So what is a security system, exactly?
If you don’t already have one, you’ve definitely heard of them. But what makes a security system different from a video camera system? An access control system? While these solutions do overlap, they have some distinct differences.
Access Control Systems: Typically used for business, an access control system specializes in allowing access to a premises for a large number of people who frequently need to enter and exit. These are typically controlled with either a keycard, or code, to allow different levels of access in different areas of a building. You can read more on this Here
Video Surveillance System: A system connecting a network of cameras for viewing, and recording a premises. These systems may store recorded data in a dedicated storage space, or to the cloud. They can be configured to record only after certain conditions are met, such as Movement is detected, or to be recording 24/7. You can read more about Video Surveillance Here.
Security System: A System used to specifically detect unwanted intrusion at the perimeter, and in the interior of a business or home. This system is usually composed of a control panel connected to different sensors including door and window sensors, motion detectors, or glass break detectors.
83% of burglars check for a security system.
Surprisingly enough, a majority of burglars will enter your home the same way you do: Through a doorway.
How does it work?
Alarm systems work in two major ways to protect your business or home:
Perimeter protection, and Interior protection.
When you are home, and expecting to use your space, your alarm system remains unarmed. However when you leave, sleep, or are on vacation, your system is armed and ready to detect unauthorized activity.
Perimeter protection: Sensors designed to detect the opening of doors, windows, or breaking glass.
Interior protection: Motion detectors, typically placed in high traffic areas required to access the home, IE: Main hallways, foyers, central rooms.
The process is simple: When one of these protection devices is armed and is triggered, the user has a period of time to disarm the device either through a mobile device, or a code. If the device is not disarmed, authorities are notified. For your home, this may be the first person home from work. For a business, this would be the first employee opening for the day, or the last one leaving at night.
The device remains unarmed during the day, while people are present, or awake, and is armed at night.
I get it, but do security systems ACTUALLY work?
In a word, Yes. In almost every study, security systems have been proven to reduce the rates of burglary significantly, reduce the dollar value lost in burglary attempts, and actually save users money in the long run. This is true for both business and residential premises.
1 in 3 homes without a security system will be burgled, compared to 1 in 250 homes with a security system.
Statistically, security systems make you nearly 4x LESS likely to be a victim of a property crime, including burglary.
“A 2009 study by Rutgers found that, as the number of home security systems increased in an area, the number of residential robberies decreased in that area, even for people who didn’t have their own security system.”
Not only do Security systems work to protect your property, higher rates of security system usage correlate to lower incidences of property crime across an entire neighborhood, even against unprotected houses.
But are security systems worth the cost?
While some systems come with a bit of sticker shock, over their lifetime the average security system can pay for itself in a number of ways.
Home Owners Insurance: If you look in your home owner’s insurance handbook, you will likely see that a security system will allow you to claim discounts on your insurance. These can be up to 20% of your existing rate, and can increase if you integrate flood, fire, and carbon monoxide detection.
Burglary has a cost: On top of the immediate discounts you will see in insurance, the average loss in a residential burglary is just under $2000. Depending on your location, you may be at a 15-20% risk of a break in, Annually. For businesses, this can be up to 30%. Over the course of 10 years, you may stand to lose nearly $5000 to burglary, not to mention the cost of your peace-of-mind.
Peace-of-mind: What is the price of knowing that your business and home are protected at all times? While it may not have a dollar amount, it certainly covers the monthly costs to ensure that your business and family are safe.
“Over the course of 10 years, you may stand to lose nearly $5000 to burglary, not to mention the cost of your peace-of-mind.”
I don’t want to have to fidget with something every time I enter a room.
Modern Security Systems have come a long way from the units that you are likely thinking about. Our existing systems for homes and businesses can be armed and disarmed from a mobile device, as simply as using an app.
Alarm.com Device Control
Your alarm panel can act as an integration hub for your smart home devices, and allow you to manage them all from one place on your mobile device.
On top of that, your security system can serve as a hub for an entirely automated suite of devices. Door locks and openers, thermostats, integrated cameras, lights, blinds, and many more can all be accessed from your mobile device, allowing you to check and confirm the safety of any of your spaces from anywhere.
Whether you are looking in to make sure your kids got home from work safely, or that your last employee has locked up correctly, a security system provides you with the peace of mind that everything is where it should be.
How do I set this up?
This is where we shine. No two businesses, or homes are alike. However big box security retailers are in the business of selling out-of-box solutions. Like hiring a partner for any facet of your business, or building an addition for your home, your needs are unique. A poorly fitted security solution may only serve to inconvenience yourself, your family, or your employees.
While we make building and installing your perfect security, video camera, access control, or smart home system as simple and easy as possible, we know that even then, there may be an adjustment period. That’s why we pride ourselves on our local service experts who are available to answer any questions, and troubleshoot with you when you need it.
We work with the top names in Security: Alarm.com, Kantech, Dahua, Qolsys and DSC to build a cost-saving, peace of mind delivering solution for businesses and homes.
We’ve been around for almost 30 years, and it’s because we have a team of security experts on staff to build a custom solution that fits your needs, your budget, and your timeline.
Find out how we can assist you in building your ideal home or business security solution, ask a question, or get a free quote by clicking below:
Get Started