Complete Guide to Monitored Home Security Systems

Find all the information you need to know on monitored home security systems. What they are, how they work and more.

A monitored home security system can be a wise investment for homeowners who are concerned about their home security. It has the potential to amp up security levels and add an extra layer of protection to a property with minimal effort.

Keep reading if you’re thinking about a monitored alarm system or monitored CCTV system for your home. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide, providing you with all the information you need, to see if a monitored system is right for you.

What is a monitored home security system?

A monitored security system for your home is when a third-party monitoring company connects to your home security system and is notified when part of the system has been triggered. For example, a window sensor, burglar alarm or CCTV camera. Once notified, the monitoring company and employed monitoring operatives will confirm whether or not it is a false alarm, notify the homeowner and then action an appropriate response, such as calling the police.

When a home security system is monitored, it allows for homeowners to have peace of mind that whatever the time of day or where they are, a professional team will be alerted if a break-in has occurred and will then, in turn, carry out a quick response.

What is being monitored?

There are several different actions or triggers a monitored security system can be notified of. What can be monitored will depend on the subsystems within a home’s security system, but essentially, any type of system that is connected to a cellular network or landline will be able to be monitored.

Popular systems that are monitored for home security systems include CCTV cameras, window and door sensors and intruder alarms.

Some monitoring providers are also able to monitor a system for faults. If something isn’t working properly, they will be notified and the homeowner can organise for the issue to be fixed.

At Homewatch, we remotely fix issues that we have identified whenever possible, as part of our maintenance and monitoring package. This saves our customers on the cost of an engineer’s visit to their property.

How do monitored systems work?

A home security system is most commonly monitored via a cellular network, using IP, GPRS or LTE paths. It is recommended to choose a monitoring company that provides dual path monitoring, which allows for more than one connection, in case one goes down or is disabled, your home’s security isn’t compromised. These paths are how your security system and the monitoring company will communicate with each other, sending and receiving signals over the connection.

These are the steps that occur when your security system has been activated, such as the intruder or burglar alarm sounding.

Your security system is activated, raising concern of a potential intruder.
The security system will send a signal to the monitoring company, notifying them of the activation.
A highly trained monitoring operative will then be assigned to your case and will look into the activation.
The monitoring operative will then quickly and effectively assess whether or not it is a false alarm, based on the time of day if your household has set themselves to be likely at home or via direct communication with the account holder.
Once confirmed not to be a false alarm, the monitoring operative will quickly assess the situation and choose the most appropriate response to stop the criminal. This could be in the form of an audio challenge or calling the police.

What’s the difference between a monitored and unmonitored system?

The main difference between a monitored and unmonitored system is the presence of a monitoring company being notified and providing a rapid response if your system is activated. With an unmonitored security system, the homeowner is solely responsible for acknowledging the system or alarm activation as well as sorting out the situation, such as calling the police.

What are the benefits of monitored security systems?

The main benefit of a monitored home security system is that a professional and experienced monitoring company and operatives will respond to any activity at your property, whether it be a false alarm or not. They are trained to quickly deal with issues and action responses calmly and efficiently, during highly stressful situations.

Not only that, but it also allows for homeowners to have peace of mind and not worry if their property has been broken into, especially if they are away at work or on holiday. A monitored system has 24/7 protection and this, therefore, increases the level of security of a property. Homeowners will not have to rely on neighbours or passersby to report their security alarm sounding or spotting signs of intrusion, such as a broken window.

With over 230,000 burglaries reported within the last year in the UK, a monitored security system can stop homeowners from becoming a victim.

Monitored home security systems can also reduce home insurance premiums. Due to the increased level of security from system monitoring, the risk of burglary decreases, meaning so do the premiums.

Do I need a monitored security system?

A monitored security system is not essential. An unmonitored home security system is still very successful in preventing burglaries, but many homes can benefit from the added protective layer of 24/7 monitoring. Depending on a household’s situation and lifestyle, it may feel like having your home security system monitored by a professional company is needed. For example, the level of crime in the area may have increased or they may work from home, meaning there could be expensive and valuable equipment on your property.

How to install a monitored security system?

The first step to installing a monitored security system is choosing an NSI approved, professional monitoring company. This ensures that the company are compliant with all the latest and highest industry standards and ensures a home is in safe hands. Once the contract is confirmed, the monitoring of the system will be set up. This will usually require an engineer visit to the home.

Can monitoring be applied to my current security system?

Yes, monitoring can be put in place for an existing home security system or with a new system installation.

How much does it cost?

Monitored security systems will vary in cost for every household. This is because various factors will influence the overall cost, such as the size of the property, the size of the security system and the number of components within the system, such as CCTV cameras, alarms and motion sensors.

Although prices do vary, prices at Homewatch start at £9.99 per month.

Security system monitoring with Homewatch

Homewatch is an NSI gold approved company that provides a comprehensive 24/7 monitoring and maintenance package for home security systems. We detect, assess and respond to give you full peace of mind that your home is protected at all times. If you’re interested in taking out a monitoring contract with us or are looking to switch your provider ten get in touch for a FREE quote. Contact us here or call us on 0330 094 7404.