to the device, and a continuous signal is sent through them. When this signal experiences an unauthorized interrupted (the door or window is opened), the detector goes off to alert you.

If you have a large home with many doors and windows, installing magnetic detectors is a wise decision. When you’re all the way upstairs, how are you going to hear the basement window open? Some consumers feel that the wireless magnetic detectors are easier to install, and they are also better for aesthetic purposes.

Both of these detectors are valuable to have in your home, because they can deter burglars from continuing into your house and they make you more aware. Having a few seconds to grab the phone and call the police might be just enough time to keep your family and belongings safe. However, regardless of whether you install these detectors, you still need to be aware of your surroundings. Technology is an excellent tool, but you can’t completely rely on it. If you hear a suspicious sound or see a dark figure traipsing through your lawn, you need to act before it’s too late.

The alarm’s sensors and low-voltage power system is what alerts you to an intruder and scares burglars away with its repetitive scream, which even the neighbors can hear. Depending on your homeowner’s insurance, you might qualify for a discount if you have an alarm system. Not only will your home be protected on a yearly basis, but so will your savings.

Since features of alarm systems vary, sometimes you can get a whole lot more functionality. Along with alerting you to unwanted guests, some systems can detect fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. How safe would you feel knowing that if a dangerous situation occurred, your alarm system would automatically make a call to the police or fire departments? Whenever there is an emergency, it’s comforting to know that you will receive a quick response when calling for help.

Other security features include automatically contacting the homeowner’s telephone. More sophisticated designs can be programmed to notify the heating oil company of a system inspection. Also, some systems can be connected to video surveillance cameras, so you can record or watch what is happening.

Simple systems are more affordable, but you can feel more secure by at least putting sensors on the doors and windows. This will let you know when someone has opened or broken a window or door. Retrofit wireless systems are the least expensive option, and they are easy to install.

Regardless of which security alarm you install, it’s beneficial to perform system checks to ensure that all of the features are properly working. This will also make you familiar with the new device. If the system has different alarms for break-ins and fires, you will want to know what they sound like before an emergency occurs. Another important tip is to have at least two hidden control panels in your home (one near the door and another near your bedroom), because you should have quick and convenient access to it.

Home security systems are a valuable tool when it comes to protecting your home. Although they are not full proof, they provide you with an alternative way to get a hold of the police or fire departments, and their alarm might be enough to scare away thieves.

As with hiring any type of home improvement contractor, there are things to be careful of when choosing a security installer.  Let’s take a closer look at what these folks do and what to be wary of when choosing someone.

What home alarm system installers do

Installers usually handle a range of electronic security devices such as home burglar alarms, home automation systems, and access-control systems.  As you might guess, if an installer works for a specific company, he or she will likely have the most experience with equipment used by that company.

Background checks & references

If you’re choosing a security company to install a system, it’s likely they will have done background checks on individuals they have hired.  If, however, you are hiring an independent contractor, you need to be very careful.

The person who installs your home security system knows exactly how to disable it.  Obviously you don’t want an unscrupulous individual installing alarm systems simply to be the first to rob the house later.

It pays to get references for other reasons too: you want someone who is competent.

A lot can go wrong with a home security system installation, and you don’t want to annoy the tar out of the neighbors (or get charged by the police) with repeated false alarms.

Choosing someone with good references is important, and experience counts as well.  Ideally choose someone who has been installing home security systems for at least five years.

Licenses and certifications?

In some parts of the country, alarm installation companies or individuals must be licensed (though in many cases the owner can be licensed without the people who work under him needing to be).  You can call your state or local licensing agency to learn about requirements in your area.

Certifications are useful, and if your installer has been certified by the National Alarm Association of America (NAAA) or the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), you can be reasonably assured of hiring someone competent.  Both organizations run well-respected certification programs.

In the end, the best person you can hire will probably be an experienced, respected, licensed electrician who is also certified by a national trade association.

Source: The Complete Book of Home, Site and Office Security