Shopping for Window and Door Alarms

A good home security system gives you the opportunity to surveil your property while creating awareness when something is awry. For example, many security features include alerts sent right to your phone so you can check up on whether someone has actually broken in, or if it’s just your cat or a delivery person triggering your security devices.

Home security cameras are a common and fairly prominent type of home security measure, especially with the rise in popularity of smart doorbells that offer real-time, built-in camera monitoring. Cameras are especially useful for capturing footage for investigations and seeing who enters your property—this is a great measure for issues like package theft and garage break-ins.

However, a camera won’t necessarily deter a person from breaking and entering, and it’s possible to evade being captured on video. Motion detectors can add an additional level of deterrence by triggering a flood light to illuminate a subject in the direct vicinity. And, of course, smart locks are solid option, especially when you take the care to choose the right type of door lock for your residence. Neither is sufficient on their own, however. That’s where home alarm systems step in as the true MVPs in home security.

If you could only choose one piece of a home security system, your best bet would probably be having an alarm system for your windows and doors.

If someone attempts to enter your house through a window or door, not only does an alarm directly alert dispatchers that the alarm was triggered, but it also sounds an audible warning, which neighbors can hear and makes the intruder aware that they’re being detected. Hopefully, this will in turn scare them away from continuing with the break-in. And if for some reason they don’t abandon their attempt, at least you know that help will soon be on the way.

When it comes to door and window security, you’ll want to make sure you have all your bases covered. Most of the standard alarms will alert you on your phone when a door or window is open. Some even feature an alarm that sounds when glass is broken.

So what should you look for in window and door alarm systems? Here are some features you’ll want to consider:

Much of the current technology is smart technology that requires a smartphone or other separate monitoring device to use apps for monitoring. At minimum you’ll need to make sure you’re properly equipped so your alarm system is actually effective. Many smart home security systems can be paired with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and most are compatible with both iOS and Android. Make sure you check for this when making your purchase if you’re planning on pairing your alarms with one of these.

Furthermore, know that many of the separate components do not mix and match; for example, if you choose SimpliSafe security products, you may not be able to fully integrate newer models with older models from the same brand, or with devices from other home security brands like Ring.

You can find a range of alarms that meet your needs for simplicity, as well as how integrated you’d like them to be in other home security devices you own. Some can be purchased as standalone products, such as magnetic sensors that simply provide alerts when doors and windows are opened. Others can be tied in with your other security devices all on a single app, and can even include differing options for who the alarm alerts. The simplest versions include local alarms that only create an alert at the site where the alarm is installed, while more complex options offer alerts that are sent directly to dispatchers and police for an additional monthly fee.

The volume, duration, tone and reach of window alarms and door alarms can vary among different models and types of home alarm systems. You might consider whether you have a preference for any of those factors before buying one. Some alarms will only produce a local alarm sound on the property when triggered and require an additional monthly fee to notify dispatchers and police of the alarm event.

Many home alarm systems for windows and doors are equipped with a magnetic sensor that detects when the door or window is opened or closed. Many door alarm sensors also have a chime that sounds every time the door is opened or closed, which can give an indication that someone has entered without setting off the entire alarm. And don’t overlook window security systems that feature shatter alerts in the event the window is broken.

Base your sensor of choice on factors like how many windows and doors you’re equipping, how often you’d like to have them activated while at home versus when you’re away and whether you’ll need to integrate the alarms into a larger security system.

Be diligent in your search for the right home alarm system, so you don’t end up with any breaches to your home or security setup. Choosing the best home security system for your needs is not only a way to secure your home and property—it’s a way to secure your peace of mind.