Imagine this: It’s late at night, and you’re tucked up in bed. Suddenly, you hear the sound of shattering glass. Your heart races as the realisation hits—someone has broken into your home. Moments like these are when a reliable home security system, ie a burglar alarm can be a lifesaver, protecting your family and giving you safety in your home.
What Is A Burglar Alarm?
A burglar alarm is your home’s best defence against intruders. It’s a system that detects unauthorised entry, triggers a loud siren, and warns you that something’s not right. It’s like having a silent guard keeping watch 24/7.
Now, here’s the thing: not all alarms are created equally. A visible alarm—the kind with a big, illuminated bell box outside your home—is one of the best deterrents out there. Why? Because burglars know it means business. Most intruders will think twice when they see one of these on your wall.
With a reliable home security system, you’ll not only protect your home, but you’ll also get something money can’t buy: peace of mind. Whether you’re at home or away, knowing your loved ones and belongings are secure is priceless.
How Do Burglar Alarms Work?
Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Sensors Detect Unauthorised Activity
At the heart of any burglar alarm system are the wireless sensors. These clever little devices are placed around your home to detect movement or tampering. Here are the main types we use:
PIR (Passive Infrared) Motion Sensors: These detect movement by sensing changes in heat. If someone moves into their field of view, they’ll trigger the alarm.
PIR Cameras: These are a step up, combining motion detection with built-in cameras. If the alarm is triggered, they’ll snap a series of images and send them straight to your phone—so you can see exactly what’s going on.
Door and Window Contacts: These consist of two small parts that form a circuit. If someone opens a door or window while the alarm is armed, the circuit breaks, and the alarm sounds.
Perimeter Protection Shock Sensors: These are my personal favourite. They detect vibrations from someone tampering with doors or windows—whether they're picking a lock or trying to force entry. These sensors trigger the alarm before the intruder even gets inside.
2. The Alarm Gets Triggered
When a sensor detects something suspicious, it sends a signal to the control panel. The control panel is the brain of your home alarm system, and it decides what happens next.
Most (but not all) security alarm systems will activate a loud siren designed to scare off intruders and alert you and your neighbours. Modern alarms, like the ones we install, also send instant notifications to your phone. That way, you’ll know immediately if something’s up, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Are Home Security Alarm Systems Actually Effective?
Burglar alarm systems aren’t just a fancy gadget—they’re proven to make a real difference. From deterring burglars and reducing the risk of a break-in, they’re one of the smartest investments you can make for your family’s safety.
Reduced burglary rates with alarm systems
Installing a burglar alarm system can significantly reduce the risk of burglary in your home or business. In fact, statistics have shown that properties equipped with alarm systems are less likely to be targeted by criminals. According to a study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, around 60% of convicted burglars stated that they would avoid homes with alarm systems! This indicates that having an alarm system acts as a deterrent and makes your property less appealing to potential intruders.
Added value to homes with reliable security measures in place
If you’re thinking of selling, a good alarm system makes your property more attractive. Buyers love the idea of moving into a home that’s already secure. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for homes that already have reliable security measures in place. A study conducted by researchers at Loughborough University found that properties with burglar alarms were perceived as more secure and desirable, leading to higher selling prices compared to similar properties without alarms.
Minimising false alarms
Worried about false alarms? False alarms occur when the alarm is triggered due to non-threatening factors such as pets, accidental activation, or technical malfunctions. Modern systems are much smarter than they used to be. We can install pet-friendly sensors or adjust the sensitivity to suit your home. Our Modern burglar alarms use sophisticated sensors and algorithms to distinguish between genuine threats and false triggers, minimising inconvenience for you and reducing unnecessary police callouts. Plus with remote monitoring apps like SecureComm, you can even check what’s happening in real-time, so you’ll always know if it’s a real threat or just the cat AND what's more, you can remotely set/ unset your system on-the-go!
