Residential alarm systems have exploded in popularity over recent years. Once reserved for larger properties and business settings, these security systems have now become more and more accessible. This is one reason why you’re seeing them pop up in homes all over the city of Melbourne.
The right alarm system provides peace of mind, deters potential intruders, and protects everything that you value the most. However, with so many options available, you might be wondering how to select the right system. If this applies to you, we’re here to provide some expert advice!
Let’s jump into it.
Get a Professional Opinion
Without a doubt, one of the best ways to find the perfect alarm is to consult with an expert. During the consultation, they will be able to share expert advice, make recommendations, and even evaluate your property to determine the most appropriate system.
These recommendations can also be centred around your unique circumstances, budget, and general security requirements. For example, a multi-storey townhouse in a development will have different needs to a street facing single- storey home with a backyard and garage.
This professional advice is particularly valuable if it is your first foray into high-tech alarm systems, especially in regards to navigating the landscape of different brands and security packages.
Do Your Research
These days, there are so many different alarm systems available. Brands like Bosch, Hikvision and Paradox (just to name a few), all make intuitive, accurate, and user-friendly systems that are suitable for homes across Melbourne.
Other than getting a professional opinion, a great way to navigate the available options is to do your research and assess each system. This way, you can narrow down what each brand offers, how expensive they are, and develop a picture of which features you value the most.
Evaluate the Property
The location, size, and style of your property all play an important role in your search for the perfect alarm system. For instance, a shared apartment block of 8 has different security needs to a more traditional family home. Another aspect to consider is how accessible the property is to potential intruders or trespassers.
Homes with multiple entry points, large gardens, or a detached garage may require a more comprehensive system than a small apartment. Think about how accessible your home is to potential intruders. If you live on a busy street, near a public pathway, or in a secluded area, your security needs will differ. If you’re in a shared apartment block, you may need a system designed to alert you to entry at your front door rather than a full perimeter setup.
The good news is that security experts can help you to identify vulnerable areas and suggest the right type of alarms to cover all necessary entry and exit points.
Consider Exit and Entry Points
Moving right along from our precious point, the most common entry points for intruders are doors and windows, so these areas should be the first priority when planning alarm placement. Ideally, your alarm system should cover all main entrances to the property, including the front and back doors, ground-level windows, and any garage or side entrances. Additionally, motion detectors inside the home can catch intruders who manage to bypass the perimeter alarms.
By ensuring your system is designed to alert you to any potential break-in from these key access points, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of undetected entry. Motion sensors, door/window contacts, and glass break detectors are all options to consider for safeguarding these points of access.
Pairing Alarms with Cameras
To further bolster your home’s security, it’s worth considering a system that pairs alarms with security cameras. CCTV cameras act as a deterrent to potential intruders and allow you to monitor your property in real-time. With modern systems, many cameras are equipped with smart features such as motion detection, night vision, and alerts sent directly to your smartphone.
Cameras positioned at front doors, back entrances, and driveways can complement your alarm system, giving you a full view of what’s happening around your home. Brands like Hikvision and Dahua offer high-quality, reliable CCTV systems that integrate seamlessly with most alarm systems.
Weigh Up Your Budget
Security systems can vary greatly in price depending on the features you want. Basic systems with door/window sensors and a control panel will be more affordable than high-tech setups featuring smart cameras, motion detectors, and mobile alerts. It’s important to assess what you’re willing to spend and what level of security you require.
Think about the long-term benefits of investing in a reliable system that will protect your home for years to come. There are plenty of options to suit different budgets, and finding the balance between cost and functionality is key to making the right choice.
Explore Smart Home Features
Many modern alarm systems now come with smart home integration, allowing you to control and monitor your home remotely via apps on your smartphone or tablet. These systems can be linked to other smart devices such as lights, thermostats, and door locks, giving you greater control over your home’s security and energy use.
Features like remote arming and disarming, instant notifications, and live video feeds mean you can keep tabs on your property, even when you’re not there. If smart home integration appeals to you, make sure to look for systems that offer this functionality.
Privacy Considerations
While alarm systems provide essential security, it’s also important to consider privacy. Systems with built-in cameras, in particular, raise concerns about who can access footage and whether sensitive data is protected. When choosing a system, you need to make sure that it complies with regulations, doesn’t interfere with privacy concerns for your neighbours and offers secure data encryption.
Make sure that the system you select allows you full control over your data, including how and when recordings are stored and accessed. Many reputable brands offer systems that safeguard your privacy while still providing comprehensive security features.
Now, with all of this in mind, let’s explore a couple of the alarm systems that we supply and install in Melbourne!
The Bosch Solution 3000 Security Alarm System Package
Supporting up to 16 fully programmable zones, the Solution 3000 intrusion alarm panel is suitable for any home and even some commercial premises. With support for up to four codepads and the ability to partially arm the perimeter zones at night, this system is perfect for many single storey properties.
The LCD Icon codepad offers a small and unobtrusive interface to complement the decor of any home. The simple Icons make it easy to identify the status of your system at all times.
The package includes:
- 1 x Bosch Solution 3000 Control Panel
- 1 x Bosch LCD Icon Codepad
- 2 x Bosch Blue-line Gen2 Detectors
- 1 x Internal Top-Hat Siren
- 1 x External Slimline Siren & Strobe
- 1 x 16VAC Plug-pack Power Supply
- 1 x 12VDC 7AH Sealed Lead-Acid Battery
Paradox Full Wireless Security Alarm System
The Paradox Full Wireless Security Alarm System can suit almost any property! This state-of-the-art system comes with all of the following features:
- 1 x Paradox Magellan Panel
- 1 x Paradox 10-Zone Wireless LED Keypad Module, Vertical
- 1 x Paradox Top Hat Screamer, 12V DC
- 1 x Paradox X2 Wireless Combo Siren & Strobe with Status LED and PDX-RX1 Holder
- 1 x Backup Battery
- 1 x Plug Pack Transformer (for Panel)
- 2 x Paradox Digigard High-Security Wireless Digital Motion Detector with Pet Immunity
- 2 x Remote Control Pendants
Contact VIP Security for Reliable Alarm Systems in Melbourne
If you’re ready to enhance the security of your home, VIP Security can help. We’re the go-to source for alarm systems in Melton, Moorabbin, Mornington, and every corner of Melbourne. With access to leading brands, we can supply and install a range of alarm systems to suit all types of properties.
Whether you need a simple setup for a small home or a comprehensive system for a larger property, we offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Get in touch with our expert team today for a free consultation, and let us help you find the perfect alarm system for your home.
