How to Choose the Best Home Security System?

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Nowadays, an alarm system is one of the most effective methods of securing a facility against burglary, fire or acts of vandalism. Buildings particularly exposed to all these events are, above all, our houses, business, apartments, warehouses, and all other places that hold a wide variety of expensive belongings and important information that should be treated with care.

Effective protection of your house in addition to a monitoring system also consists of a reliable alarm system. Tough locks, roller shutters and anti-burglary doors, although they are an obstacle for the criminal, in practice only delay their entry into the building. Choosing the right alarm system is not easy, and it is best to consult an experienced specialist. At Chicago Security Expert we will help you choose the security system that’s right for you and your home.

How to choose an alarm system?

When it comes to security systems, it is always necessary to look at the property as a whole. If you want to provide your property with maximum protection, it is worth installing a more extensive alarm system, which will be based on both motion sensors and magnetic field sensors (reed switches), which protect all balcony doors and windows. Prior to camera installation and alarm system installation it’s advised to invest in appropriate external doors and windows, which will improve the overall level of protection of the building against burglary and theft.

The next step is to select solutions that will meet your needs and expectations. If your priority is to increase the safety of the household in the most economical way, it is worth supporting the alarm installation with a system of passive motion sensors (in terms of reliability, wired sensors are more effective). If it is a question of securing a large number of doors and windows, it will certainly be a better choice to base the installation on reed switches, i.e. magnetic sensors. Reed switches are also recommended in those buildings where pets are present, due to the fact that they help to eliminate false alarms that occur despite the advanced technology in the case of motion sensors.

Intrusion Detection SystemThe Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

The IDS, or the Intrusion Detection System, is a set of devices that protect your property against various threats: burglary, flooding, fire, escaping gas or accumulating carbon monoxide. When an unauthorized entry to the building is attempted, or the system detects suspicious persons in a protected area, it will generate an alarm that can be forwarded via radio or telephone. The basic goal of each IDS is to provide comprehensive security in the protected building, not only against crime, but also against an accident.

Basic elements of the alarm system

The Intrusion Detection System consists of a number of components that are designed to: recognize a threat, process the signal and initiate an alarm. The most elements important are:

  • alarm control panel which is responsible for receiving and processing signals. When the sensors detect a threat, they send an impulse, which triggers the alarm. The control panel must be located in a room that is difficult to access so that the criminal won’t have easy access to it. When choosing this element of the system, it is worth choosing a device with a large number of inputs and outputs, which will allow, in the future, to connect new sensors and expand the installation,
  • sensors & cctv cameras (or “eyes and ears” of the alarm system). There are many types of sensors on the market, each specialized in detecting a different type of threat. There are sensors that detect movement, smoke, gas, temperature, twilight, etc. Windows and balcony doors are protected by sensors that react to sound (e.g. broken glass), reed sensors (magnetic – composed of two elements, one is mounted on the window sash, the second one on the frame – their distance from each other triggers an alarm), shocking. CCTV cameras on the other hand provide constant monitoring and real peace of mind.
  • the keypad is nothing but a touch screen or keyboard that enables the programming of the alarm system. It allows the user to manage the installation, arm and disarm the alarm, and monitor its operation,
  • the alarm siren is a device that generates a sound and light signal in order to alert householders, neighbors or the police. Contemporary IDSs can transmit a burglary signal using the GSM cellular network in order to alert the owner who is away from home. In a similar way, they can inform the security agency that will direct the emergency services to the home at risk,
  • power supply is an important element of any alarm system. Without power, the system will not work, so it is worth equipping it with an additional power source, i.e. a battery.

Wireless or Wired Alarm System?

Installing a wired system requires forging walls and wiring. Wired systems will be easier to install in homes that are at the design stage. Otherwise you can choose a wireless alarm system. It is worth noting that both the wired and wireless alarm systems are equally effective. Modern wireless systems cannot be easily disrupted. Each sensor has its own power supply and communicates bidirectionally with the control panel. Any break in communication between the sensor and the control panel will trigger an alarm immediately. The radio signal is additionally authenticated to exclude the possibility of external interference. In practice, the only drawback of the wireless system is the need to periodically replace the batteries powering the sensors.