Taking immediate action against intruders
When a house alarm is triggered, it produces a loud and attention-grabbing sound. This serves two purposes: alerting whoever is in the property and deterring the intruder from continuing their criminal activity. A loud noise acts as an immediate warning to you and your family, allowing you to take necessary action such as calling the police or seeking safety. Simultaneously, the sound can startle and scare off the intruder, preventing them from causing further harm or stealing valuable items. With our SecureComm app, you will know straight away whether you need to contact the police directly without even being present in your home!
Peace of mind for homeowners and businesses
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of having a burglar alarm system is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that your property is equipped with a reliable security system can alleviate worries about potential break-ins. Whether you are at home or away, you can have confidence in knowing that your alarm system is actively protecting your valuables and loved ones.
Burglar alarms are not just a sound; they represent a sense of security, reduced burglary rates, increased property value and appeal, plus immediate action against intruders. Although we may be biased, investing in a home security system is undoubtedly worthwhile for both homeowners and businesses looking to protect their assets.
What Types Of Home Security Alarms Are Available?
When it comes to burglar alarms, you’ve got a few options:
Wired Alarm Systems
These are hardwired into your home’s electrical system. They’re reliable but less flexible, especially if you want to add extra sensors later. These systems are hardwired into your home's electrical circuitry and typically require professional installation. They consist of sensors placed on doors, windows, and other entry points that trigger an alert when breached. The signals are sent through wires to a control panel, which then activates the alarm.
As the name suggests, these systems operate wirelessly using radio frequency technology, making them easier to install and customise. They’re perfect if you want a sleek, modern setup without drilling holes everywhere and without the need for drilling or running cables throughout your home. Wireless alarm systems usually come with sensors, a control panel, and remote key fobs for arming and disarming.
Smart Alarm Systems
These are the future! With a smart system, you can control your alarm from your phone, receive notifications, and even view images from your PIR cameras. It’s like carrying your alarm system in your pocket.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing the Right Burglar Alarm System for My Home?
Here are some key points to keep in mind when selecting a burglar alarm for your home:
Budget: Determine how much you're willing to invest in a burglar alarm system as prices can vary significantly depending on features and capabilities. Related article: How much does. a house alarm cost?
Size of Property: Consider the size of your property and whether you need additional sensors or cameras to cover all entry points effectively. A good security consultant like our very own Mick will assist and guide you with this.
Monitoring Options: Decide whether you want professional monitoring services or prefer self-monitoring, where alerts are sent directly to your smartphone. Related article: How much does alarm monitoring cost?
Ease of Use: Look for an alarm system that is user-friendly and easy to operate, especially if you have family members who may need to arm or disarm the system.
What Makes Remote Monitoring So Great For Home Security?
Let’s face it—life’s busy, and you can’t always be at home to keep an eye on things. That’s where remote monitoring comes in, and it’s a game-changer for home security.
Stay Connected with Real-Time Alerts
Imagine this: you’re out running errands, and your phone buzzes. It’s a notification from your alarm system letting you know there’s been activity at home. With remote monitoring, you’re always in the loop. Whether it’s a door opening or motion detected, you’ll know about it instantly and can act fast, even if you’re miles away.
Control at Your Fingertips
Most modern alarm systems, like ours, come with a smartphone app. It’s like having a remote control for your home’s security in your pocket. Forgot to set the alarm before heading out? No problem—just tap a button on your phone. Want to check if all your sensors are working? Easy. It’s security made simple.
Hassle-Free Technical Support
One feature our customers rave about is the SecureComm App. Not only does it give you remote control of your system, but it also lets us provide remote technical support. If something’s not working as it should, we can often fix it without you needing to wait in for an engineer. It’s just another way we make life easier for you.
With remote monitoring, you’re not just installing an alarm—you’re giving yourself the power to protect your home no matter where you are. And honestly, isn’t that what peace of mind is all about?
Is Professional Installation of A House Alarm Worth It?
While DIY might sound tempting, a professional installation is hands down the better choice—and here’s why.
Tailored to Your Home
Professional installers (like us!) know exactly where to place sensors, control panels, and switches to ensure your home gets the best protection. Every house is different, and we’ll make sure your system is designed to fit yours perfectly.
