The Latest Trends in Home Security

When people think about home security more often than not, images of panic rooms, control panels loaded with brain boggling buttons and the ever so false frequent alarm sounding off seem to come to mind. While homeowners are invested in the idea of home security, the options, as far as what's out there on the market can be pretty confusing. As technologies change and prices fluctuate, getting primed on the whole home security milieu is difficult. It's hard to filter through all the components if you're not an expert. Fortunately, though as technology has evolved, the choices and options become simpler.

Before, you'd think about mainly hardwired systems. These of course are built into to the house and would entail having wires running every which way back to the main control panel. These types of systems have since evolved over the last decade or two and not only are they more affordable, no longer being the mainstays of the upper crust; they are also much less cumbersome.

For one, wireless systems are much more flexible, they're more forgiving. A hardwired alarm system is ideal for those buying a house that's in construction; however, if you're purchasing an older house, alterations do need to be made-think torn up floor boards, hammering into walls, holes, etc. A wireless system is thus a less expensive solution that still holds up its end of the bargain. Technology has really come a long way.

Crime, of course, is unrelenting. One robber goes to jail and another steps up to the plate. It's like a criminal conveyor belt out there. Home security, then is a definite necessity; even in the most well to do neighborhoods, there's a need for added security measures. It doesn't matter if you live in the projects or on Park Avenue, crime happens.

Your basic modern home alarm system consists of a control panel which is hooked up to various sensors placed throughout your home as well as alarm sirens. These usually start at around $150-200 for set up and installation. You can usually add on monthly monitoring for $30 a month.

For added defense, you can add infrared motion sensors and 24/7 monitoring. These sensors can detect movement and heat within a 40 square foot area. Integrated smoke and CO detectors which can tap into the monitoring system and report any fires or high levels of carbon monoxide are also increasingly popular. These are also more effective than those which simply sound off inside the home whenever there's smoke.

Homeowners that can afford something extra can spend thousands of dollars for a home automation system. A fully integrated system can control everything from the temperature of the house to closing the blinds and window shades automatically at 10 pm. These systems can also connect with cell phones or computers so that homeowners can monitor their homes from anywhere in the world.