Security vs. Emergency Alarms

Although they can go by different names, a security alarm is primarily used for anti-theft protection whereas an emergency alarm is used to protect against natural hazards like fires or harmful gasses.

Common Types of Security Alarms

Security alarms come in two common groups: monitored or unmonitored. Within these divisions, security vendors offer a variety of security alarm products.

Monitored security alarms contact emergency services or some form of a third-party professional when “tripped.” A monitored security system may be monitored by a security company, or by a customer themself. Typical monitored security systems include hub panels, motion detectors, entryway sensors, and keychains.

Unmonitored security alarms do not send out a signal to emergency services or a third-party professional when tripped. Unmonitored security alarms will use noise and lighting to warn homeowners of a possible invasion and scare off any unwanted visitors. Typical unmonitored security alarms include door wedge devices, window break sensors, entryway sensors, and keychains.

Common Types of Emergency Alarms

Emergency alarms come in three primary categories: fire/smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and water/flooding alarms.

Fire alarms, also called smoke alarms, sense changes in heat, the presence of fire, and the presence of smoke to warn homeowners and emergency service responders of a potential fire.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and invisible gas that is extremely harmful and potentially fatal to humans. Carbon monoxide detectors catch trace amounts of CO, warning homeowners and emergency service professionals of a dangerous leak.

Water damage from leaky pipes and flooding is very common and terribly expensive. Water/flooding alarms detect liquid leaks in weak points of a home, warning homeowners early to handle a potentially costly water leak.

Types of Home Security Systems

Traditional home security, sometimes called anti-theft security, is designed to keep intruders out of and away from your property. Anti-theft technology can be as simple as a sound-activated door jam, or it can be more intricate, such as a system of integrated motion detectors and home cameras.

Environmental security systems protect against naturally-occurring hazards: freezing temperatures, leaky pipes, gas leaks, and fire hazards. You may be familiar with one of the most common environmental security alarms on the market: the trusty fire alarm.

Generally speaking, smart home technology uses web-integrated systems that make your life a little bit easier. Smart home tech can open or close your garage door, lock the front door, and even change the thermostat from hundreds of miles away. Many contemporary home security systems use some variant of smart home technology, such as connecting your home’s alarm system to a mobile app.

No matter which home security system type you choose, you can be at ease, knowing that each one is designed to keep your home life safe and simple.

The Difference between Upfront Costs and Monthly Monitoring Prices

Although every home security vendor is unique, most vendors require new customers meet two price points in order to access full security services.

The first price point is known as upfront cost. Upfront costs cover the price of security hardware, software, and, sometimes, professional installation. This cost is typically a one-and-done—once paid, the price doesn’t have to be paid again.

The second price is known as monthly monitoring. Many security vendors actively monitor your home, standing at the ready in case an alarm, camera, or sensor is “tripped.” This price is typically subscription-based and paid per month.

The Benefits of Buying Your Security System Online

Thinking about buying a security system? Consider buying online. When you order your security system on our site, you’re automatically offered some of the best deals and promos the vendors have to offer.

Still not convinced? Buying online means you can easily compare the services and prices of each vendor. Once you buy, your new security system is typically shipped right to your front door. From there, you almost always have the option to return unwanted or broken tech—most vendors offer trial periods and customer warranties.