How do you choose a home alarm system?

When planning to install an alarm system at home, you should answer a few questions:

  • Where is your house located? Have there been any break-ins in the neighborhood?
  • Is it possible to wire your home?
  • What is the shape of the house? What is the number of rooms in the building that you want to protect? What is the number of windows and balcony doors?
  • Should the security also cover the area around the building?
  • How big is the area around the building? What is the fence made of? Is the property densely overgrown with vegetation?
  • Is the system only supposed to warn against burglary and theft or is it supposed to comprehensively protect the house against flooding, fire, etc.?
  • How is the system supposed to inform about a security breach? Will it send information only to the owner or should it also inform the security agency?

If you can answer any of these questions, call Chicago Security Expert today and one of our specialists will be able to prepare a design and give you a price quote. We will advise you on what sensors to choose and where to install them. We will also suggest where to place the control panel and how to connect the power supply. Each house is different, therefore the alarm system must be tailored specifically to your property to be effective.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does An Alarm System Increase The Value Of Your House_

Does An Alarm System Increase The Value Of Your House?

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If you are considering putting your house on the market, you are most likely exploring the different possibilities and ways for increasing its value in order to get the best possible deal. This is what you can see in all the TV shows about buying and selling homes. However, in these shows, people mainly focus on aesthetics and invest in remodeling projects that make the house more attractive to potential buyers. As a future seller, it is, therefore, necessary to ask yourself if installing an alarm system in the house you are going to sell will greatly improve its resale value. Read on to learn in what ways you can boost your house value with a security home cameras installation.

A Security System Will Increase the Perceived Value of Your Property

An alarm system greatly improves the perceived value because of its functional benefits. Home security systems are installed to provide maximum protection for your property and your family. Sometimes buyers will consider the monetary value of the security system installed and see if the dollar value it adds is enough to rationalize the monetary value of your property. Another aspect a new potential owner might be considering is the functional advantages that come with a home security alarm system.

Perhaps other buyers will consider the benefits of a residential security camera system. They will focus in particular on the increased security and peace of mind that comes with it. This will improve the perceived value of the house and prospect owners won’t question whether or not to buy a home that doesn’t have an alarm system installed.

Increase the Actual Value of Your House With a Security Camera Installation

installation security cameras Chicago contractorHome security systems are exploding in popularity and many buyers are looking for homes where alarm systems are already installed. So, just like renovating a roof, building a patio or remodeling a bathroom can improve the value of your property when selling, installing a professional security system can greatly increase your quality of life and home value. In fact, buyers are more willing to spend a bit more for a safe and secure home.

Paying for the equipment and for the labor to install the alarm means less expenses and less work for the future buyer. However, it also means that during the official sale of the house, it will be necessary to give access to the alarm system to the new owner. This means providing all the alarm codes, installer codes, and the contact phone number of the surveillance camera company. In other words, the buyer must be able to change the access codes for the alarm. You should therefore no longer be able to have any access anymore.

So to sum up, for a home with an alarm installed, you save time and money for the future buyer. You therefore allow potential buyers to have a security system that can be adapted to their needs.

Homeowner Insurance Discounts

Home security systems can detect numerous hazards depending on their equipment. Modern installations can perform functions like access control, controlling lighting and heating, entertainment systems, and appliances, and many more. Therefore installing a system often results in a reduction in your insurance premiums. These modernized systems less property damage or theft, so insurance companies are ready to charge you less. The amount discounted is completely dependent on the insurance company and the policy, but can be up to 20%. This doesn’t directly increase the monetary value of your home, but if potential buyers are aware of this reduced insurance cost, they might want to invest more.

Security Systems Add Value to Your Life- Smart Home Technologies

Low Voltage Pre-Wiring for Your New HomeInstallation of an alarm system is a significant investment in the security of your premises. But a home security system can do much more than just boost the property value. With useful home automation features like heating and AC control, light control, CCTV systems and more, these professional systems can give you invaluable peace-of-mind and security for your property and make your home smarter and safer.

