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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.

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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.

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In today's real estate market, many homeowners are looking for ways to increase the value of their homes. One way to do this is to install a home security system. This is an easy and effective way to make your home more appealing. And getting alarm monitoring service is completely optional.

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Many people mistakenly believe that signing up for monitoring service is a requirement when buying an alarm system. Technically, this is not the case. An alarm panel, security sensors, and even home automation accessories are all items that you can purchase without signing up for anything. You can install this equipment in your home without any alarm monitoring plan. Then you can list a security system as feature in your home when you go to sell. This can help seal the deal for a buyer, as many people are looking for smart homes with state-of-the art security systems.

What makes this even better is that you can likely install this equipment by yourself. The biggest challenge is mounting the panel to the wall. This will require drilling some holes and maybe fishing some wire. But it's really nothing you can't do as a quick weekend project. If the idea still makes you uncomfortable, then you can get a desk or table stand for the system instead. Nearly every system has one available. Meanwhile, the sensors can be mounted without drilling any holes by using double-sided foam tape. And basic programming is a cinch with a wireless all-in-one panel.

An aspect of residential alarm systems that is sometimes overlooked is that these devices do more than just keep a home secure. Today, most home security systems double as complete smart home automation hubs. In other words, you can set up a security panel to serve as a one-stop controller for various smart devices in your home. This includes peripherals such as smart lights, smart door locks, smart thermostats, water shut-off valves, and more. Many alarm panels allow you to control these devices from one location, even if the system isn't monitored. And if you add a key fob, then you can control some of these devices from anywhere in your home with the press of a button!

The most important thing when choosing a home security system without professional monitoring is to make sure the system is non-proprietary and can be taken to any alarm monitoring company that will support it. For example, all of the security systems sold on the Alarm Grid website can be used with monitoring service from nearly any alarm company. This will give you or a new owner greater flexibility if you decide to sign-up for alarm monitoring later on. The last thing you want to do is tie yourself to a single monitoring company. A non-proprietary security system offers greater freedom!

Once you have the security system, you just need to install it. This includes mounting the panel and sensors, powering the system, and enrolling any accessories. Like we said earlier, this can all be easily done yourself as a quick weekend project. And just like that, you will have immediately raised the value of your home! Whether or not you use the system from there is up to you. An unmonitored system can still be armed and disarmed to serve as a local noisemaker. And you can still use it as an automation controller for your smart home devices. All while improving your home's sell value!

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Of course, we always recommend monitoring any alarm system. This is the only way to receive text and/or email alerts for any system activity that occurs. It is also the only way to receive service from a central monitoring station for automatic emergency dispatch in the event of a burglary or a fire. You can even control your smart home automation devices remotely from nearly anywhere in the world using a user-friendly platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com.

Also keep in mind that signing up for central station monitoring service can help you save money on your homeowner's insurance. The savings might even cover the full cost of your monitoring service! Remember, just because you don't sign-up for monitoring service right away doesn't mean you can't later on. As long as you have a non-proprietary system and a compatible alarm monitoring communicator, you will have a ton of options at your disposal. We recommend checking out our alarm monitoring page if you want to learn more about our monitoring services.

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And if you are in the market for alarm monitoring service, why not consider Alarm Grid? All of our monitoring plans are no-contract, and they feature no added fees. This means that you will not pay any extra cost when activating your monitoring service. If you ever decide to cancel your service, you can do at the end of your monthly cycle, without incurring any fees or penalties. And since your system is non-proprietary, you can always take it to a new alarm monitoring company. This gives us motivation to work hard each and every month to continue to earn your trust and your business.

If you need help choosing a home security system for use without professional monitoring, or if you have any questions about our products or monitoring services, you are always welcome to reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You are also invited to call us at (888) 818-7728. Just remember that our regular business hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find the perfect security system!

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Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that Qolsys has released Firmware Version 2.4.2 for the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus. The update is available for any IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus that is connected to WIFI and running software version 2.0.1 or higher. It can be applied via Patch Tag.

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We never covered IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.4.1, as there were supposedly major issues with that version. However, Qolsys quickly rallied, and they revamped the 2.4.1 upgrade into Firmware Version 2.4.2 instead. This update should improve system stability and general performance. It offers some key upgrades and improvements over Firmware Version 2.4.0. We recommended that anyone with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus upgrades to 2.4.2 as soon as possible.

