Just like cars and purses, security systems come in many different varieties.
For the most part, people are much happier if they find a system that fits their home and lifestyle, just like people are happy to find the perfect car or the right thing to wear to an important party.
So instead of getting too caught up in things like learning technical jargon or fretting about how you cannot afford something top-of-the-line, just think of purchasing an alarm like any other product.
Find the right match based on your needs, your aesthetic, and your wallet.
If you are working with a smaller budget...
Consider something that doesn't alert the police immediately when someone breaks in, but rather, just sounds off an alarm.
Home alarm systems that are loud and shrill do just as much to deter the crooks out there as those that actually get in touch with police.
After all, if you were a crook, would you stick around to find out if the owner of a house had paid extra to make sure the police show up when the alarm goes off? Probably not.
If you are a little bit nomadic...
It used to be that it was impossible to get an alarm if you lived in an apartment or were planning on moving out of your house in the next couple of years.
Now, a number of different companies offer options that are just as portable as you are.
If you're looking for an alarm but know that you're going to be moving sometime in the next couple of years, mention that to whoever is doing your estimate and see what they have to offer you.
It certainly is more than they did a couple of years ago.
If you are concerned about fire safety...
While some people are entirely focused on the what-if of a robber coming in, others are more worried about whether or not a fire will strike.
When it comes to home security statistics, those who are stressing out about fires are actually right on the money.
Whether it's because of older wiring or a spark hitting the rug from your fireplace in winter, fires can be a huge concern.
A number of systems offer integration with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, making it a lot easy to get help if there is ever a serious blaze afoot in your home.
If you are the proud owner of a four-legged friend...
There are more home alarm systems today than ever before that won't actually go off if your dog or cat runs across the living room once the system is armed.
Pet owners have always worried about balancing the safety of their home with the knowledge that their animal might end up triggering the sensors time and time again, rendering the system useless.
Thankfully, today it is far more likely that you will end up accidentally setting the alarm off yourself! If you have elderly or special-needs relatives living with you...
Home security means something else entirely when you are dealing with the safety of someone who cannot take the best care of themselves but who still deserves the pride of living independently.
Many different alarms offer an option where a one-touch button provides immediate response from EMTs and the fire department.
Best of all, these buttons are lightweight and can be worn as necklaces.
Consider investing in this sort of system if you are worried about the well-being of a relative who lives at home, yet are not yet resigned to the fate of constant care.