A Guide to Home Security Systems

A bump in the night-this is the wrong time to think about home security systems. According to FBI statistics for 2006, burglaries happen at the rate of 1 every 70 seconds. No wonder a home security system is high on the list of extras that most people consider important when they're moving into a new home. If you have rare or expensive valuables or are concerned about personal safety, there's a home security system that's right for you.

Security Systems for Homes
At its simplest, a home security system is a series of sensors installed at doors and windows that are connected to a control panel. The control panel usually features a digital keypad for arming and disarming the system. Most systems also have an indoor and/or outdoor siren. The system may also be connected to a central monitoring station, which will notify local police or firefighters in the event of an alarm.

Home security systems come in two flavors: wired and wireless. A wired system uses wires run throughout the house to connect sensors and the control panel. Wired systems offer the most secure connections, but they can be complicated and expensive to install. A wireless system uses radio signals to connect the various parts. Wireless systems are easy to install, but the signals are sometimes prone to interruption from cordless phones and wireless computer networks.

Beyond door and window entry sensors, home security systems can warn against a number of other dangers. Fire and carbon monoxide sensors are popular options, as are motion detectors. Garage door sensors and glass-break sensors can protect less-obvious points of entry. Flood and temperature sensors that can alert to leaks or frozen pipes are also possible additions to your security system, and a worthwhile investment for vacation homes in cold climates.

What's the Best Security System?
The security system you choose depends largely on the size of your home. Large houses with a lot of windows and doors will need a more elaborate system. Smaller homes with fewer points of entry can get by with a simpler system.

If you own a high-rise condominium, then a simple wireless system is probably your best bet. After all, you only need to protect your front door, the single point of entry.

If you rent an apartment or townhouse, it might make sense to lease or rent a system from a dealer. Pay attention to your contract, however; if you move, you may still be required to pay for the system.

If you own your own home, a wireless system might make sense if you have a finished basement that would make running wires a hassle. If you've got a crawlspace or an unfinished basement, the improved reliability of a wired system may be a better choice. If running wiring to upper floors is a challenge, consider a hybrid system. These systems combine wired and wireless technology.

How Much Should You Pay?
A do-it-yourself home security system can run as little as a $100 for a wireless control panel and a few entry sensors. More elaborate wireless systems, which feature motion sensors and other options, can reach the $300 to $500 price range.

A wired do-it-yourself system will likely be pieced together from individual components. Sensor prices range from $5 for simple contact sensors to $50 to $100 for sophisticated motion detectors. A complete wired installation could run from $300 into the thousands of dollars, depending on the amount of coverage and the sophistication of the components.

Expect to pay $15 to $30 per month for monitoring services.

Budget Alternatives
Home security systems don't need to be high-tech. There are some simple steps you can take to deter intruders without wiring the house with sensors.

• Install lighting around the house. Make sure that any windows that aren't visible from the street are well-lit. Consider installing a motion-sensing floodlight in the back yard, which doubles as lighting for gatherings.
• Block windows. Planting shrubs or bushes with thorns directly beneath low windows adds beauty to your yard and makes it harder for people to break in.
• Install deadbolts and locking bars. Don't forget that basement door beneath the bulkhead and the side door to the garage.
• Consider bars. For ground-level windows, sometimes bars are the best low-tech deterrent. Decorative bars can make it feel a little less oppressive.

Avoid fake cameras, "Beware of Dog" signs (if you don't own a dog) and stickers that claim you have a security system. These will deter amateur thieves, but professionals see them as an open invitation to a home without real security.

And Then There's Free
Many alarm companies offer free hardware and installation, provided you sign a monitoring contract. A typical contract will have a minimum duration of two or three years, with penalties for early termination. As with most contracts, it pays to read the fine print.

Be aware that "free" systems usually only cover a maximum of three entries and use wireless technology in some or all of their components. If you have a more elaborate home or are uncomfortable with wireless technology, be prepared to pay more for a more complex system.