Being robbed by thieves while you are out during the holiday could be frightening, but that is the nightmare when you are at home.

According to NZ Herald, a fifth of people surveyed have been robbed, and an additional 6 percent have experienced this more than once. This news has brought up the concern of Kiwis about their sense of protection and safety and the choice of a home security system.

Home Security Systems

A home security system is a method by which your home is secured through a system of interworking components and devices. Electronic components are linked to a control panel which helps protect your home from burglars and other potential home intruders.

A typical home security system includes:

  • A control panel which is the primary controller of the home security’s systems
  • Sensors for doors and windows
  • Motion sensors, both exterior and interior
  • Wired or wireless security cameras
  • High-decibel siren or alarm
  • A warning sign or window stickers

Why are home security systems important?

Have you ever gone on a vacation and worried your home could be broken into by a bugler? If the answer is yes, an upgrade to your home security system will help solve your problem. Home security systems can amazingly increase the protection of your house, even better than having a security guard.

Many Kiwis do not become aware of the crucial role home security systems play until their house is robbed. While the system could cost house owners a little more money, it will keep their assets safe. A home security system may highly discourage potential break-ins. Sixty percent of convicted burglars say they will change their target if they see any security system in that area.

What are the options?

Monitored Security Systems

A monitored security system is the most popular security system for homes available in the market. Whether it happens to be a robbery, fire, or other emergencies, the system will alert security responders (police, security team, etc.).

There are two types, company-monitored and self-monitored security systems.

Pros:

  • You will get a real-time notification whenever the system gets activated, allowing a quick response to the situation.
  • They are handy, so it is easy to install, uninstall, or move to a different location.
  • Monitored security systems are affordable
  • Loud sirens and alarms are more than enough to scare away intruders.
  • Have built-in battery backup, which allows it to work even if there is no electricity.

Cons:

  • It is expensive to install multiple security cameras
  • Need a Wi-Fi connection or cellular data to work, you may miss some intruders.
  • If the alarm is accidentally triggered, you will need to answer the phone immediately to disable it; otherwise, the authorities will contact you to confirm the situation.
  • If the police force is dispatched and there is no sign of forced entry or break-in, you will be charged for a false alarm

Unmonitored Security Systems

These security systems consist of motion sensors, a control panel, glass-breaking sensors, siren, and smoke detectors. It works by setting off a loud siren in and out of your property once triggered. Some are compatible with a smartphone which allows you to check the motion remotely

Pros:

  • Good level of security even though it is not sophisticated and comprehensive like monitored systems
  • This is an automated system which easier for house owners to utilise
  • Unmonitored security systems are more cost-effective and cheaper compared to monitored systems
  • No ongoing fee is needed

Cons:

  • The system will not be effective if the owner is away.
  • Unmonitored security systems are less secure than monitored systems.

Wireless Security Alarm Systems

Electronic wireless security alarm system devices are somewhat similar to wired systems. But, as its name suggests, it does not involve wiring. These systems usually include detectors, sensors, cameras, alarms, and the main control panel.

Pros:

  • Easy to install and uninstall and can be reusable when moving to different places.
  • These home security systems are easy to upgrade.
  • Better use against burglars than wired security systems since there is no wire to cut.
  • Flexible to operate from anywhere. For example, a smartphone, a remote control, smart key.

Cons:

  • These systems are vulnerable to interference. They need a connection to deliver signals to control panels.
  • Requires a lot of batteries. Wireless detection devices usually need batteries to work.
  • Difficult to maintain.
  • It is easy to be hacked.

Wired Home Security Systems: 

This system’s components connect to an alarm panel that has low-voltage wiring. All entry points of your home will be wired back to the main control panel, which gives house owners control and notice any break-ins. These hard-wired systems provide a more reliable connection than a wireless option because the main panel knows each device’s real-time status.

Pros:

  • Very reliable because it does not depend on sensors that use radio frequency to communicate.
  • Easy to maintain the system as the homeowner only needs to change the batteries.
  • Good for big houses as it can carry more sensors compared to wireless security systems.
  • High-definition video surveillance and control panel to multiple rooms.

Cons:

  • It is pretty expensive to install and has higher installation fees.
  • The systems are more vulnerable to robbers since they can simply cut the phone lines and wirings.
  • Difficult to install and uninstall and is not reusable when moving to a different location.
  • Have the main control panel, so they are only armed and disarmed at a specific place.

Which home security system is the best?

 CostSecurePowerCommunicationMaintenance
Monitored home security systems34343
Unmonitored home security systems23322
Wireless home security systems34322
Wired home security systems44544

Out of 5