When we work with customers to design security plans, we do so with multiple goals in mind. For starters, we always wish to provide the best security against burglary, fire, and other threats that we can. Additionally, we also worth with customers to provide them with the security experience that they desire. Some customers prefer the simplest and most streamlined security possible. On the other hand, some people want all of the bells and whistles we can provide. Despite setting forth with similar goals in most applications, we truly do not treat any two jobs the same. In this post, we share some of the ways we go about customizing your security experience.

First, we’ll look at some alarm-related means of customization. This includes installing the alarm panel and keypads that best fit your needs. From there, we’ll also discuss how to choose the proper security equipment and monitoring methods based on how you wish to use your security system. Then, we’ll share some non-burglary related tips for customizing your security.  These include adding the right life safety and environmental detection devices for your property. Now, let’s get started by helping you create the perfect alarm system for your own needs.

Finding an Alarm that Works for You

When prospective customers search for a security company, they often find that many companies install one or two alarm panels almost exclusively. This, of course, greatly limits your options. At Northeast Security Solutions, we take the opposite approach. We install a variety of alarm panels and sensor types to ensure that you have the security experience that suits you best. Furthermore, we can also monitor your alarm using a variety of approaches. This helps you find an option with both the security features and the price point that you’re looking for. In this section, we’ll run through several of the options available to you. Let’s dive in with a look at a few different types of security panels and keypads.

Alarm Panel and Keypad Options

When designing a security system, we begin with the “brains” of the operation. A security system’s panel contains the electronic equipment that makes the entire alarm function. It also determines what types of sensors we can install, and how you operate your alarm. For example, some panels lean towards a focus on hardwired equipment. This is ideal for installations that occur during a property’s construction, when we can run wiring before the walls are up. On the other hand, some alarm panels require the use of wireless sensors. We often install these panels in houses or in smaller commercial applications that don’t present issues caused by wireless range limitations. Providing the best of both worlds, many alarm systems now allow for the installation of both hardwired and wireless sensors!

A QOLSYS IQ Panel 2 on a table.

The QOLSYS IQ Panel has a modern touchscreen interface that many customers prefer over older button-dependent keypad models.

Additionally, we also work with customers to choose the keypads that work best for them. Many customers prefer modern touchscreen keypads that work similarly to smartphone and tablet screens, such as the pictured model by QOLSYS. This format gives customers the familiarity of a control scheme they already use every day. However, some customers prefer a more traditional, button-based keypad scheme. We recommend this option for heavy-duty commercial installations, especially in settings that can get grimy. Next up, let’s look at a few options for security sensors.

Security Sensor Options

When we install a security system, we always make sure to secure certain areas. For example, we put a sensor on every exterior door to alert you to this common type of security breach. We also make sure to install sirens in a manner that allows you to hear them from any part of the house. However, customers still have quite a bit of input on how they secure their property from there.

For example, some customers simply install motion detectors in main areas of their homes. This provides the most cost-efficient security, while also ensuring that nobody can walk throughout the house uninvited. Unfortunately, this approach still lets thieves enter your home through a window before activating an alarm. Therefore, we also offer equipment that catches suspicious activity before anyone breaches your home.

One way we can create this security involves installing window sensors to catch someone opening the window. As added security, we can also install glass break detectors to secure rooms with picture windows or sliders. To really provide the “Fort Knox” treatment, we can even install security screens outside your windows to catch a burglar cutting or removing a window screen! For more security system equipment ideas, check out our post on Specialty Security Sensors. Let’s now turn our attention to customizing your security monitoring to your liking.

Picking the Security Monitoring that Works for You

When we install any security system, we almost always connect it to our central station for monitoring. Doing so ensures that an alarm activation will also create a central station response and, if necessary, a police dispatch. In fact, this service represents one of the first things our potential customers ask us about. “Traditional” burglar alarm monitoring involves connecting your alarm to our central station using an existing phone line. This provides the least expensive form of monitoring that we offer. However, it does not represent the most effective. After all, traditional telephones can fail based on weather and other factors. Moreover, burglars often cut phone lines before attempting a break-in.

To combat these factors, we recommend adding more secure monitoring equipment to your alarm. Our cellular dialer, powered by Alarm.com, monitors your alarm through a cell network, rather than your phone lines. This eliminates all of the monitoring mishaps described above. Additionally, it also lets you control your security system through a cell phone app. The ability to remotely arm and disarm your alarm, as well as to accomplish other security system-related tasks, adds tremendous security and convenience. Tech-savvy customers love taking advantage of this interactive form of security monitoring. At this point, we’ll turn our attention to non-burglary related security options.

Non-Burglar-Related Equipment Options

In addition to securing your property against a burglary, your alarm can help alert you to many other emergencies. We often surprise customers with the variety of events we can help secure them against. In this section, we look at some security equipment designed to address non-burglar related security. We’ll get started by seeing how you can use your alarm to create important life safety!

An Interlogix wireless freeze/flood sensor

This wireless freeze flood sensor by Interlogix can alert you to both frozen pipes or water in your basement.

Life Safety Devices

We strongly recommend installing monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to your alarm. These devices create an automatic fire department response to fire and CO-related emergencies. This can save your home or business if you have a fire during an absence. More importantly, they can also save a life during a fire that takes place with people present. These factors alone make adding this equipment a no-brainer for many customers. As an added bonus, installing these devices can also trigger a discount in your insurance rates. In fact, this discount often more than pays customers back for the price of this security! The ability to install this equipment and get paid back for it makes adding life safety equipment an even easier decision.

Environmental Detection

In addition to valuable burglar and life safety-related security, alarm systems can also provide our customers a measure of security regarding environmental dangers. These sensors create an alert and, in turn, a central station phone call to warn you of a weather-related issue. For example, our flood sensors can alert you to the presence of water in your basement. This allows you to check on a potential flooding situation before it turns into a disaster. Similarly, our low temperature detectors can alert you to conditions that indicate possible HVAC issues or frozen pipes. In fact, we even offer wireless freeze/flood sensors, such as the one pictured above, that accomplish both of these goals! Environmental sensors provide an extremly efficient and affordable way to help you stop a weather-related problem in its tracks.

Customizing Your Security and Keeping Your Home Safe

We hope that this post helps you in customizing your security to create the most effective and user-friendly experience possible. Additionally, we encourage you to contact us with any security-related questions you may have. We will happily help you navigate the tricky world of security system design. Moreover, we also invite you to take advantage of our free site survey program. We provide complimentary security audits and equipment quotes to both new and existing customers alike. While on site, we can address any of your existing security concerns. Furthermore, we can also make our own suggestions based on observations made during our visit. Together, we can work with you to make your property — and everyone on it — as safe and secure as possible!