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With the introduction of advanced technology, there are many home security options available.

Most of them fall into two categories: professionally installed, and self installed/DIY systems.

Below we will provide the benefits of each to ensure you get the system right for you.

Professionally Installed Systems

When you purchase a professionally installed security system, like one from Atlanta’s own EMC Security, a security expert assesses your home and lifestyle to determine the security solution that is right for your needs. Once the system is customized for your home, a professional security technician will install and test the system. This includes installing the panel, keypad, sensors, and integrating remotes services on your mobile devices. A wireless system takes 2-4 hours to install and test every sensor to ensure it’s working properly.

Some homeowners decide to install a pre-wired system. Pre-wired security systems have wires connecting each device to the control panel (or hub of the system) and operate on electricity in the home. Installation could take a full day, depending on the size of the home and type of system.

There are some companies that make outrageous offers for free security systems with professional monitoring. If you choose to evaluate these companies for your home security, pay attention to the fine print and contract terms. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A reputable security company will charge a fair price for equipment, offer payment terms, and keep monthly monitoring costs affordable.

Is a Professionally Installed Security System right for you? Find out here.

Self-Install/DIY systems

A home security system you install yourself, like EMC Security’s Self-Install System, can be a more affordable, convenient option for many people looking to secure their homes. With this type of system, you can install it when it’s most convenient for you – without taking off work or scheduling appointments. It’s also typically more cost effective since you are not paying for installation.

It’s important to note that not all DIY security systems are the same. EMC Security cautions against systems from the “big box” stores. We believe no one should trust their home and family’s safety to anyone other than a professional security company.

Here’s why:

1. You are on your own when purchasing a system at a retail store. If you don’t know what you need for complete protection, how are you going to “build” your DIY system? EMC Security’s consultants work with you to determine exactly what you need according to your home specifications and safety concerns.

2. A system built for self-monitoring gives a false sense of security. A lot of the DIY home security systems on the market are built specifically for self-monitoring. While we are big fans of interactive technology that sends alerts and notifications to your smart-phone, we do not think you should rely on alerts alone when it comes to the protection of your home and family. EMC Security’s self install systems are designed for professional monitoring by EMC Security’s central monitoring stations. If an alarm is triggered, EMC Security will notify you, and if you can’t be reached the authorities will be dispatched….within seconds.

3. Some are Poor “cheap” equipment. One of the number one consumer complaints about DIY security systems on the market is the cheap, unreliable equipment. There’s something to be said for equipment manufactured by a leader in the industry. EMC Security sells Honeywell Security equipment. Honeywell is the #1 security equipment provider in the world and you can count on this technology being the most advanced, best quality in the world.

4. Lack of technological support. If you have an issue with the installation, who can you call? What if something goes wrong with one of the sensors or the keypad? Does the company have service reps that can swing by your house to assist you? Even though our DIY system is fast and easy to install, EMC Security has local, award winning service representatives available with just a simple phone call.

5. Who is testing the system? EMC Security runs alarm signal tests on every customer every month. If we don’t get a signal, the customer is notified and a service technician is sent out if necessary. A DIY system purchased from a retail store will most likely not provide any customer support after the purchase.

When purchasing home security, most people don’t realize there are many options currently available to them: from choosing between a wireless and hard-wired system, to deciding if you want that system to communicate via landline, Wi-Fi or cellular network, there’s a lot to consider. Want to control everything on an app? We’ve got that, too!

But first things first: You’ll need to decide if a wireless or hard-wired system is the right choice for your home. The distinction may seem obvious at first, but there’s actually a lot to consider.

Hard-Wired Security System

In a hard-wired security system, the contacts on the doors, windows and motion sensors communicate with the control panel via powered lines that are wired throughout the home. It relies on electricity to operate (with a battery backup).

Pros

Because it works off a power source, a wired home security system is considered very reliable. In addition, the signal from the system to the control panel is more consistent due to the hard-wired system.

Cons

All of the equipment (contacts and motion sensors) in a wired system are connected via wires that run through the walls of the home, so in most cases this type of system requires that the home have a basement or unfinished area for the wires to connect together. Because of all the wiring, these systems are more expensive than a wireless system to install. Hard-wired systems are permanent and cannot be easily uninstalled or moved.

