I’d like to thank Kate for this wonderful guest post that she wrote for HomeAlarmSystems.com! With a passion for design and a DIY addiction, Kate is one of the best people to talk to about DIY home improvements that will not only save you money but also impress your guests! Read on to see what Kate has to say about incorporating design and home security and check our her blog at CentsationalGirl.com!

A home is built to be functional and serve the needs of its residents.  We also love our homes to be beautiful, but one of the most important tasks of home ownership is ensuring its security.  Incorporating smart home security solutions into your interior and exterior design takes a little thought, but they are important considerations for all who seek to protect loved ones, hard earned belongings, and family heirlooms.

Consider opaque instead of clear garage and front doors.  Clear glass will give an intruder an idea of what’s inside your home and make it a potential target.  Rather than replacing windows, there are products you can buy at home improvement stores to add (more…)

When home owners purchase and install a home security system, they feel that their home is now secure from potential intruders, and other hazards from fire to carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, installation itself isn’t all that matters. Choosing the right security and the right monitoring service is also key. An excellent security system that no one is monitoring is no better than having none in the first place; or a system that can be easily hacked into or disabled is also a failure.

No security system is infallible – after all the technology involved in security systems can malfunction, and monitoring services are run by human beings who of course, are not perfect. But recent security failures have taken these standard risks to a whole new level of failure.

Whether its intruders depicted burglarizing a home on that homeowner’s security cameras – with no monitoring service or law enforcement response, and (more…)

A biker who lives in Gateshead, UK and works on an oil rig was targeted multiple times by thieves who wanted his KTM. Five times in nine months, to be precise! His KTM was kept in his garage which was still under construction and didn’t have a door to stop the culprits. The owner of the bike decided that instead of paying for an expensive security system he could install a CCTV camera to monitor the garage himself.

The problem with this choice is very simple. A camera doesn’t stop anyone. It might discourage some but definitely won’t stand in front of the burglar and make sure he doesn’t finish his job. Unless there is someone constantly monitoring the cam, a burglary can happen and you won’t know until you find out that whatever was stolen is missing.

It’s easy to spot a missing KTM, so after it was stolen the biker went to the police with the video showing the burglars’ faces and even posted it online in hopes that someone might recognize them. Watch how two guys face the difficulties of stealing a bike that’s chained to an underground anchor!

Company Background: AlarmForce operates multiple service locations throughout Canada and several states in the US. The company is headquartered in Ontario, Canada. The company’s website highlights several awards in business and customer service.

Monitoring Services: AlarmForce offers multiple monitoring services including smoke detection, carbon monoxide monitoring, flood sensors, temperature detection, panic alarms, medical emergencies, theft, and phone tampering alerts.

Benefits: AlarmForce provides a full warranty on installation work and replacement parts for as long as the contract is active. Equipment is covered with a lifetime warranty which extends past the monitoring contract. AlarmForce does all of their own work and does not outsource labor or services to other companies.

Technology: AlarmForce offers multiple technologies to improve home security and personal safety. The Home Alarm package features a wireless two-way voice interactive that provides immediate communication during an emergency. The Alarm Plus package offers motion sensors and protection from cut telephone lines. Wireless signals are sent to the monitoring station in the event phones are (more…)

Company Background: Devcon Security was started in 2004 by a team of security experts. The company’s headquarters are located in Hollywood FL and has their national operations center in Irving, TX. The company claims to be one of the fastest growing security companies in the country, serving customers as far as 60 miles from branch location centers.

Monitoring Services: Devcon provides residential monitoring services for burglary, fire, carbon monoxide, and vandalism. They also provide medical alert systems for medical emergencies. Video monitoring and text notifications for alerts are also offered.

Benefits: Devocon Security offers residential security systems and monitoring with flat rate pricing. At the time of this review, the company was offering $200 off each of the packages as a special Internet incentive for purchase.

Technology: Devcon offers several security technologies for residential protection. Central monitoring stations allow professionals to monitor your property 24/7 to protect from fire and theft. They also offer alarm notification via phone or text. Video imaging is available to record (more…)

Company Background: Protection 1 lists their company as the ‘2^nd largest security company’ in the nation with 95.5% customers satisfaction and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.  They are located in Witchita, KS. They specialize in customized security products and systems rather than a one-size-fits all solution to alarm systems.

Monitoring Services: Protection 1 provides monitoring services for a number of security issues including fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, intrusion, and remote access options. The company also offers identity theft protection through its LifeLock service. Medical emergency monitoring is available through wearable pendants.

