House Alarm Solutions for Your New Home

Why Choose a Monitored Alarm System?

A monitored alarm system offers round-the-clock protection by connecting your home to a professional monitoring centre. If an alarm is triggered, whether due to a break-in, smoke incident, or other emergency, trained personnel are alerted immediately and can dispatch emergency services if needed.

Types of House Alarm Solutions

The two main types of alarm systems are monitored alarms and unmonitored alarms.

Monitored Alarm Systems

These are connected to a central monitoring station that responds to alerts 24/7.

Pros:

·       High level security with immediate response to emergencies

·       Professional oversight

·       Often includes Gardaí, fire, and medical dispatch

• You can add various smart home devices such as smart plugs and video doorbell camera that are all linked to your home security app

Cons:

·       Monthly monitoring fees

·       Requires a reliable internet connection

Unmonitored (Local) Alarm Systems

These systems trigger a loud siren or alert when triggered but do not notify emergency services.

 Pros:

·       No monthly fees

·       Simple setup

·       Can deter intruders with noise

Cons:

·       Relies on neighbours or passersby to respond

·       Have a lower level of security with no automatic emergency dispatch

Benefits of a Monitored Alarm System

24/7 Professional Monitoring

With a monitored alarm, your home is protected around the clock by a dedicated team of security professionals. Whether you're asleep, at work, or on holiday, the system ensures that any suspicious activity or emergency is immediately flagged and responded to. This constant vigilance significantly reduces the risk of undetected intrusions or delayed responses.

Why it matters:

Unmonitored systems rely on you or your neighbours to respond to alerts. In contrast, monitored systems guarantee that someone is always watching and ready to act.

2. Rapid Emergency Response

In the event of a break-in, smoke incident, or medical emergency, a monitored alarm system automatically notifies the appropriate emergency services. This swift action can be the difference between minor damage and major loss.

Why it matters:

Time is critical in emergencies. Monitored systems bypass delays and ensure help is dispatched immediately, even if you're unable to call for help yourself.

3. Peace of Mind for Homeowners

Knowing that your home is protected by a monitored alarm system provides a deep sense of security. Whether you're home alone or away for an extended period, you can rest easy knowing your property is being watched by professionals.

Why it matters:

Security isn't just physical, it's emotional. Peace of mind allows you to enjoy your home and your life without constant worry about safety.

4. Insurance Benefits and Discounts

Many insurance providers offer reduced premiums for homes equipped with a monitored alarm system. This is because these systems lower the risk of theft and damage, making your home a safer investment for insurers.

Why it matters:

Over time, the savings on insurance can help offset the cost of the alarm system, making it a financially smart choice as well as a protective one.

5. Deterrence Against Criminal Activity

Visible signage and the presence of a monitored alarm system can deter potential intruders, especially from a leading home security company with many years of experience and proven record to better protect you, such as PhoneWatch. Criminals are less likely to target homes that are actively monitored, knowing that the risk of getting caught is significantly higher.

Why it matters:

Prevention is better than cure. A monitored system not only reacts to threats but actively discourages them from happening in the first place.

6. Integration with Smart Home Technology

Modern monitored alarm systems often integrate with smart home devices, allowing you to control and monitor your security remotely. You can receive alerts, view live camera feeds, and even arm/disarm your system from your smartphone.

Why it matters:

Convenience and control are key. Smart integration means you’re always connected to your home’s security, no matter where you are.

How to Choose the Right Alarm System

When selecting a house alarm solution, consider the following:

• Size and layout of your home
• Presence of pets or children, as devices can be altered according to not create false alarms with the movement of pets and children in your home
• Budget and installation preferences
• Need for remote access or smart features
• Level of monitoring required

A monitored alarm system is highly recommended for new homeowners who want maximum security and peace of mind.

Security Features to Consider

Many home alarm packs come with specific home security devices that work together to protect your entire home, such as camera motion detectors and door and window contact and shock sensors, all integrated with an alarm app. However, you can choose to add on additional devices to give you even further protection.

• Home security app: Most monitored alarms come with a home security app. PhoneWatch’s app is regularly updated with new features. You can arm and disarm your alarm from anywhere, check room temperatures, take pictures on demand when your alarm is armed and even schedule your alarm to turn on and off.
• Camera motion detectors: These detects suspicious movements and sounds the alarm. They also take an image of the incident and send it to an Alarm Receiving Cente team to review and if required dispatch the Gardaí or emergency services.
• Door/window detectors: Contact and shock sensors are placed on windows and doors and trigger the alarm if someone or something encounters them.
• Video cameras: There are several video camera options to choose from, all which are beneficial in adding extra security to your home. You can get indoor cameras or outdoor cameras, including video doorbell cameras. Video doorbell cameras are convenient and offer two-way communication with anyone who comes to your door. You will get a notification to your phone so you can see and talk to them through your PhoneWatch Video App, wherever you are in the world.
• Smoke detectors: Most home security companies don’t include a smoke detector in their alarm pack; it would need to be purchased as an additional item. However, with PhoneWatch you receive a smoke detector and unlike other competitors, it is monitored 24/7, even when your alarm is off. This offers you life saving seconds if a smoke incident occurs, as our Alarm Receiving Centre will respond within 15 seconds and dispatch the fire services if required.
• Smart plugs: You can connect your home devices to smart plugs and control them via your alarm app. With PhoneWatch, you can turn on and off appliances directly in the app or schedule them to turn on or off at specific times and days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a monitored alarm system?

A monitored alarm system is connected to a professional monitoring centre that responds to alerts 24/7, ensuring help is dispatched quickly in case of emergencies.

Are monitored alarms worth the cost?

Yes. While they may have monthly fees, the added security, faster emergency response, and potential insurance savings make them a valuable investment.

Can I install a monitored alarm myself?

Some systems offer DIY installation, especially wireless models. However, professional installation ensures optimal placement and functionality.

Will a monitored alarm work during a power outage?

Most systems include battery backups to maintain functionality during outages. Some also use cellular signals instead of relying solely on Wi-Fi.

Do monitored alarms reduce home insurance premiums?

Many insurers offer discounts for homes with professionally monitored alarm systems. Check with your provider for specific benefits.

Ready to Secure Your New Home?

Choosing the right house alarm solution is a crucial step in protecting your new home. A monitored alarm system offers unmatched security and peace of mind. Contact us today to explore the best options for your home and get a free consultation. Simply click here.