Reasons to choose a hard-wired system

1. If you want a more hands-off system: If home automation isn’t as important to you, and you will require your security company to install the system, a hard-wired system might be best for you.
2. If it’s already in place: If you move into a home with a hard-wired system already installed, count yourself lucky and stick with what you have. Contact EMC Security to see if you’ll need a takeover (simply reprogramming the existing system to allow EMC to take over) or a conversion (replacing or modifying the existing equipment, such as the control panel, keypad and sensors).

Wireless Security System

Wireless security system components communicate with the control panel via Wi-Fi or cell towers.

Many confuse the term “wireless” with “cellular communication”. A wireless system refers to the way the security components communicate with the brains of the system. A cellular communicator allows the system to communicate with the monitoring service provider via cellular towers.

With all of the advancements in technologies, wireless systems are becoming just as reliable as hard-wired systems — if not more. Due to the easier and quicker installation, a wireless system is commonly the more practical choice for most homeowners.

Pros

It is quicker and less expensive to install a wireless system since there isn’t as much equipment (i.e., wires) to install. And because there are no wires, this type of system is portable and easily uninstalled. It’s also more technologically advanced and offers features such as home automation (keyless door lock, surveillance camera monitoring, thermostat controls, etc.).

Cons

While it’s uncommon, wireless systems can be vulnerable to interference. They are also battery operated, so the batteries will need to be replaced from time to time.

Reasons to choose a wireless system

1. If flexibility matters: A wireless system is easier to install and uninstall, so you can take your wireless system with you in the event you relocate to a new home. Because of their portability, they can also be easily adapted to remodels.
2. If you’re a techie: If home automation and controlling your system through an app are on the top of your list, then a wireless system is your best bet.

If you’re ready to purchase home security but aren’t sure which system is best for you, download our Free Guide to Buying Home Security to learn more about the available options.

Technology is changing so quickly.

As soon as you purchase your gorgeous new smart-phone, a new version goes on the market. It’s just the way of life these days. And it’s the same for security technology. Every day, innovators bring advanced products to make us safer, while simplifying our lives with convenient apps and remote controls.

Buzzwords are everywhere and it can be confusing. It’s important to educate yourself before purchasing a security system so you don’t get taken advantage of buying useless components.

Here’s a list of security terms you should know:

Central Station

The term “central station” is used interchangeably with the term “monitoring center.” This refers to the location that alarm monitoring companies use to monitor alarm systems. The central monitoring station is responsible for contacting the correct emergency services in a timely manner in case of an alarm.

Wireless Monitoring

Another term for cellular monitoring, where your security system connects to the monitoring center via cellular towers.

24-Hour Monitoring

How many hours a day our monitoring stations monitor your home.

Hardwired System

A system that is installed using physical wires, often hidden mostly behind the walls of the home. Most older home alarm systems rely on hard wiring where most new systems are gravitating towards wireless alarm systems.

Wireless Alarm System

These types of systems are easier to install and generally preferred by homeowners because they do not involve running wires in the home.

Key Pad

The key pad of a home alarm system is the numbered pad on the system that allows for the homeowner to arm, disarm and otherwise communicate with the alarm system.

Master Code

A master code is the main code used for an alarm system that the homeowner uses to arm and disarm the home security system.

Sensors

Devices that detect motion, break-ins, flooding, freezing, fire, and carbon monoxide. Usually placed on doors and windows for intrusion detection.

Chime

This refers to the sound that home security systems can be programmed to make whenever a door or window within the home is opened or closed. This type of sound allows for homeowners to monitor comings and goings in the home.

Communicator

A module within the home security system that digitally dials in to the central station. The communicator is responsible for relaying information about the home that is ascertained by the home security system.

Contacts

These are the small sensors that are placed on doors and windows of the home so that the home security system can monitor whether a door or window is open or closed.

Zone

An area of the home as it is “seen” by the home alarm system. This type of area is generally determined by numbers and is mapped out by alarm components like the sensors in a particular area of the home.

