Features for house security systems range from simple sensors that are installed on windows and doors to cameras that can be placed in any vulnerable area. More sophisticated and expensive systems include cameras, monitors and video recorders, so that should a break-in does occur, all monitoring has been recorded to tape. A keypad system that when activated sounds an alarm and notifies the police or security alarm monitoring company is another very popular option. Most home security sensors include motion sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke and heat detectors, door and window switches and glass-breaking detectors.



To determine what kind of home alarm system you need, first survey the inside and outside of your Houston home. How close is your house to the street and your neighbors? Can neighbors or passersby see your windows? Which windows and doors are not visible to the street? These will determine what should be monitored by a sensor. Windows and doors that are not within street view, at the rear of the house, in dark corners or hidden behind bushes and trees should be installed with alarm monitoring sensors.

The next consideration in choosing a 24 hour home security system is your family's lifestyle. Do you have small children or pets? Are there people constantly coming and going through the house at many different times of the day? Is there a midnight snacker in the family or someone who comes home very late at night when everyone else is in bed? These factors will help you figure out how and where to install motion sensors inside your home that won't set off a false alarm. For instance, if you have a pet such as a cat or dog, you will need to install the sensor in a somewhat higher position so that your pet will not accidentally trip it. There are even some motion detectors that can distinguish between pets and people.