Features in a DIY Home Security System and their Functions

In the past, installing a traditional home security system required signing up with a company plus a crew of technicians drilling holes and wiring up the premises. Over the past couple of years, a shift in the market has happened; consumers avoid long-term contracts and shy away from an in-person installation. That’s why a self-install alarm system is preferred by consumers everywhere.

People can now install fully monitored security systems in their homes in less than 15 minutes. The DIY home security systems also cost much less compared to the traditional security systems. However, the systems are not wired permanently to the house and can be relocated when moving out.

These new DIY systems are relatively simpler and easier to install than ever before. Step-by-step guides are provided by manufacturers when the system is shipped, requiring very little to no assistance by a technician. If needed, assistance can happen over the phone or by chat. The home or business owner is also given clear instructions on operating and monitoring the systems on their own using a mobile app.

Types of DIY home security systems

Self-install home security systems exist in various shapes and sizes, and some have an LCD panel that enables the connection of the system to the home network. The panels are equipped with touch screens and radios that facilitate their connection to wireless networks. The LCD panels also enable the system’s connection to its monitoring center when via a subscription plan.

The most suitable home security systems monitor all the entry points in a home and all openings such as doors, windows, detects motion in any part of the house. These systems have a sounding alarm to alert neighbors and authorities when triggered.

The security systems also have door and window sensors, doorbell alarms, motion detectors, and support cameras. The cameras show both the outside and inside of the house, allowing the constant monitoring of the property, even remotely via a phone app.

Professional monitoring options are also available for most home security systems. This feature comes with a monthly fee that varies from one package to another but is cheaper than traditional systems. The DIY home security with no monitoring plans cannot automatically alert the required authorities or emergency teams since they only sound alarms. Below are characteristics that one should look at when selecting a home security system.

1. Affordable
2. Easy to install.
3. Has internal sensor for doors, windows, and glass break sensors.
4. Has auxiliary sirens.
5. Has freeze, smoke, and water sensors.
6. Has panic buttons.
7. Compatible with a mobile app or key fob

To install a home security system, the base unit is plugged into a power outlet. The system is also connected to the internet through a Wi-Fi connection or mobile cellular connection. The auxiliary sirens, when triggered, scream at ear-piercing decibels. Some of the essential components of an alarm system include:

1. A base station enables the system to connect to door and window sensors and cameras, transmitting real-time notifications from the house to the mobile phone.
2. Single-door or window sensor. The sensors should be installed on every window and door wide enough to be used as access points for your home.
3. Keypad components provide the homeowner with easy access to the alarm system if they need to arm it or disarm it. It also gives a general view of the entire security system with an easy mobile interface. This is the part of the security system that receives signals from all the other parts and additionally installed devices.
4. Motion sensors should be installed in main halls, stairways, foyers, and any place that an intruder has to pass through when entering a home. They, therefore, do not have to be installed in each room in the house. Examples of motion sensors used include passive infrared sensors that can detect body heat. These active motion sensors release microwaves to detect motion and are mostly used in locations with harsh environments and places likely to have false alerts. Lastly, a dual motion sensor that reduces the possibility of false alerts hence is reliable. This type of sensor uses both passive and active technology.

The alarm systems have plans that include police and fire department alerts and other paid additional features. More expensive systems have a feature that allows control of the system from a mobile phone. Other plans even include the ability to have recorded backups of feeds from the cameras. The cameras can record every motion and sound detected on the premises. The videos are typically availed locally or backed up in a cloud from where they can be accessed. The most expensive home security plans are, however, more affordable than the traditional systems. The systems can also be restarted and canceled at any time. Lastly, the system is easy to use, install, and caters to all client’s needs without spending a fortune.

Ring alarm systems are the cheapest and the most basic, as they only offer sound alarm features and police or fire departments. Their components are:

• a base station,
• keypad,
• door or window sensor,
• motion detector,
• and range extender.

This system can be coupled with other additional sensors for smoke, fire, flooding, and freezing. They can also be connected to mobile apps and controlled using doorbell cameras and outdoor security cameras. Self-install home security systems are self-monitoring systems and not professionally monitored. The mobile app has a system that can send push notifications to a homeowner’s phone. In case of any disturbance, the house owner can notify and call the necessary authorities. This type of home security disadvantage is that it does not connect to other smart home products and cannot be armed or disarmed since it has no key fob system.