The following updates are included in Firmware Version 2.4.2:

  • An issue where the new IQ Remote (QW9104-840) would continue to produce Entry Delay beeps for a short period after disarming from the main panel has been fixed.
  • The PG9309, PG9312, and PG9945 now have Reed Switch as the default selection for the Sensor Input field when enrolled remotely from Alarm.com.
  • Disarm Photos can now be disabled for the IQ Remote Keypad.
  • Camera Page can be disabled from panel UI. Doing this will automatically turn-off Disarm Photos, Alarm Photos, Alarm Videos, and Settings Photos
  • The built-in panel glass break sensor can no longer be defined as a motion sensor when programmed remotely from Alarm.com.
  • An issue where the panel time might display an hour earlier than the actual time has been fixed.
  • Corrected a WIFI issue that occurred when using Alarm.com to request the system to scan for WIFI networks remotely.
  • Can now receive consecutive doorbell chime tones when a SkyBell device is pressed multiple times during a single notification event.
  • The randomized delay of 0 to 30 minutes when sending a panel software update from Alarm.com has been reduced to 0 to 5 minutes. This will speed up the process when updating from 2.4.2 to a higher firmware version that has yet to be released.
  • Fixed an issue where the Thermostat Page could appear as blank.

There is no cost to update to Firmware Version 2.4.2 using a Patch Tag. This process can be complete on any IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus running Firmware Version 2.0.1 or higher. The system should be connected to a WIFI network and be plugged-in and not have a low battery. The system will need to be actively monitored and have service with Alarm.com.

To apply the update, start by clicking on the small grey bar at the top of the main screen. Then choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tage > enter iqpanel2.4.2 > OK > Upgrade Using Network. The update should then begin to go through. It will usually take a few minutes for the update to finish. Do not power down the system during this time! Just be patient until the update completes. The system will power cycle as part of the update process.




If you have any questions about the new Firmware Version 2.4.2 for the IQ Panel 2, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email your questions to support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the 2GIG SMKT8e-345. This is a wireless encrypted smoke and heat detector that also offers freeze detection. This versatile and effective life-safety combo sensor is designed exclusively for use with the 2GIG GC2e and 2GIG GC3e Security Systems.


Encrypted communication is important for wireless sensors like the 2GIG SMKT8e-345. It prevents anyone from hacking or spoofing the sensor. This way, you can always be sure that it will communicate with the system properly. Many of the newer security systems on the market have their own lineup of encrypted sensors. The 2GIG GC2e and GC3e have the 2GIG eSeries Lineup, and the 2GIG SMKT8e-345 represents the latest addition.

The 2GIG SMKT8e-345 has a photoelectric sensor for smoke detection. This involves using a small light source inside the sensor, coupled with a photo sensor. When smoke enters the chamber, the light will refract onto the photo sensor. The sensor will detect this and alert the system to the fire. This detection method is extremely reliable, and it helps ensure that the system properly responds to any fire. Additionally, the optical chamber for the SMKT8e-345 is designed in such a way that the sensor is more sensitive to synthetic smoke rather than natural cooking smoke. This helps to prevent certain false alarms on the system.

The SMKT8e-345 also uses a fixed temperature and rate-of-rise sensor for extreme heat detection. The heat sensor is triggered in a rather unique way that we've never quite seen with another heat detector. Whenever the sensor detects a temperature increase of 15°F or more in a single minute, it sends a rate-of-rise alert to the panel. But the system will only go into alarm and the sensor will only activate its sounder if the rate-of-rise alert is sent when the sensor detects a fixed temperature of 104°F or higher. The sensor will monitor and report any extreme temperature variations.

We do not have the specifications for the built-in freeze detector at this time. We can assume that the sensor most likely activates at temperatures around 40°F to 45°F and below. This will give you time to take action before the pipes freeze due to a broken HVAC system. Note that the internal sounder for the 2GIG SMKT8e-345 is rated at 90dB. This is good for alerting everyone in an average sized home or a small business. If your system is monitored, the activated sensor will trigger an alarm so that an alert is sent to you and/or a central station. The sensor uses three (3) AAA batteries, and it has an average battery life of 10 years with normal use.