When deciding to install an alarm system in your home, you should consider a few issues that will be key in choosing the right equipment and installation:

 

  • How big is the house?
  • How many entrance doors and windows are there?
  • Is there a balcony? (A balcony door is an element that must be secured)
  • How many floors are there?
  • Do you have solid security doors and reinforced windows?
  • Will any neighbors react and call for help when the alarm siren goes off?
  • What is the strength of the walls and the ceiling?
  • How often do you leave the house for a longer period of time?
  • What is the estimated value of the equipment on your property?
  • Is your house located in a dangerous neighborhood?
  • Have there been any thefts and break-ins in your neighborhood?

Depending on the answers provided, a specialist will be able to choose an appropriate alarm system that will effectively protect your property.

A home security system is a set of components that, appropriately selected and configured, will ensure your property stays secure at all times. The basic set includes: the control panel, which is the heart of the system, sensors (various types), a keypad, an alarm siren, and an emergency power supply. At this stage, it is worth considering whether the system that we want to install should manage all components of a smart house or only to protect against burglary. Modern systems can control window blinds, lighting, air conditioning, etc.

ChicagoSecurityExpertLogoHere at Chicago Security Expert, we create customized and unique solutions that will satisfy your family’s needs and requirements. No job is too big or too small and we can design something that will work just for you. If you are looking for an expert alarm company in Chicago, contact us today to get a FREE quote.

 

 

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Saving Money With Energy-Efficient Security Systems

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An alarm system does not only provide protection against burglary. The installation of an intelligent security system will allow for even better use of the advantages of an energy-efficient house. It will also introduce a number of convenient solutions that will make it easier for you and your loved ones to perform everyday activities, thus increasing their comfort and at the same time reducing the money you spend on electricity bills. You’ll start saving without even realizing it! Which security system will work best in an energy-efficient home? Is it worth opting for wireless technologies or is it better to stick to traditional wired solutions? How can an alarm system help you save energy? In this article you will find answers to all of these questions!

A Security System Can Be Energy-Saving And Economic

The idea of ​​an energy-efficient house is based on a simple assumption – the building is to be designed in such a way as to consume as little energy as possible. To further increase its energy efficiency, you can reach for some modern technological solutions that are able to face up to the challenges of today and the future. When you decide to install an alarm system, you can choose a modern installation that will not only provide effective protection against burglary, but will also enable you to perform certain tasks in the field of home automation.

Home Automation Features Of Security Cameras

alarm-systemsAn example of small things that can help you save energy is, for example, avoiding opening your windows when the heating is on. Every day, not everyone is able to always remember about it – especially if there are children in the house who cannot always be fully supervised. An intelligent alarm system will help you prevent excessive heat loss. Thanks to it, each time, for example, when you want to ventilate a room where heating is turned on, and you open a window, the magnetic detectors will send the appropriate information to the alarm control panel, which will turn off the heating for the duration of ventilation. If you additionally install actuators in your windows, the system will be able to automatically close them, correlating this activity with, for example, the furnace or AC being turned on or off.

Another example of energy efficiency is the ability to control the lighting in such a way as to avoid, for example, situations in which you leave the light on when you leave the house. In this case, a motion detector that transmits information to the alarm control panel about the presence of household members in a given room will work its magic. Each time when it detects that no one is in the house, after a certain period of time it will transmit a signal to the control panel, which will automatically turn off the lights. It is also possible to program the system in such a way that it automatically turns off all lighting sources at a certain time, for example. In other situations where bright lights are not needed, it is worth considering setting the lighting to a certain level of intensity. The unnecessary power consumption can also be reduced at night, by using detectors equipped with LEDs in communication routes, which turn on automatically when motion is detected, allowing for sufficient lighting e.g. of a corridor, hall or stairs, without the need to turn on the overhead light.

The presented examples of using the alarm system for the practical reduction of energy consumption on a daily basis are just one of many possible applications. The possibilities are endless! What else should you know before you decide to install a surveillance system?

Wireless Or Wired Alarm System?

