How Driveway Alarms Work & Finding the Best Driveway Alarm For You

How Driveway Alarms Work & Finding the Best Driveway Alarm For You

Getting surprised by an unexpected visitor can be uncomfortable and even leave you feeling vulnerable. Fortunately, there's an easy way to monitor who's approaching your home.

By installing driveway alarms, you and your family can enjoy a level of convenience and added security you never had before. This is especially beneficial if you live on a large piece of land.

Property crimes are quite common. In fact, in 2016 alone there were approximately 9.3 million reported.

If you want to keep a close eye on your property, keep reading. We're discussing how a driveway alert system works and what to consider when shopping for the best driveway alarm for your home.

How a Driveway Alarm Works

There are a number of different types of driveway alarms, but they generally all utilize a sensor and receiver.

The sensor gets installed outside your home at a point along your driveway. When a visitor gets to this point, you'll receive a notification.

The sensor works by detecting heat from a vehicle or will pick up movement on your driveway. Once this happens, a transmitter sends a signal to the receiver, which you'll place in your home.

You can place the receiver where you feel you'll easily hear it. It will plug into a standard outlet. When the sensor detects an approaching visitor, the alarm on the receiver will activate.

You may opt to use multiple sensors and receivers. This will allow for better coverage and also give you the ability to receive alerts throughout your home when someone is approaching. This is a good idea if you own a large home with many rooms.

You can also purchase wireless receivers for added convenience. You can carry these throughout your home and still get alerts.

Finding the Best Driveway Alarm for Your Needs

As we mentioned, there are a number of different types of driveway alarms. The model you choose depends on the size of your home and the functionality you require.

If your primary concern is someone breaking into your vehicle, you'll only need coverage for the area of the driveway close to your home. However, you could also go with a setup that alerts you when someone enters your driveway at the street.

When shopping around, you'll notice wireless driveway alarm systems and hard-wired models. One type isn't better than the other. It just depends on the functionality you need.

There are also different detection capabilities available. Some will only detect approaching vehicles. Others will alert you when vehicles, people or animals are in the vicinity.

Things to Consider When Making Your Decision

Now that you know how a driveway alert system works and what they can do for you, you'll need to consider a few things. Thinking about your specific needs and the layout of your driveway and home will guide you in the right direction.

Let's go over some of the specific details you need to consider when shopping around. This will give you a good idea of the type of functionality available.

Transmission Distance and Interference

One of the first things you need to consider is the amount of distance you'll need between the sensor and the receiver. The length of your driveway and the point at which you want to get alerted of a visitor will help you determine this.

Make sure the model you choose can easily transmit your required distance. You may need to do a little measuring.

You also need to consider the landscape surrounding your driveway. If there are trees, bushes, or any other structures, you may run into an issue with signal interference.

This is something to consider if you have an extremely long driveway or one with curves. If you think interference will occur between the sensor and receiver, you'll need a stronger model. You should also probably consider getting more than one sensor.

The Type of Receiver

If you want to be able to take your receiver to different areas of your home, you'll need a wireless unit. These are more convenient if you have a large home or spend a lot of time in the backyard.

If you only plan to have your driveway alert system on at night, a stationary receiver that plugs in should work fine. You can plug it in close to your bed and receive alerts if someone is approaching in the middle of the night.

If you opt for a wireless unit, make sure you consider battery life. If you plan on using your unit all the time, think about investing in high-end or rechargeable batteries.

Sensor Notification and Durability

The type of notification functionality you get depends on the level of security you're looking for.

Think about if you want your unit to sense all types of movement, including animals, people on foot, and vehicles. This means you'll probably get more alerts to your receiver. You can also opt for a unit that only detects vehicles coming down your driveway.

It's also a good idea to consider the conditions outside your home. You may need a sensor that's durable enough to withstand rain and wind.

User-Friendliness

Home security technology has come a long way. Even if you need maximum functionality, you can still find units that are easy to install and operate.

Well-designed models shouldn't take long to figure out. Make sure you check out online reviews and find out what people think about the unit you're considering.

You should also look into the customer support features that come with each model. If something goes wrong, you'll want to be able to contact the company with questions. You may also need help if you decide to add other security features down the road.

Get Peace of Mind with a Driveway Alert System

There's nothing worse than feeling like you're not secure in your own home. Fortunately, finding the best driveway alarm will give you peace of mind that your family is safe.

These devices also provide a high level of convenience, especially if you live in a large home. Invest in a driveway alarm and get a notification the second someone enters your property.

We provide a wide range of driveway alarms for homes and businesses. Check out our selection today.

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