Benefits: Protection 1 offers new customers a free in-home security evaluation and a price estimate based on specific situations. The company also offers the Tech Tracker service, a mobile app which (more…)

Company Background: Post Alarm Systems was founded in 1956 by a former Police Chief Sam Post. The company is still a family owned business three generations later and still operates from the Southern California headquarters. The company focuses on personalize security packages rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. They perform their own installation, maintenance services and monitoring for residential and commercial customers. According to the company website, Post Alarm Systems has been ranked as one of the Top 100 Security Companies in the Nation by Security Design Magazine.

Monitoring Services: Post Alarm Systems offers 24/7 monitoring services to protect your residence from burglary and fire, offering smoke detectors and heat detectors. They also offer armed response and patrol offers for emergency situations which are priced at tiered levels depending on service selected. Communication systems and alerts work whether or not the home loses power or if phone lines have been cut.

Benefits: Post Alarm Systems installs non-proprietary equipment which allows another security company to take control over the monitoring systems at the customer’s discretion. All systems operate on (more…)

Company Background: Pinnacle Security is an Orem, UT-based security provider for residential security products and services.

Monitoring Services: Pinnacle Security offers multiple alert and security systems including smoke and fire detection, carbon monoxide detection, flood sensors, medical emergency pendant alert systems, temperature monitoring, and theft detection systems including door and window sensors and glass break detection.

Benefits: Pinnacle Security offers 24/7 residential protection with a lifetime maintenance program on every system the company installs. Equipment and parts that require repair or replacement due to normal wear and tear will be provided at no cost throughout the term of the monthly monitoring service agreement.

Technology: Pinnacle Security prides itself on its progressive innovation in security technology. They have advanced from basic door and window sensors to more advanced wireless technologies. The company offers remote control interaction for residential security systems allowing customers to arm (more…)

Company Background: Pacific Alarm Systems is a family-owned and operated business since 1953, located in Culver City, CA. They provide alarm services, equipment, and technologies which are designed and serviced in-house and not through a subcontractor.

Monitoring Services: Pacific Alarm Systems offer monitoring and detection alarm services for burglary, fire, and smoke for residential and commercial customers. The offer 24/7 monitoring through their Los Angeles County central monitoring station.

Benefits:  Pacific Alarm Systems offers 24/7 real-time monitoring services with a human representative on staff at all times.

Technology: Pacific Alarm System staff design your alarm system to meet your specific needs. In addition to theft deterrent and fire detection alarm systems, the company offers camera and digital video recorders with real-time recording and monitoring options. Video monitoring can be accessed in real-time via a high-speed Internet connection on a personal computer. The company also offers security technology to support (more…)

Company Background: Honeywell is considered to be one of the pioneers in technology which has formed the residential and commercial security system industry. They are known for creating security systems which are easy to install and user-friendly. They specialize in Internet alarm communication, innovative sensor technology, and long range radio systems.

Monitoring Services: Honeywell manufacturers residential and commercial alarm systems which feature monitoring services for smoke, fire, heat, carbon monoxide, flooding, and temperature detection. They also offer 24/7 monitoring services for theft protection which includes digital video surveillance and security lighting. Central station monitoring services are also available for emergency dispatch alerts.

Benefits Honeywell’s alarm communications also work with VoIP phone services or in homes with no landline telephone services. Monitoring services also work in the event of a power outage. interrupted Internet services, or if electrical lines are cut.

Technology: Honeywell offers multiple technologies for home and business protection. Systems are built for both indoor and outdoor use and there is a wide range of remote service options homeowners can monitor on the go. These remote services can be activated and monitored through smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Their energy management systems which control temperature and lighting features app technology available for iPhones, iPads, iPod touch, Blackberry, and Android platforms.

Cost: Honeywell’s website does not offer pricing listings for their equipment. Customers are referred to Authorized Dealer locations in their state of residence for service, support, and pricing.

Overall Impression: Honeywell offers multiple security systems which cater to residential and commercial customers. Their products range from user-friendly home alarm systems to total home security systems with 24/7 monitoring and protection. The company website is easy to navigate and offers printable PDF brochures full of information on the various products.

Honeywell allows multiple systems of protection in different locations to go on one account. Customers protecting their residence, vacation home, and other locations can do so conveniently. There are various levels of protection available including their GlassBreak Detector which will trigger alarms at the sound of breaking glass but can ignore other common sounds like storms. Honeywell also offers Asset Protection devices which can be affixed to specific valuables like televisions and safes to protect against theft.

Honeywell appears to have a total focus on multiple aspects of residential and commercial security. The First Alert Professional Security system offers a Total Connect service package which allows users to interact with their home when they are not there. Security systems can be controlled via the Internet or cell phone. Text messaging alerts can be received if activity is detected at home such as someone entering the premises or if specific cabinets or doors have been opened, providing parents additional peace of mind when children are on their own.