Considering a home security system? You have a lot of choices – so many that it can get confusing.

Do you want a wired or wireless system? Security cameras or monitoring system – or both? Do you want infrared sensors, day/night cameras, two way voice communication? How about fire alarm monitoring as well as burglary?

When choosing a security system for your home, it’s important to step back first and look at your options. What may work for you may not work for someone else’s home. Different homes need different types of protection.

And you also need to consider your budget as well as your comfort level. For example do you want your home to be shut up tighter than Fort Knox? Or do you just want a fake security camera with an ADT sticker out front to deter potential burglars?

These are a few considerations before choosing the right system for you. But when it comes to the actual system part – what options do you have?

Here’s a brief overview of your basic choices:

#1 Home Security Alarm System

This is usually a siren that goes off when a monitored door or window is opened. The alarm sound can potentially scare off burglars and alert homeowners that someone is in their home.

The upside to a home alarm is that it can be more affordable than some other options. The downside is that if the burglar knows you’re not home and you just have a basic alarm, they probably won’t be deterred from cleaning out your stuff and moving on.

Another downside is that if you or your kids are home, someone needs to have the presence of mind to call the authorities if somebody does break in. And this can be difficult in an adrenaline-pounding situation.

You can sometimes find a home alarm that will auto-dial a certain phone number like the police if it is set off. However be aware that if you have a false alarm, you can get charged a hefty fee if this happens.

#2 Home Monitoring System

This is what most people think of when they consider a home security system. A home monitoring system means you have a third party service like ADT or Brinks monitoring your home for burglary, fire, carbon monoxide etc.

When something goes wrong, the system sends an alert to the monitoring center. The center then contacts the homeowner and/or the proper authorities.

The benefit to this is that you have a reliable 3rd party looking out for your home so if something goes wrong you don’t have to worry that you (or your kids) won’t have the presence of mind to call the proper authorities.

Another benefit is that you can often customize the service to give you exactly what you need including adding nanny-cams, wireless viewing, email alerts, etc. The downside to this is that there is a monthly monitoring fee.

#3 DIY Home Security System

These are usually wireless out-of-the-box systems you buy and set up yourself. There are a wide variety of options here from basic to very complex. You can get security cameras, DVRs, motion sensors, etc.

A benefit to doing it yourself is that you may be able to save some money and you can also customize your system to be as simple or state-of-the-art as possible.

The downside is that you have to make sure you’ve got enough coverage for your property. There are some very cheap do-it-yourself systems out there that are easily disabled in less than 10 seconds so you don’t want to take a chance on protecting your home and family, just to save a buck.

#4 Home Security Cameras

You can buy these on their own or often as an entire system which may include indoor and outdoor cameras, video monitors etc. This is more of a do-it-yourself option however you can get a monitoring system like ADT to add in security cameras as well.

The benefit to this option is that you can constantly monitor what is going on in your home – even from your iTouch or laptop computer. You can see who is at your front door. You can see who’s pulling up on your driveway. You can even keep an eye on your nanny or a caregiver for your elderly parent.

So those are some basic options you have when choosing a home security system. Each one has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Every home is different and I recommend you take some time to familiarize yourself with the options you have and what kind of protection you personally are comfortable with.

Author Bio: Chris Winters writes for Home Security Systems a site giving you the ins and outs of how to best protect your home. For more information on home security cameras visit Home Security Cameras

Category: Home Management
Keywords: home security system,home security alarm system,wireless,cameras