Low Voltage Pre-Wiring for Your New HomeRegardless of whether you want to secure an energy-efficient or a traditional building, the alarm system design always starts with the selection of the control panel, which is when you are faced with the first dilemma – is it supposed to be a wireless or a wired alarm system? It is worth knowing that each of these options will work differently in different circumstances. If you decide to install an alarm system at the construction stage, you can choose a traditional wired installation. Installing the devices before finishing construction works will allow you to avoid additional renovation in order to connect and mask the cables. If the decision about installing a surveillance system is made later, when all rooms are furnished, and you do not plan any further renovation and construction works – opt for a wireless installation.

When designing the security system together with the home alarm system installers, you should also pay attention to the fact that you should take into account both your current needs and possible functionalities that you may need in the future. By choosing a wireless or hybrid alarm installation from the very beginning, you can be sure that over time you will be able to expand your system non-invasively. Low Voltage Pre-Wiring for Your New Home.  At the beginning, you can choose only basic devices, such as an alarm control panel, keypad, siren and several motion detectors, and over time, new ones can be added to them gradually, thus increasing the protection area or functionalities offered by the system. This is a great opportunity because your needs for the alarm system will certainly develop or change over time, and not everything can be predicted at the stage of planning the installation.

Everyday Security- Smart Home Technologies

smart-homeThe main goal of an alarm system is, above all, to ensure that your home is effectively protected, and that the residents are safe at all times. Professional security camera systems protect not only of the house itself, but also the entire property. We provide perimeter protection by installing appropriate security measures on entrance and back doors as well as windows. In such situations, it is worth trying to imagine how the burglar could try to get inside. If he starts by forcing the locks, it will be detected by a vibration detector responding to characteristic vibrations. If he manages to open a window or door, the already mentioned magnetic detectors will trigger the alarm. The intruder can also try to break the glass – then the acoustic glass break detector will correctly identify the sound. The perimeter protection will be enhanced by a motion detector, which is also perfect for securing entry lines and windows.

If you’re looking for experienced home alarm system installers in Chicago who will help find the perfect security system for your house and will provide you the best customer service in your area – call Chicago Security Expert today. We can’t wait to hear about your needs and goals.

 

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SECURITY CAMERA INSTALLATION

7 Essential Home Security Tips You Need To Know

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Over the years, security systems have improved a lot, and systems that are offered by present-day security companies are more sophisticated than ever. From digital security systems to smart home systems that can be remotely controlled via your smartphone, many modern security systems are now automated and can be controlled via an app or your phone. This gives you access to many features and essential information about your home’s security with just a click of a button. However, if you want to go a little further and learn about other steps that you can take to improve your home’s security in addition to having a professional home security system installed, or if you live in a rented house or cannot afford security camera systems, we have gathered a list of 7 practical home security tips that you can use today.

  1. Don’t leave valuable items visible

The most important advice we can give is: Do not make your house an available target. This simply means – try not to let potential burglars know that you have valuables in your home. So if own an expensive car, keep it in the garage. If you have valuable electronic equipment or furniture, you may want to consider keeping the windows closed at night. Don’t make yourself become the easiest target.

  1. Forget about “hiding a key”

Card-Access-Reader-Union-AlarmA hid-a-key may seem like a clever idea in theory, but not in practice. Hiding a spare key is the easiest way to let criminals into your house. The problem with this concept is that the spare key is usually hidden in an easy-access place that’s easy to remember. Instead, consider installing Card Access Systems or a smart door lock that you can unlock with a unique user code. You can share this code with your family members and closest friends to give them access to your home without risking a thief finding your replacement key.

 

  1. Don’t make it obvious that you’re not at home

If you are ever going for a long vacation, ask your neighbors to pick up your mail, mow your lawn, and do other things that keep your house from looking like nobody’s home. Burglars often observe a neighborhood for a longer period of time and they might even notice that your car is parked in the same spot. However, if you are not willing to ask your neighbors for help, consider leaving some lamps lit in the house to give the impression that someone is home and ask the post office to save your mail so you don’t have to worry about it accumulating in your mailbox.

