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You don’t have to spend a lot of money to protect your property and your loved ones when it comes to home security. Are you looking for an affordable, reliable and customized home alarm system? As technology has advanced, DIY security systems now with motion detection, door/window sensors, and a host of video and smart technologies. These kinds of systems enable 24/7 monitoring of your home, while offering flexibility and control.
Whether you are looking for peace of mind or want to free yourself from the monthly fees associated with traditional alarm systems, we have the ultimate guide to help you get started with DIY home alarm systems. If you’re a first-time buyer or a DIY veteran, read on for everything you need to know about setting up a secure home without the hassle of pro installers or expensive monthly fees.
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Common Reasons to Pick a DIY Home Alarm System
While the traditional, professionally installed home alarm system was once the norm, a sensor with a sign in the yard, the reasons that more property holders are choosing DIY home alarm systems are numerous. Here are some primary benefits of this:Cost-Effective
Cost: One of the biggest benefits of a DIY home alarm system. Many traditional alarm systems have high installation costs and monthly monitoring fees, which can accumulate over long periods of time. With a DIY system, you pay for the equipment upfront, and most systems have optional monitoring services for a fraction of the cost of professional monitoring.Customizability
The DIY alarm systems are highly customizable, and the user can design it adhering to the needs. You have the flexibility to select the sensors, cameras and features that suit your home’s layout, security requirements and your own preferences. This offers the flexibility to maximize your investment.Easy to Install and Manage
A DIY system is normally easy to install without any technical knowledge needed. Most current DIY systems include simple directions and can be installed in as little as an hour. Many of these systems also have mobile apps or web interfaces, allowing you to check on your home remotely and adjust things as necessary.No Long-Term Contracts
Most traditional alarm systems require you to sign a long-term contract with a monitoring company, committing you to monthly payments for years. DIY systems, by contrast, allow you to choose whether you want monitoring services and when. Those include self-monitoring through you or a family member, hiring a third-party monitoring service, or using the system without any monitoring at all.Essence of a DIY Home Alarm System
Components of a DIY Home Alarm System A DIY home alarm system consists of several key components that work together to provide a comprehensive security solution. Now, let’s get into the key components that you will need to have in place to protect your home!Control Panel
The control panel is the brain of your alarm system. It fuses everything that makes up the system, including sensors, cameras and sirens. Control Panel: This triggers alerts if someone tries to enter. Most new systems have touchscreens, or use mobile app connectivity, so you can monitor and control the system remotely.Motion Detectors
Motion sensors are crucial components of any alarm system because they can detect motion in a given area. This technology is infrared or microwave type recognizing variation in the environment. The system will notify you or set off the alarm when motion is detected. Most motion detectors are placed in high traffic or entry areas so they can detect intruders before they can break inside.Door/Window Sensors
Sensors Get you door and window sensors, these components watch the entry points to your home. These sensors are made up of two parts, one goes on the door or the window and the other half attaches to the frame. The two parts are separated when the door or window is opened, activating the alarm system. These sensors are especially helpful for preventing intrusions via doors or windows.Security Cameras
Security Camera Of all the gadgets you can add to your DIY alarm system, security cameras will provide an extra layer of protection. About About CCTV Cameras What Are the Different Types of CCTV Cameras? CCTV cameras can be installed at several locations around your home, including the front and rear doors, driveway, and windows. Up with this accordingly, many modern security cameras can be used with night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio, making it easy to keep an eye on your home in real time through your smartphone or computer. Some cameras back up footage to the cloud, giving you a chance to review what’s happened if necessary.Siren/Alarm
Any home security system should have a loud siren or alarm. When the siren sounds when an intruder is detected, you, your family, and your neighbors will be alerted. Not only does this act as a deterrent but it also helps warn anyone around that something is wrong. Most systems let you set how loud you want the siren to be, or can mute it completely if you’d rather have a silent alarmKeypads or Remote Controls
How to Arm/Disarm Your Alarm System Keypads and remote controls. The keypad is placed right next to the entry door so you can promptly turn off the alarm when the buzzer sounds. And you can sometimes use a mobile app as a keypad and arm or disarm the system from your phone.Smart Integration
Home alarm systems DIY today often feature smart home integration, so you can operate your home security system along with other smart devices, such as lights, thermostats and locks. Smart integration gives you the ability to control all the security and the convenience features of your home from a single app, making it simple to set up routines and automate certain functions.Make a plan and choose a log-going to use
It’s easier than you think to set up a DIY home alarm system. Best of all, a little time and effort is all that is needed for you to fortify your home. Read on for a step-by-step guide to getting your system up and running:Choose the Right System
So what you do is you go and research DIY home alarm systems and find out what makes sense for you. Think about how big your house is, how many entry points you have, and any special features you may want (like video surveillance or smart home integration). Some popular-no-contract alarm systems are Ring Alarm, SimpliSafe, ADT DIY and Frontpoint.Install the Control Panel
But first, the control panel. But pick a spot that’s close to your main entry point, like a hallway or immediate area near front door. Keep it handy and near a power outlet. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting and connecting the control panel to your home’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.Add Motion Detectors and Sensors
Step 2: Install the motion detectors and door/window sensors where you want them. Motion detectors can be placed in high-traffic areas (think hallways or living rooms), while door/window sensors should go on all entry points (exterior doors and windows, for example). Many DIY systems arrive with adhesive strips for easy installation, meaning no drilling is needed.Set Up Security Cameras
If your security system also has cameras, install these at major access points or areas of interest. Make sure to hang them high and with a proper line of sight. Many cameras have a magnetic base, which provides flexible mounting options. After the cameras are in place, connect them to your system using Wi-Fi, and tweak settings using the mobile app.Connect the Siren
Move the siren to a spot where the sound is loud enough to be heard by anyone close. Be sure to hide the sirens place so they cannot been tampered with. Some systems let you customize the volume of an alarm, while others offer sound customization for alarms.Test the System
As soon as all the elements are installed, then make sure to test everything to be sure it works perfectly. We’d suggest you set off the sensors, run the cameras, and make sure the siren blares when the system is compromised. Depending on the coverage needed, individual settings may be adjusted, or components may be repositioned.Implement Remote Monitoring and Alerts
Plenty of DIY systems include remote monitoring via a mobile app. So download the app and attach your own system with it. Enable alerts so that you get notifications when the system is activated. If you choose professional monitoring, adjust this setting.Create a Routine
If you want to get the most out of your do-it-yourself home alarm system make sure you set it daily and take it down at the same time. Automate specific features with the mobile app, such as activating lights upon detecting motion or sending alerts upon a window or door opening.More Ways to Protect Your Home
- Lock down all entry points: You may want to use door and window sensors, but what about garage doors, or gates?
- Stay updated: Always keep checking out the software updates in order to have your system has the latest features and security patches.
- Tell your family members: Be sure that everyone living with you knows how to operate the alarm system and how to respond in an emergency.