If you have any questions about the 2GIG SMKT8e-345 or any of the products sold on our site, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Keep in mind that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Hi DIYers! With the holidays quickly approaching, we know that many of you will be receiving packages and presents to your home. You will want to be very wary of package thieves around this time of year. Luckily, we have the Top 5 ways to help you thwart a thief trying to take your stuff!


Arrange for Package Pickup

If you aren't going to be around during the time of delivery, you might just arrange to pick up the package from a post office or a pickup locker. There might even be a pickup location on your way home from work so that you don't have to go out of your way. Sure, it isn't as convenient as having your delivery brought to you, but at least you'll have peace of mind in knowing that your gift is safe.

Deliver it Elsewhere

If you don't have time to pick up your package, then maybe you can deliver it somewhere else where you'll know it's safe. For example, some companies and places of employment will allow employees to have packages delivered to the office during the workday. Or if you have a friend or a relative who is home during the day, you might have it sent to their house instead.

Get Security Cameras

Rather than avoiding thieves, you might just try to catch them in the act. You can get security cameras as part of your alarm monitoring service and set them up to get a good look at anyone who approaches your home. There are fantastic camera options whether you use Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. If you don't want to go the full video surveillance route, then you could still use something simple like a SkyBell Video Doorbell Camera.

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Schedule Your Deliveries

Many delivery services allow you to schedule deliveries based on your schedule. This way, you can have your delivery occur at a time when you know that you're going to be home. Check with the delivery company to see if there is a way you can set up a scheduled time for your delivery. At the very least, you may be able to make sure the delivery occurs within a specific time frame.

Use Home Automation

Smart home devices can be very useful in preventing stolen packages. Devices you might use in this way include smart garage door controllers and smart door locks. For example, you might leave a note for a postal worker to leave a package in the garage. You can then use your smart garage door controller to shut the garage door behind them when they leave. Or you could use a Z-Wave door lock to unlock the door for a delivery, and then re-lock the door after the postal worker leaves.

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Alarm Grid is here to protect you and your belongings during the holiday season. If you have any questions about our products or services, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Hi DIYers! We know that it can be difficult to decide between all the available security systems on our site. Today, we're going to make that decision a little easier by presenting our list for the Top 5 Security Systems of 2019. We really have some great alarm panels to present!

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A good security system is easy to use, supports many sensors, and offers some excellent features. In 2019, competition is stiff, as alarm systems are becoming more and more user-friendly, and they are stepping up their game in terms of capabilities. Any of the 5 systems on our list would make a very nice addition to your home or business. But make sure to stick around until the end so you can see our favorite system!

With that out of the way, here are our Top 5 Security Systems for 2019:

5. Interlogix Simon XTi-5i


Interlogix may be shutting down at the end of 2019, but at least they put out a decent panel to go out on! The Interlogix Simon XTi-5i is a solid budget alarm system that offers a pleasant 5-inch touchscreen display and a customizable UI. It supports up to 80 wireless zones and a variety of Alarm.com Communicators, including dual-path options. Adding an Alarm.com Communicator will also allow you to use Z-Wave devices with the system. There are even some new Interlogix Encrypted Sensors specifically designed for the Simon XTi-5i System!

4. 2GIG GC2e

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The 2GIG GC2e is a budget-friendly system that is perfect for users who are familiar with the old 2GIG Go!Control Panel. As an upgrade from the 2GIG GC2, the new GC2e includes a larger 5" touchscreen, Z-Wave Plus functionality, and support for the 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors. The GC2e supports up to 60 wireless zones and 64 user codes. Note that you will need to add a compatible cellular communicator to get the system monitored and connected with Alarm.com!

3. 2GIG GC3e

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The 2GIG GC3e is the flagship system from 2GIG, and it includes everything you could want in an alarm system. It features encrypted sensor support, partitioning, integrated WIFI, built-in Z-Wave Plus, and a beautiful 7-inch touchscreen display. The GC3e is very robust with its support for 100 wireless zones and 100 user codes. Just remember that a cellular communicator is needed to activate the system for monitoring and connectivity with Alarm.com. Once you add a cellular communicator, the system will be dual-path ready!