  1. Invest in motion-activated lights

Happy homeowners certainly know how many accessories you need to buy to properly take care of your home and its safety. If we do not want to be surprised by burglars who like single-family houses, apart from the best LED lighting, invest in motion sensors that will work when an unauthorized person enters the property. They’re a great way to keep burglars and criminals out of your home and allow for easier identification if caught in the act.

  1. Secure your second floor

Although the doors and windows on your first floor may be protected and ready to withstand any security and safety threats, we often forget about the security of our second-floor entry points. Security cameras with motion-activated recording, balcony security gates, heavy window locks and security grills may also be essential to prevent burglars from entering your home through a balcony or a second-floor window. The most important thing is to remember to close all your windows when you go to sleep or leave a light on while you go away for a few days.

  1. Ask your local police to do a house inspection

If you’re not sure if you’re on top of things when it comes to your home’s safety, contact your local police department to schedule a simple home inspection. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes and the police officers will be happy to share their knowledge with you on personal protection and home safety.

  1. Window security

When securing windows, you should not focus only on installing a lock on the handle side, but also on the equally less resistant side – the hinges. Window locks that are currently available on the market are extremely effective in protecting against burglary. Another thing you might consider installing are anti-burglary blinds and rollers that will work perfectly on the basement and ground-floor windows and will provide an adequate security level to ensure effective protection against thieves and other criminals.

Security Cameras Installation Chicago

Alarm Systems Chicago

If you’re looking for professionals who will design a security system that fits your needs and requirements call Chicago Security Expert.

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and give you a free, no-obligation visit and price quote.

We provide the best security camera systems in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Why You Need To Pre-Wire Your Home For Security Systems

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Pre-wiring Home Security

Why You Need To Pre-Wire Your Home For Security Systems

When you are building a new home or remodeling an existing one, there are many things to consider from the foundation up. Various things that include flooring, paint colors, cabinets, and many others are required and much more critical for the initial phase in the construction. Electrical wiring and Plumbing are also considered as the 2 crucial tasks for the builders and developers while constructing a home. Most people in Chicago and the Suburbs knows the importance of the pre-wire or hardwire that enables the complete process. Having the high-end security system for pre wired home would be a perfect solution for better safety features. Quality wiring and cables for things such as the computer networks, home automation, and security systems are much more efficient option to run as well as install on the walls more efficiently. Installation procedure for the security system on the dry-walled would be more comfortable when everything is pre-wired.

Planned Construction:

When you are constructing a new home in Chicago or its surrounding suburbs, it is essential to have complete pre wired low voltage Chicago. Security systems of the modern-day mainly use the complete wired equipment so that they could be readily useful for monitoring the popular option with more flexibility and installing everything accordingly. When your home is thoroughly prewired for a security system, then it is helpful for the technician to install every equipment in order and activate them accordingly. Building your new home is the best accomplishment that mainly requires the complete investments for the fixture and materials. We are living in a world of smart technology, so it is essential to plan the design for construction incorporated with the hardwire home security chicago.Home Security Pre-Wiring

Integrated Security Connection:

Most of the security systems mainly provide you the door locks, but the Automated security systems mostly combine the alarms using the lighting controls for keeping the home more secure. Pre-wiring house is suitable for installing everything based on the choice so that there is no need to cut the wall or floor for installing the equipment for home security Chicago. This would also give complete beauty to your home. Security automation at the house would efficient

  • Minimizes the risks of burglary
  • Intrusion
  • Unwarranted vandalism

Automation system could be linked with the Smartphone for efficiently controlling as well as observe the home security features. Choosing the best security companies in Chicago for pre-wiring and automation would be a significant option. Implementing right home security as well as the automation plans, would also mainly ensure the full use of the systems.Pre-wired home security

  • Easier to equip Reliable Monitoring
  • Easy-to-Maintain Equipment
  • Ideal for the Large Spaces
  • Less Vulnerable to Hacking
  • Hardwired alarm system connections are highly preferable
  • Better Hardwired alarm systems with an edge on the flexibility

Entertainment Systems:

With complete pre-wiring of the Entertainment Systems then it is essential to prepare your home for all kinds of installation and purchase. For example, when you like to install the home theater systems sound with the invisible speakers, then you required to have hard-wired the walls on the construction.