Home Security Systems

Upgrading your Home Security System with a Wireless Security System

Maybe you’ve had a security system for years now. There are sensors on the doors and windows, security lights and a company that monitors all of the alarms for you. But what do you do when you realize that the newer security devices have passed you by?

Do you want to go through the work of finding a new security company or of setting up a whole new security system all over your home? And do you want to incur those expenses again? You don’t have to start from scratch just to upgrade. Instead of adding sensors to your hardwired system, just add some wireless devices.

Adding Alarm Monitoring

First see if you have all of the sensors you need. If your old system missed a door or window, you can just add that to the existing system. But what if you want to add a new kind of sensor, say a carbon monoxide detector? You can add a wireless security system to handle the new sensors. You won’t have to run wires or add to the existing system.

The new wireless security systems come in all sizes and you can find one to handle just a couple of sensors. While you’re adding one, do you think you can use a moisture detector? You can install a small one on the ceiling below each bathtub or the washing machine. Or you can put one where rain may come in or a drain could back up. The wireless moisture detector will send a signal to the control panel once it’s wet. You can find a system that will sound an alarm, call your cell phone or shut off the water supply.

As long as you are installing a wireless security system, why not add a security light or two? Wireless motion detectors can be set to turn on a security light. If you have a light on, why not add a camera? There are still cameras available that can snap a picture when triggered. They are less expensive than a moving camera and don’t have to be hooked up to a TV or VCR. A snap shop with time and date will let you know if you have someone casing the joint or a problem with squirrels.

If you don’t already have smoke detectors or a panic button system on your security panel, you can add them to your wireless security system. Smoke can set off an alarm, call the fire department and call your cell phone automatically. The panic button can prevent a teen from investigating a strange sound or going for the phone while the parents are at work or running errands. A press of the button will automatically dial a cell phone and, if it’s set up that way, the person on the phone can speak to anyone in the house – even an intruder. Therefore, an economic way to upgrade your security system is with a wireless security system.

When you decide that you want to purchase a wireless home security system, you then have to figure out how you are going to install it in your home. Do you hire someone or do you attempt to do it yourself? Installing a wireless home security system is not as difficult as it may seem, and you may get to test out your handyman skills in the process. If you decide to take on the challenge of installing your own alarm system, learn the basics first.

Wireless home security electronics have few parts, but that does not mean that you should ignore the packaged directions. Most of the wireless home security systems can be installed with the everyday tools that you find in your garage, but no one wants to make a mistake. You must first decide where you want the control panel to go. The only constraints for a control panel are that it must be near an electrical outlet. However, where you place your control panel can make a difference because you don’t want a control panel easily reached by a predator who could smash it the instant he or she breaks in, and you don’t want any sound of the alarm to be muffled by the alarm being concealed.

Next, you will want to install the control panel. Even though your home security alarm system is labeled wireless, there will be a wire of some sort, so don’t be fooled by names. You will need to drill a hole behind the control panel, and then another one below the outlet so that you can connect the two. If you are concerned about your abilities when it comes to wiring, don’t worry, the wireless security systems usually come with a battery that will act as a backup in case the power goes out or the device is unplugged.

The siren and control panel programming will be the next step on your list. You will need an electrical outlet for the siren just like the control panel. Typically, in order to program your sirens, you will be able to use a common screwdriver. However, all systems are not created equal, so you will need to check with the manufacturers instruction packet when dealing with this step. The control panel programming will be easier if you locate the spreadsheet with step-by-step instructions in working with your keypad. Remember not to throw away any of the paper materials that come into the package with your system. There should be a manifest on the first page of the instruction booklet. If you feel like you are missing something, call the manufacturer’s help line and they will send you another one in the mail.

After you have finished all of the programming needed, you will need to install the sensors. Sensors are usually placed on windows and doorways. It is not a problem if these are visible because it may let an intruder know that you have an alarm and prevent any windows being broken. The sensors are usually plastic and can be installed with an electric screwdriver.

Being able to achieve any task that, at the start, seems challenging is a rewarding experience. When you install your wireless home security system, you may feel relieved and proud, but don’t forget that you want the product to work. The last step in any installation is to test your alarm to make sure that it is in working order. There are many different resources that can let you know what home security prices and rating for different products are, and then you can decide which system would be the most compatible with you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions before you buy a wireless home security system because you don’t want to get stuck with an impossible system that will end up costing you more money than you want to spend.