2. Honeywell Lyric Controller

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The Lyric has been out for a few years now, but it is still one of our favorite security systems. It is the only panel on this list that offers compatibility with Apple HomeKit, and the only one of these systems that can be monitored through WIFI only. The panel features built-in WIFI, but you can add an optional LTE cellular communicator to make it dual-path ready. The Lyric is also the only system on this list that uses the Total Connect 2.0 platform instead of Alarm.com. Another benefit is that the Lyric has its own lineup of encrypted SiX Series Sensors. And you will love its 7" touchscreen. Other features for the system include support for up to 128 wireless zones, classic Z-Wave, 48 total user slots, a built-in 2MP camera, 10 chime settings, and so much more!

1. Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

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The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is the best security system of 2019. There is so much to love about the IQ Panel 2 Plus. It has a sleek, crisp design with a 7" touchscreen display. It is dual-path ready right out of the box with a built-in LTE communicator (AT&T or Verizon) and integrated WIFI. It offers some outstanding features, including live-streaming for compatible Alarm.com Cameras, support for four (4) partitions, automatic Bluetooth disarming, a built-in glass break sensor, a 5MP camera, and so much more. There are three (3) versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, with each one supporting a different legacy sensor frequency (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, or 433 MHz). But the icing on the cake is that you can use DSC PowerG Sensors with ANY version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. These sensors offer a wireless range of up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus in open air, and they utilize 128-bit AES encryption for maximum wireless security. This is truly the best system on the market right now!

If you have any questions about any of these systems, or if you want to learn more about the monitoring services offered from Alarm Grid, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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If you're a business owner, then you need to do everything you can to protect your assets. Burglars know that unprepared businesses are great for making a quick buck. You must be prepared for anything. Knowing how burglars think can help. These are the top 5 ways burglars enter businesses.

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Through the Main Entrance

What easier way for a burglar to enter your business than right through the main entrance? This is actually the most common way for a burglar to attempt entry into a business. The main entrance is usually the first area a business owner will know to monitor when setting up a security system. And monitoring the main entrance for your business is not difficult.

Assuming that your main point of entry is a door, then a simple door sensor will likely do the trick. These devices are extremely easy to install, and there are a plethora of great options available. You should have no trouble finding the perfect door sensor for your alarm system. Make sure you don't over look arguably the most important sensor for your system!

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Through a Window

Does your business feature windows? Well you better monitor them! Don't think an intruder won't use one as an entryway. An unlocked window is a quick and easy way to gain access. And more aggressive burglars won't hesitate to smash one open. Either way, it can result in a burglar having their way with your company.

Motion detection sensors are a great way to monitor for a burglar entering through a window. This is true whether they open up an unlocked window, or do something less polite (aka, smashing a window). Just position your motion sensor in a spot where it can monitor your windows. If an intruder comes in through the window while your system is armed, an immediate alarm will occur!

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Protective Casings

This isn't really a way for an intruder to get into your business. Rather, it's what they might go for when they're already in your business, whether it's during store hours or not. If you keep your products in protective glass casings, then some burglars will be gutsy enough to smash the protective casings and make off with a nice haul. Smaller mom and pop stores are often very prone to this, as a burglar might use an accomplice to cause a distraction or diversion to a lone worker.

The obvious solution here is to use one or more glass break sensors. These devices have built-in microphones that allow them to actively listen for the sound of breaking glass. Although these sensors are commonly associated with Perimeter Zones, you might give your glass break sensors a 24-Hour Response Type so that they cause immediate alarms whenever they are activated.

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Forgetful Employees

Many business owners aren't the ones who usually arm or disarm the security system. This task is often left to the employees who are the first in and last out every day. If one of your employees forgets to arm the system at the end of the day. That's basically free entry for a burglar. It doesn't matter what security equipment you might have if your system isn't in the proper arming state!

Fortunately, there are ways to check and make sure your business security system was armed at the end of the day. This way, you're not going to lose sleep at night wondering! You can have an interactive monitoring platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com send you a text and/or email alert so that you know the task took place. And if your employees did forget to arm the system, then you can just use the TC2 or ADC mobile app to do so from your phone!

