Article by Florin Onofrei, Home Security Systems Expert (read bio)2014 Home Security System Reviews
Industry Expert Florin Onofrei and the Reviews.com research team compiled a list of 25 home security companies and then selected 9 standout companies to review based on 57 home security system features.
Click here to read the reviews at Reviews.com
The following is an excerpt from the article, reprinted here with permission:
How we determined what to review:
To determine the best home security systems, we started with 25 regional and national home security companies. Looking closer at these companies, we learned that many of them only manufacture products and sell through specific dealers, which means they don’t provide the full services of other top companies. Additionally, several companies only offer products and services in a select few states. We chose to review the companies that have a national presence with a strong market share, longstanding reputation in the industry, or an innovative outlook towards the future.
What Home Security System Features Matter and Why?
Home Automation (Very Important)
Home Automation is the ability to control events in the home through the security system. This includes the ability to control lights, appliances, and thermostats from a tablet or other mobile device. Homeowners will be able to perform these tasks while at home, or while they are away from home. The best home automation systems will also include scheduled and event-triggered automation, allow homeowners to arm and disarm the system, and open electronic door locks. Empowering the homeowner to control nearly every aspect of the home is the mark of the most innovative security systems. Advanced home automation capabilities like these will be ideal for those interested in a modern lifestyle that utilizes the best available technology.
Monitoring Services (Very Important)
Sensors and Detectors outlines the equipment available for inclusion in the security and monitoring system. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are common, as are door and window sensors and motion detectors. The best security systems will also include glass break detectors, flood detectors, temperature sensors, and recessed door sensors. Most systems include a certain number of sensors and detectors in the standard price of the system and permit the homeowner to add additional equipment as necessary. Sensors and Detectors is an important category because it identifies the actual equipment that makes up the home security system.
Sensors and Detectors (Very Important)
Sensors and Detectors outlines the equipment available for inclusion in the security and monitoring system. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are common, as are door and window sensors and motion detectors. The best security systems will also include glass break detectors, flood detectors, temperature sensors, and recessed door sensors. Most systems include a certain number of sensors and detectors in the standard price of the system and permit the homeowner to add additional equipment as necessary. Sensors and Detectors is an important category because it identifies the actual equipment that makes up the home security system.
Control Equipment (Fairly Important)
Control Equipment refers to the devices and panels associated with controlling the security system while on the premises. Key remotes and a panic button are common features, but the best systems will include touch-screen panels, two-way intercoms, and medical devices. Control Equipment is important as it outlines the principal devices and interfaces of the system.
And More…