No Guesswork, No Stress
A professional installation means everything is set up correctly from day one. No worrying about false alarms or faulty connections—we’ll handle all the tricky bits so you don’t have to.
Peace of Mind
Most importantly, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your system is installed by experts who’ve been doing this for years. You can get on with your day while we ensure your home is safe and secure.
With us, you’re not just getting an alarm system—you’re getting the expertise to make it work exactly as it should. And isn’t that what you’re really looking for?
What Happens After My Trusty Burglar Alarm Has Been Installed?
Now, you've had your burglar alarm installed and all is running smoothly, as it should. But what do you need to do to ensure it always works like clockwork? Regular Maintenance of course! Regular maintenance is essential to ensure its continued functionality. This isn't as hard as it may sound... here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Test regularly: Regularly test your intruder alarm system by activating it and ensuring that all components function as intended. This includes checking the control panel, sensors, and any connected devices such as cameras or lights.
Keep sensors clean: Dust and debris can interfere with sensor performance. Clean the sensors periodically using a soft cloth or brush to remove any build-up that may affect their sensitivity. If you have a touchscreen keypad, also make sure this is kept clean as a build up of dirty fingerprints can interfere with its sensitivity.
Update access codes: If your intruder alarm system uses access codes, consider updating them regularly for added security. Change codes whenever there is a change in personnel who have access to the system.
Battery replacement and servicing: We recommend having your alarm serviced every year by a professional. They will make sure that everything is running as it should be and often will replace any batteries that need replacing.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your intruder alarm system remains in optimal working condition, providing you with peace of mind against potential burglaries.
How Can Perimeter Protection Sensors Further Enhance my Home Security?
Perimeter Protection - Your First Line Of Defence For Your Home
Perimeter protection sensors play a crucial role in enhancing the security of your home. Unlike regular internal sensors that are designed to detect motion inside the property, perimeter protection sensors are designed to detect and deter intruders before they even breach the threshold.
Wireless sensors can be fitted to the most vulnerable entry points of your home such as windows and patio doors. Once installed, any detection of tampering either by a build up of vibration (for example if someone was trying to pick a lock) or gross impact (like forced entry) would make the alarm sound immediately!
This means that you are protecting your home from the outside rather than just the inside. If a burglar hears a loud alarm sounding as soon as they’ve tried to tamper with a door, they are far less likely to persist which is great news for your home and your safety.
What next...?
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on how burglar alarms work, why not take the next step to secure your home? At Midland Alarm Services, we’re here to make protecting your home simple and stress-free. Whether you’re after a straightforward alarm system or want the added peace of mind that comes with advanced perimeter protection, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Ready to get started? Let’s chat and see how we can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install a burglar alarm system?
The installation time for a burglar alarm system varies depending on the complexity of the setup and the size of your property. On average, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Our experienced technicians will assess your requirements during an initial consultation and provide an estimated installation timeframe.
Can I monitor my burglar alarm system remotely?
Yes! When you get set up with a new burglar alarm system we can get you set up with our remote monitoring mobile app straight away. This allows you to keep an eye on your home's security status even when you're away. Our team can guide you through setting up remote monitoring for added peace of mind.
Are wireless burglar alarms as effective as wired ones?
Wireless burglar alarms have come a long way in terms of reliability and effectiveness. They offer the advantage of easy installation without the need for extensive wiring. You also have much more flexibility with customisation options for additional sensors.
Do burglar alarms require regular maintenance?
Yes, regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your burglar alarm system functions optimally. We offer maintenance packages that include routine inspections, battery replacements, and software updates to keep your system in top shape.
We hope these FAQs have provided further clarity on burglar alarms and their installation. If you have any more questions or would like to request a quote, don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team at Midland Alarm Services.
Burglar alarms are a cornerstone of home security, offering protection by detecting unauthorized entry. These systems work by using sensors placed on doors, windows, or motion detectors. When triggered, they send signals to a control panel, which activates a loud alarm to deter intruders and alerts homeowners or monitoring services. To enhance your security, consider searching for a key locksmith near me to integrate high-quality locks with your alarm system, creating a comprehensive and reliable defense for your home.