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In Broad Daylight

Shoplifting is a serious crime, and most culprits operate right under the noses of business owners and their employees. Remember that a burglary does not require forced entry. This is perhaps the most difficult type of burglary to detect, as these culprits will be trying to be as discreet as possible. But with the right measures put into place, you can put a stop to shoplifting in your store.

Putting security cameras in your store is a great way to monitor any activity that might occur. Another less popular, but still extremely effective, strategy is to position expensive products in a certain section of the store. Then make it so that the only way to get to that section is to fault a ceiling-mount motion sensor. You might also consider placing asset trackers on your most valuable products to find out if anything is taken.

Alarm dot com adc vc736 outdoor 1080p poe large bullet camera wiOur goal at Alarm Grid is to help you keep your business safe and your assets protected at all times. We have all the equipment and resources you need, whether your business is big or small. If you ever need help selecting the perfect security equipment, or if you want to learn more about how we can monitor your business, please contact us. The best way to ensure we receive your inquiry is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 for assistance over the phone. Just remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F We look forward to helping you!

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If you have a security system, then you will want to make sure that it can detect intruders coming into your home. But predicting how an intruder will enter your home can be easier said than done. You need to be prepared for all situations. Here are the Top 5 ways intruders enter homes.

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Through the Front Door

It really shouldn't come as much of a surprise that many intruders simply walk right through a home's main point of entry - the front door. We've all forgotten to leave a door locked at some point. Many intruders will simply try the front door to see if it's unlocked. This is often associated with burglaries that aren't pre-meditated. Keep in mind that many burglars don't plan ahead of time. Instead, they just see a house that looks attractive, and walk in through the front door.

Arguably the most important sensors you should have enrolled with any security system are door contacts, and for good reason. These are the devices that will alert your system in case someone ever enters your home through the most obvious way. Door sensors are extremely easy to enroll, and there are so many different options available. You will have no trouble finding a door sensor that meets your needs and requirements.

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Breaking a Window

Not every intruder will enter your home in a "polite" manner. There are many burglars who won't hesitate to use brute force and smash in a glass window. And this can be more difficult to stop, as a locked window won't really stop an intruder from smashing. This isn't as common as walking in through an open door, but it certainly does happen, and you really should be prepared.

There are two sensor types that come to mind for detecting broken windows. The most obvious is a glass break sensor. These devices will actively listen for the sound of glass being broken, and they work great with nearly all types of windows. You might also consider installing motion sensors in rooms with windows. Then an intruder will be detected as soon as they enter through the window. It is always a good idea to back up a glass break sensors with a good motion sensor. There are instances where a glass break sensor cannot detect glass breaking. An example of this is when a bullet is fired through glass.

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Through the Garage Door

Forgetting to close your garage door on an attached garage can provide easy access to your home. It can be easy to have that daily task slip your mind. There are many times when we get home tired after a long day, and just forget to close the garage door. Or maybe you forgot to close it as you were leaving for work. It happens to all of us. But a potential burglar walking by will see this as an opportunity!

Just like the other points of entry for your home, garage doors can be monitored. There are special garage door sensors available for this exact purpose. You might also consider getting a Z-Wave garage door controller for the system. This way, you can use Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com to close your garage door from pretty much anywhere. This is great if you ever forget to close it!

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Climbing a Tree or Fence

Okay, you might think this is a bit silly, but we're serious here. If you have a multi-story house, don't think that an intruder will hesitate to use your home's surrounding to gain entry to a higher floor. This could include climbing a tree or a large fence and then entering through an unlocked window. Like we said, it's best to be prepared for any and all situations.

There are a few things you might do to combat this. The most obvious is to always make sure all your windows are locked, even the ones that cannot be easily accessed. But you might also want one or more outdoor motion sensors to detect any movement that may occur around your home. Outdoor security cameras are also a great idea!

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Skylights

If your home has skylight windows, don't rule them out as a point of entry for an intruder! These high up windows look great in a home, but they can be easy pickings for a burglar who can reach these points. This isn't something every homeowner will need to worry about, but do keep this possibility in mind if your house has this decorative feature.