Smoke Detector

Detects the presence of smoke in the home. Many smoke detectors are used without being connected to the alarm system. It is important for at least one smoke detector to be connected to the security system and professionally monitored to avoid a tragedy. Monitoring for fire is included in our basic monitoring cost.

Heat Sensor

Detects the rapid increase of temperature so you know if there’s a fire threat.

Flood Sensor

This is a sensor that detects water levels to ensure your home doesn’t flood. Monitoring for flood is included in our basic monitoring cost.

Door/Window Sensors

Sensors that detect if a door or window is opened.

Glass Break Sensor

A sensor that detects the sound frequency of glass breaking so you’ll know if your window breaks.

Motion Detector

A device that prompts the alarm signal when it detects motion. Typically inside the home and within a certain radius of security cameras.

Backup Battery

A rechargeable battery that provides power to the home security system in the event that the AC power is no longer functioning.

Bypass

Bypassing allows for certain areas of the home to be unmonitored while the rest of the home is monitored.

Entry Delay

A time delay that allows the homeowner a period of time before the alarm triggers due to an event. This is most commonly the period of time that allows for homeowners to get into the home to turn off the alarm system before it sounds.

Exit Delay

This is the delay after an alarm is armed which allows the homeowner to exit the home before the system becomes active.

Remote Access or Interactive Services

This feature lets you access and control your home alarm system through a smartphone or web-enabled device.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector

A sensor that warns you if your house reaches a dangerous level of CO. We monitor for CO at no additional monitoring cost.

2-Way Voice

Many types of home security systems, cameras, and emergency alert devices us two-way voice and audio through the equipment to speak to another person directly.

Your home security system has three options to communicate with your monitoring service provider, such as EMC Security.

Those options are landline, Wi-Fi, and cellular. While each connection type will provide you with reliable home security monitoring, there are a few things to consider when deciding which is right for you.

In this post we’ll examine the reasons we believe a cellular connection is a great choice for most homes today, especially considering most households don’t have an operational landline as more and more people opt for cell phones.

But first, let’s discuss the differences between each connection:

Landline

Connecting your home security system through your phone line is the most cost-effective option as there’s no equipment to buy and no charge to transmit the alarm other than the monthly monitoring rate. However, if your phone line is cut, there’s no way for the alarm to communicate with the service provider’s central station. In addition, if you opt for the landline connection, there is no way to access the security system using a smartphone, which is a feature most customers are looking for.

Wi-Fi

This type of connection communicates with the monitoring service via an internet connection. The benefit of this type of connection is that there is no transmission cost — as long as you have an internet connection, the service provider will only need to put a module in to allow it to communicate over the internet. There is a cost for the module, but it will also give you the ability to control the security system through a smartphone. It’s important to note that this type of connection relies on your IP connection, so if your internet goes down, the system won’t be able to communicate.

Cellular

A cellular connection communicates with the monitoring service provider via cellular towers and is considered the most secure because there are no lines that can be cut to prevent the system from communicating with the provider. There are equipment costs, however, as you’ll need to purchase a cellular communicator, and the cell carriers will charge a small monthly transmission cost for the cellular communicator. Because the technology will advance over time, you will need to upgrade your cellular communicator from time to time.

Now that you know the difference between each of the connections, let’s discuss three reasons a cellular connection is the best choice for most home:

It’s the Most Secure: Both landline and Wi-Fi communication are susceptible to disruption: landlines can be cut, and Wi-Fi relies on an active internet connection. A cellular connection communicates through cellular towers and is less vulnerable.

Convenient: A cellular connection can be controlled from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Perks include real-time alerts and monitoring.

More Control: A cellular connection offers more interactive services, such as virtual keypad, live video, door lock, lighting and thermostat controls. You can also arm and disarm from your phone and have access to live-streaming video.

If you’re ready to purchase home security but aren’t sure which system is best for you, download our Free Guide to Buying Home Security to learn more about the available options.

In a world full of options purchasing home security can be confusing.

• “I have a system but I don’t know what to do with it…”
• “I need something but I’m not sure what…”
• “Do I need a full system or can I just get cameras?”
• “And more…”

We’ll help you cut through the clutter so you can make a good home security purchasing decision.

Click below to download our Guide to Buying Security now.