What a home system protects
A home security system watches the ways into your house and the rooms inside it. When it is armed and something is triggered, the alarm sounds and AWS's 24/7 monitoring center operators are notified so they can dispatch emergency services if needed. The same panel can also report smoke, fire and flooding, so the house is watched for more than intruders.
AWS designs home security alarm systems for your location, works out the best places for each device, and installs and configures everything, so the alarm is set up to sound and alert the authorities whenever an incident occurs.
An example starter system
An older AWS flyer (2018) listed a starter package like this, offered with either Wi-Fi or cellular communication. Equipment changes over the years, so treat it only as an example of how a home system is put together; Tom will tell you what AWS installs today and what your home needs.
- Wireless control panel
- 3 door contacts
- 1 motion detector
- 1 key fob
- Wi-Fi communicator or cellular communicator
- Battery backup
- Total Connect app
Where sensors usually go in a house
Every exterior door
Front, back, side and the door from an attached garage. Door contacts report the moment a door opens.
Reachable windows
Ground-floor and basement windows, and any window next to a porch roof or deck.
The path through the house
A motion detector covering a main hallway or the bottom of the stairs, where anyone moving through the house has to pass.
Smoke and flood
Smoke detection on each level and near bedrooms; flood sensors by the water heater, washer and sump pump.
General information. This page explains how wireless security systems commonly work. Equipment, placement and options for your property are decided with AWS. Call (440) 210-9900.
Living with the system
Most home systems have an Away mode that arms everything when the house is empty, and a Stay mode that arms the doors and windows while leaving inside motion detectors off so the family can move around at night. A keyfob arms and disarms from your key ring, and the Total Connect app does it from your phone.
- Pets: tell AWS about dogs and cats so motion detectors are chosen and placed with them in mind.
- Codes: give each family member their own code and never write it near the keypad.
- Insurance: many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who install burglar alarms. Ask your insurer.