Many of the previously mentioned devices are good for monitoring skylights. You can put motion sensors in a room with skylights for the system to detect if anyone comes in from high above. Glass skylights are also perfect for use with glass break detectors. And installing some security cameras in the room never hurts!

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Alarm Grid is here to help you provide top-quality protection for your home. We have all the gear you need to make sure that your system can detect intruders from any point of entry. If you need help choosing equipment, or if you want to learn more about our monitoring services, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you set up the perfect security system!

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Hi DIYers! As you know, you can't have a security system without some sensors! Of course, with all the possible sensor types it can be overwhelming to decide which ones you really need for your system. While nearly every sensor type serves a purpose, these are the 5 we deem most crucial.

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5. Glass Break Sensors

Glass break sensors are used to detect broken windows and other glass break events. These devices have built-in microphones, and they actively listen for the sound of breaking glass. Most glass break sensors utilize a dual-sound detection method. This means that the sensor must detect both the low-pitched thud of an object striking against the glass and the high-pitched shattering of the glass itself. This helps prevent false alarms. Glass break sensors are perfect for monitoring for forced entry into your home. You can even use a single glass break sensor to monitor multiple windows in the same room!

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4. Environmental Sensors

Environmental sensors include devices like temperature sensors and flood sensors. These sensors monitor for unusual environmental conditions that likely indicate a problem. For example, a flood sensor will let your system know if there is a water leak that could lead to expensive water damage. Meanwhile, a temperature sensor will monitor for unusually high or low temperatures that indicate a broken HVAC system. There are also many environmental sensors that can perform dual functions and operate as both temperature and flood sensors.

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3. Life-Safety Sensors

Life-safety sensors are used to monitor for life-threatening environmental conditions, such as a fire or an outbreak of carbon monoxide gas. These include devices like smoke and heat detectors and carbon monoxide sensors. There are also special combination CO and smoke detectors that can monitor for multiple types of life-safety conditions. Enrolling properly functioning life-safety sensors with your system can mean the difference between life and death. And for fires, you will be able to ensure a faster response if one occurs while you are away. These are a must-have for any system.

Honeywell 5800combo smoke heat and co detector

2. Motion Detection Sensors

Motion sensors are some of the most useful sensors you can add to your system. These devices alert the system upon detecting a change in infrared (IR) energy caused by movement. There are also some motion sensors that use microwave radar technology in addition to passive infrared (PIR). You can install motions inside your home as interior sensors to determine if anyone gains entry while you are away. They are perfect for detecting general activity and movement in areas where none should be present. There are even pet-immune motion sensors so that you won't need to worry about your pets setting them off. Just make sure you choose the installation area carefully.

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1. Door & Window Contacts

Door and window contacts are the easiest to use and most effective sensors for any alarm system. They are used for letting your system know if someone opens up a door or window. These sensors usually consist of two parts, which are a sensor and a magnet. The sensor goes on the door or window frame, and the magnet goes on the moving part of the door or window. Opening the door or window will cause the magnet to become separated from the sensor. The sensor will detect this and alert the system. There are also recessed door and window sensors that allow for a more aesthetically- pleasing installation!

Honeywell sixct wireless door slash window contact for lyric con

Remember, our goal at Alarm Grid is to set you up with the perfect security system for your needs. We also offer top-quality alarm monitoring services that are great for pairing with a new or existing alarm system. If you ever need help designing or using your security system, or if you want to learn more about our monitoring services, please reach out to us! We are best reached by email at support@alarmgrid.com. Or you may call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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We have received word from Resideo that some SkyBell Cameras may temporarily experience delays when being used with Total Connect 2.0 or through the SkyBell App. The issue is most likely the result of SkyBell servers being overloaded. Resideo is working with SkyBell to address this issue.

Earlier today, we mentioned a proactive warning issued from Alarm.com stating that doorbell cameras may experience delays when being used with their platform. We believe that this is due to the increased usage of these devices for the Halloween holiday. It is likely that a similar issue is affecting the general SkyBell servers. This is not something you should be overly concerned about, and the issue should be addressed soon.

If you are experiencing any major issues, or if you would like to learn more about these potential delays, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that we're here to help!

Update: This issue has since been resolved.

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