Videophone

Which connected alarm should you choose to protect your home?

A connected alarm is a security system that allows you to monitor and control your home remotely, via a mobile app or voice assistant. It alerts you in case of intrusion, smoke, water leaks, or any other unusual event. It can also offer additional features, such as managing heating, lighting, or roller shutters.

But how do you choose a smart alarm system from the many options on the market? What criteria should you consider to find the system best suited to your needs and budget? Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

Types of connected alarms

There are two main types of connected alarms: standalone alarms and alarms connected to a remote monitoring center.

Standalone alarms

Standalone alarms are systems that you install and manage yourself, without needing a professional. Like a video intercom , they generally consist of a control panel, motion or door/window sensors, a siren, a camera, and remote controls or key fobs. They connect to your internet router or mobile network to send notifications to your smartphone in case of an alert. You can then view the camera feed, activate the siren, or call emergency services if necessary.

The advantages of standalone alarms are:

Their cost: they are generally cheaper to buy and do not require a monthly subscription.
Their simplicity: they are easy to install and use, thanks to intuitive applications and compatibility with voice assistants.
Their modularity: you can add or remove elements according to your needs and desires.

The disadvantages of standalone alarms are:

Their reliability: they depend on the quality of your internet or mobile connection, which can be disrupted or cut off.
Their responsibility: you are the only one to manage alerts and react in case of emergency, which can be stressful or impractical if you are far away or unavailable.
Their security: they can be hacked or neutralized by clever burglars.

Alarms connected to a remote monitoring center

Alarms connected to a monitoring are systems that benefit from 24/7 professional service. They consist of the same components as standalone alarms, but they are installed and configured by a qualified technician. They connect to a dedicated telephone line or a secure mobile network to transmit alerts to the monitoring center. The center then verifies the nature of the problem, contacts the owner or designated representatives, and alerts law enforcement if necessary.

The advantages of alarms connected to a remote monitoring center are:

Their security: they are protected against hacking, jamming or power outages, thanks to encryption and backup systems.
Their effectiveness: they guarantee a rapid and appropriate intervention in the event of an alert, thanks to the professionalism of the operators and security agents.
Their serenity: they free you from all responsibility and ensure peace of mind, whether you are at home or elsewhere.

The disadvantages of alarms connected to a remote monitoring center are:

Their cost: they are more expensive to buy and require a monthly subscription which can vary depending on the level of service chosen.
Their complexity: they require installation and maintenance by a professional, which can be restrictive or limiting.
Their rigidity: they are less customizable and scalable than standalone alarms, because they depend on the equipment and contract offered by the service provider.

The type of sensors

To protect your home, you have a choice between two types of sensors: door/window sensors and motion detectors.

Opening sensors

Installed on a door or window, this type of sensor automatically triggers the alarm at the slightest opening. You can find various models of these sensors from numerous manufacturers. This is the case with the Qiara connected alarm , which offers many options for your home security.

Some door/window sensors use motion and vibration sensors, while others are magnetic. Motion and vibration sensors are the most effective, however, as they can trigger the alarm if they detect unusual vibrations or knocks. This allows you to detect any burglar long before they even set foot in your home. It must be said, though, that this type of sensor is considerably more expensive.

Motion detectors

Approximately 20% of burglaries occur after the perpetrator enters through the roof without triggering the door/window sensors. The best way to address this problem is to use motion detectors. These can detect any moving figure in a normally empty space and trigger the alarm.

Motion detectors used to be a nuisance because they would trigger at the slightest movement of a fly or mouse. Now, they are programmed to distinguish between large bodies and small living beings.

The number of detectors

When choosing your smart alarm system, you should also consider the number of rooms you need to protect. If the area only has one door and no windows, a single door/window sensor will suffice. However, if there are many rooms to monitor, you will need to install a sensor for each door and window.

Regarding motion detectors, they should be placed in front of any window or door that could be broken without triggering an opening sensor. They are also useful for covering large rooms or those accessible from the roof.

The mermaid

The siren is an essential component of your connected alarm system. It's what deters intruders and alerts the neighborhood or you to a break-in at your home. You can install indoor or outdoor sirens.

But before installing an outdoor siren, please check with your building's management (for an apartment building) or the town hall (for a housing development). This is important because these sirens are not always permitted. You can use an outdoor siren if your house is somewhat isolated. Besides its high-pitched and powerful tone, this siren emits a flashing light to help neighbors detect the burglary. Your neighbors can then easily report the location to the police. An indoor alarm, on the other hand, emits a more or less intense sound to create stress for the burglar, causing them to flee.

This article might interest you: Which doorbell should you choose for your home?

Selection criteria

To choose your smart alarm, you need to consider several criteria, such as:

The size of the dwelling: the larger it is, the more detectors and cameras will be needed to cover all sensitive areas.
The type of accommodation: it is not necessary to have the same protection for an apartment located in a secure building as for an isolated house.
Lifestyle: the system must be adapted to the habits of the occupants, such as the presence of pets, the number of people allowed or the hours of absence.
The budget: you need to compare the purchase price of the equipment, the cost of installation and the amount of the monthly subscription if necessary.
Features: you need to check the options offered by the system, such as compatibility with voice assistants, home automation management or fire detection.

Conclusion

A smart alarm system allows you to protect your home against break-ins and domestic accidents. It consists of a control panel, detectors, a siren, a camera, and a mobile app. It can be standalone or connected to a monitoring center. To choose your smart alarm system, you should consider the size and type of your home, your lifestyle, your budget, and the features you want.