Home Security FAQ’s – Home Security Frequent Questions

You want to protect your family, home and personal belonging. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a list of answers to some of the most common home security questions. If you have a question you don’t see here, send us a comment, and we’ll do our best to add it to our list of the most FAQ.


1. Q: Do home security systems prevent break-ins?
A: Home security systems are designed to detect when there is an unauthorized entry into your home. Once the system is trigger a loud warning sound is produced and if your home security system includes monitoring a notification would be sent to the monitoring center where someone would notify authorities. While a home security system may not eliminate break-ins, it can go a long way to prevent and/or reduce them from occurring.

2. Q: There are a lot of home security systems to choose from. What is the best one?
A: A good quality home security alarm system is more important than the brand name on the alarm. Alarms come in two varieties, wireless or hardwired. With a hardwired security system, the wiring is imbedded into the doors and window frames. Wireless home security systems  work with batteries, which can make them easier to install, but does not mean this system is the best for you and your family. Instead, choose a home security system that monitors what is important for your home.

3. Q: What features should I look for when choosing a home security system?
A: A basic burglar alarm system is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your home. Choosing to have a home security company install your basic alarm system will provide you with many more options and services. Additional options and services may include; home surveillance security systems, indoor/outdoor security cameras, carbon monoxide detectors, flood and smoke detectors, and medical alert, to name a few.

4. Q: If I rent my home/apartment. Does it make sense to install some kind of home security?
A: The short answer is yes. Individuals and families who rent homes and rental communities in general tend to be transient. Neighbors change and some people will not even take the time to get to know each other, making homes vulnerable to crime. For renters considering installing an alarm system, consider a wireless security. With wireless home security systems you can have the technology without drilling which means no holes or unsightly wires. It is recommended to check with your landlord before installing any system. Also, check with your insurance company to see if there is any savings on your renters insurance.

5. Q: Do I have to pay to have home security?
A: Depending on what type of system you have; burglar alarm, home security system, hardwired or wireless and whether or not your home security includes monitoring. All of these factors will influence what, if any, cost is associated with your home security. There are alarms that deter simply because of the loud noise they make. The more comprehensive a system or package the more likely it will be installed by professional, in which case there would a cost. Although many home security companies will provide for a free a home security evaluation, installation, service, monitoring and 3rd party notification of emergency personnel require a maintenance cost.

6. Q: Do I need a telephone line or can I use a cellular phone with a home security system?
A: The answer is it depends. Some security companies do provide home security monitoring through cell phones while other companies require a land-line.

7. What are the benefits of a cellular monitoring security system?
A: The main benefits of cellular monitoring are you can monitor your home with home security surveillance, activate and de-activate your home alarm and receive notifications –all through your cellular phone.

8. Q: I have call waiting on my home phone line. Will this affect my service?
A: No. Home security systems are designed to seize your phone line when necessary in order to call the customer monitoring center. The security system will then release the line in order for the customer monitoring center to notify you that an alarm signal was received.

9. Q: What happens if my power goes out, will my home security still work?
A: Yes. Systems have a back-up battery built in them that will usually last for several hours. Should your battery start to run low, a low-battery signal would be sent to your customer monitoring center who will then notify you.

10. Q: I have a cat. How do I keep my home security system from being triggered with a pet?
A: Most home security companies are able to install security alarms, motion sensors and detectors in such a way to not interfere with pets less than 40 pounds. For pet weighing more than 40 pounds a system may have to be upgraded to accommodate your animal.

11. Q: Will having a home security system help lower my homeowners insurance?
A: Yes. A home security system can help you save money on your homeowners insurance and in some cases as much as 20% savings. Special discounts are also available for AARP and USAA members. We recommend that you contact your insurance company to learn what type of discount is available to you.

12. Q: How does an alarm system work?
A: The alarm may be armed in the "Away/On" or "Stay/Off" mode. When you activate the system, each monitored sensor has the ability to recognize a violation. Once a home security sensor has been triggered, your alarm system then dials your home security monitoring center and transmits a signal. If your home security system is not monitored through a security company then an auditory alarm sound will signal to notify you of a violation. Once the signal is received, the alarm system will wait to send another message to your home security company to see if another zone is tripped. If the security alarm has been tripped in error, entering your code and turning off the system should end this process.

13. Q: Sometimes a motion sensor will go off, sending a false detection. Why does this happen?
A: A motion sensor may activate falsely for a few reasons. It could be that the sensor was improperly installed or that the sensor is located in to close a proximity to a heater or furnace. Sometimes a movement of objects such as balloon, blinds, or curtains located within the range of a motion detector may trigger or activate the burglar alarm. To remedy any of these possible reasons for a false detection call your home security company. A technician will relocate the sensor. If your security alarm is a DIY, try adjusting or relocating the detector yourself.


14. Q: How long does it take for my alarm to notify my home security company?
A: Home security alarm systems have a built in delay period for the user. This delay period allows you to disarm the system in order to prevent a false activation. The delay period can range from 30 seconds up to 3 minutes.

15. Q: What is a medical help button for personal safety and how does it work?
A: A personal help button usually comes in either a waterproof wristband or pendant that can be worn around the neck. The medical help button can work as an intercom service and can be pushed in the case of an emergency. When you push the help button, you can then be connected to a representative for assistance. Should the person who pushed the button not respond, 911 will be called to send the paramedics and notify anyone that is on your emergency contact list.

16. Q: What happens when I press the panic or fire alarm buttons on my touchpad?
A: If you hold down the panic or fire alarm buttons on the touchpad for 1 to 3 seconds, an alarm is transmitted to your customer monitoring center, where emergency services are notified and dispatched immediately. When an alarm is triggered in this manner it cannot be canceled.

17. Q: What is the recommended distance between smoke detectors?
A: The recommended distance on a smooth ceiling is for each detector to be 30 feet apart and a minimum of one detector for each level of your home. It is also recommended that there be a smoke detector in every bedroom.

18. Q: If my alarm goes off accidentally and I quickly put in the code to shut it off, what will happen?
A: Home security systems allow for a brief period in order for you to turn off your system before an alarm signal is sent to a customer monitoring center. This is to give you enough time to cancel the signal and prevent a false alarm.

19. Q: If I move, do I have to pay again to put a security system in my new house?
A: The answer depends on the type home security alarm system. If you have purchased and installed your own wireless alarm system, you can take that with you at no additional charge. If your alarm is through a home security service there may be a charge.

20. Q: If I have an emergency, should I call my security company first?
A: No. If you ever have an emergency, call 911 first. If for any reason you are unable to call 911, press the panic or fire alarm button on your touchpad.

*Content expressed in Home Security Source does not represent the thoughts and opinions of ADT Security Services, Inc. unless explicitly indicated.