Did you know almost eight million property crimes occur in the United States every year? Everyone deserves a home that they feel safe in. But the reality is that homes are incredibly vulnerable to criminals.
That’s why home security systems are such an important part of any property. Unfortunately, not every household has the funds to afford multiple security system features.
Some need to pick and choose the most effective ones. If you fall into this category, then you may be wondering which is a better choice for your home: motion sensor lights or an alarm system?
In this article, we’ll give you the low down on everything you need to know about these two options. Let’s get started!
What Are Motion Sensor Lights?
Motion sensor lights are essentially a light system that automatically turns on when it detects movement. How does it detect movement? By using an electronic sensor that picks up heat waves that come from moving objects.
Some motion sensor lights remain on for a set period. Others turn off once the movement stops. During daylight, you don’t need to worry about motion sensor lights they deactivate when they detect rays from the sun.
Benefits of Motion Sensor Lights
There’s a reason why motion sensor lights are so good at deterring burglars. Thieves crave darkness to cover up their crimes. An unplanned light can make them visible to you, the neighbors, or a passing police car.
As such, a motion sensor light can frighten them into leaving. Simply the sight of one can convince them to try a different house. Aside from deterring criminals, motion sensor lights also come with some practical purpose.
They’re great for illuminating your way when you come home late at night. Plus, they can scare off animals and critters that mess with your lawns and garden areas. Motion sensor lights can also save you money on your monthly energy bill.
If you leave on an outdoor light all night, it can cause your power bill to add up. A motion sensor light only turns on when it’s necessary.
Drawbacks of Motion Sensor Lights
The biggest problem with motion sensor lights is they’re only a deterrent. If a thief isn’t scared of the light, then there’s nothing stopping them from proceeding with their theft. As such, they work best when used with a good alarm system.
Some people may also dislike how distracting the LED lights are. If you live in an area with a lot of animals or cars, then these lights can sometimes wake you up in the middle of the night. Finally, they also require maintenance.
Lights don’t last forever, so you will need to replace them when they die out.
What Are Alarm Systems?
An alarm system uses a control panel and sensors to alert people of unwanted intruders. The complexity of these systems depends on what type you use.
The more affordable ones sound a loud alarm when someone opens the doors or windows to a house with a system that’s been armed. The more advanced alarm systems immediately contact a security company when an unauthorized entry has been made.
Benefits of Alarm Systems
There’s a lot to like about having a good alarm system. For one thing, they’re extremely effective at preventing burglaries. Loud noise is enough to scare even the most hardened criminals.
Plus, many of the more advanced systems put you directly into touch with the police department when activated. This means that if there is a criminal, they will need to deal with the authorities in a matter of minutes.
Alarm systems also provide a sense of wellbeing since you know you are under protection. This is a big plus for people who live in neighborhoods with a lot of crime. One study found that alarm systems are responsible for lowering burglary rates in the country.
Finally, an alarm system can lower your home insurance rates. Since your home is protected from theft, there is less of a chance that you need to file a claim. As such, many insurance providers are willing to adjust their rates to reflect a discount on your plan.
Drawbacks of Alarm Systems
One drawback that comes with alarm systems is they aren’t a great visual deterrent. Unlike motion sensor lights, which a criminal can see while casing the house, alarm systems aren’t always noticeable.
This means that a burglar may break into your house, only to be scared off by the alarm system. One way to prevent this is by putting up noticeable security signs on your lawn and backyard.
These will inform anyone interested in your house that it’s secure. Another inconvenience that comes with alarms systems is false alarms. These can easily occur when friends, family, or house sitters enter your home without knowing how to deactivate the system. In some cases, the police can be called by accident.
While it’s not a huge deal, it can be annoying to deal with sometimes. The final drawback of alarm systems is significantly more expensive than motion sensor lights. This is because you often have to pay for the equipment itself and a monthly fee to the security company.
Need Help With Your Home Security System? Contact Reliable Chimes & Security
We hope this article helped you decide between motion sensor lights or alarm systems for your home. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your security needs and budget. Unfortunately, deciding on a product is just half the battle.
You also need to choose a business to help you install it. So how do you find a contractor you can trust? If you live within fifty miles of the Washington, D.C. area, then look no further than Reliable Chimes & Security.
On top of motion sensor lights and alarm systems, we also offer a camera, mirrors, and chime services. To find out more about our products and services please contact us today.