Porch.com Article Features Alarm Grid

Alarm Grid was recently featured in a Porch.com article about home security systems. The article answers many common questions that homeowners have about alarm systems, and it offers some good advice for users who are new to home security. We are proud to have been featured in the article.

We are always pleased when other publications make use of our vast resources and expertise. It's nice to see our knowledge being put to good use. The folks about Porch.com really put together a helpful article in this case. We recommend checking it out if you are just getting started with home security and you are considering a new system or are a first-time buyer.

The section of the article that features Alarm Grid covers the importance of audio functionality on a home security system. We recommend that every system has a functional siren. Even if you don't want an audible intrusion alarm on your system, you will likely still want a siren for any life-safety alarms, including any smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

For most residential users, a simple 85 dB to 90 dB siren will work just fine. Most wireless panels have this type of siren built right in. Wired panels can usually have a small siren added quite easily. And don't forget that many smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors will have their own built-in sounders. Spreading out the sound like this and having multiple sirens activate during a life-safety alarm can be very important for ensuring everyone in the home is alerted to the emergency.

We should also keep in mind that users with larger homes and/or multiple partitions may want more powerful sirens that can transmit sounds across a greater distance. While this isn't necessarily something that most homeowners will need, it is something that can certainly be added to most systems. There is usually a creative solution that can be implemented with the right problem solving, whether it be a wireless siren like the DSC PG9911B or a wired Z-Wave siren relay like the FortrezZ MIMOlite.

Of course, siren functionality isn't the only sound used with an alarm system. Many users like to have chimes and voice annunciation set up with their systems. These features can be very useful for knowing if someone has opened a door or window or if a family member has returned home. These features come standard on many systems, and we are happy to help you set them up the way that you like.

We also expect that audio integrations will become a bigger part of alarm systems in the near future. The past few years have presented an explosion in the popularity of smart home automation, and it is being shown time after time that security systems can do more than just keep you and your family safe. we believe that the ability to stream music and podcasts will play a big role in this developing phenomenon.

Alarm.com has already introduced their Sonos integration that allows users to launch Sonos sound from the Alarm.com Mobile App and include their smart speakers with smart scenes. And when looking at the upcoming Qolsys IQ Hub, we will be shocked if Qolsys doesn't present some interesting new features that utilize the prominent speaker on the front of the panel. Indeed, we could see the lines between security systems and entertainment centers start to blur in the very near future.

Whether you are wanting the very latest in audio entertainment technology, or you just want a simple system that will alert you and your family during a burglary or fire, we at Alarm Grid are happy to help. If you are just getting started, you are invited to check out our monitoring page to learn more about the services we offer. You can also send us an email at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions or want more information. We look forward to hearing from you soon.