Moving Guide

Choosing a Home Security System

Published November 13, 2011 · Written for MovingGuru readers since 2013

Are you wondering how to secure your home?

Getting a security system is a good way to feel safe in your new home. However, not all security systems will make you feel safe, and choosing the safest system for the right price can be difficult. It takes research.

We have provided you with a list to help you compare your home security options:

Types of Home Security Systems

Circuits – This is the most common type of home alarm. It creates an electrical circuit at different points of entry, like the front door or a window. When armed, the alarm will go off if any door or window is opened, breaking the circuit.

Motion detectors – This alarm system monitors motion inside or outside home. The most common type of motion sensor sends out radar waves to detect disturbances. If it senses an intruder, it will set off an alarm.

Wireless home alarm systems – These alarm systems allow you to arm or disarm your alarm systems remotely, usually with your cell phone. They will also give you notifications if they are tripped.

Smoke, fire, and gas detectors – These alarm systems protect against natural dangers, not burglars. Smoke and fire detectors are a necessity and might already be installed in your home, but the less-common gas detector is an important upgrade to consider. It detects gas leaks, which can cause asphyxiation or explosions. Make sure to find out what detectors your new place already has before you contact a company to install them.

Driveway detectors – A driveway detector will detect if someone has driven onto your driveway. If you have a long driveway, or if it is shrouded by vegetation, this could be a good option.

Floodlights
– Floodlights and others lights outside your home can be rigged to light up when they detect motion. They can be an easy and cheap way to deter trespassers.

Installation – You can have a company install your new alarm system, or you can do it yourself. If it’s just a single fire alarm or two, installing it yourself could be a good way to save money; however, a complicated burglar alarm system is probably best left to the professionals.

Return to: Transfer and Connect Utilities

Related Articles
Choosing a Gas and Electric Provider
Choosing a Phone Service
Choosing a Cable Provider
Choosing an Internet Provider

Filed under:Finding UtilitiesTransferring Home Services

Keep reading

Dealing with the DMV When Moving

Dealing with the DMV is never fun. In fact, it’s usually just the opposite: boring, tedious, time-consuming and expensive. However, if you’re moving, you can’t avoid it. The DMV will beckon. Here’s what you need to do when moving, and

Settling into Your New Home · June 28, 2012

Transferring Home Services

Wondering what services you need to move? When you move, you need to bring more than just your possessions with you. There are many services that you will need to transfer from your old home to your new one as

Transferring Home Services · June 28, 2012

How to Talk to Service Providers

Want some leverage in getting your next utility service? Service providers supply you with wonderful things, like Internet and cable, but they don’t do it out of the goodness of their hearts. No, they do it for money, your money.

Finding Utilities · March 19, 2012

Check the Cell Phone Coverage at Your New Place

Deciding on a phone service? Before you choose a phone service, know what kind of service you’ll be getting from them. Dropping a call while walking into the store is extremely frustrating, as is having one bar of service in

Finding Utilities · November 30, 2011

Get Quotes