Approximately 18 to 21 million homes in the U.S. have some type of security system. While this is a large number, there are even more homes that don't have these systems.
If you don't have a security system of any kind but want to improve the security at your home, you might want to consider getting a driveway alarm.
Driveway alarms are affordable and beneficial for all homeowners. If you're interested in learning what these are and how they work, continue reading this guide to find the answers you need.
The Basics of Driveway Alarms
The first question you might have is, "what is a driveway alarm?" A driveway alarm is one of many types of security devices you can purchase to protect your home.
When you have a driveway alarm, you have a device in your yard or driveway that detects motion and movement. When a car pulls into your driveway, it detects the vehicle and notifies you.
Some driveway alarms also sense other types of movement, such as people walking. For example, if a delivery driver walks up to your door to leave a package, your driveway alarm might notify you of this person.
The Components of a Typical Driveway Alarm
Most driveway alarms have several components. The first component is the sensor in your driveway. This part of the system is what detects movement at your home and is often called the transmitter.
The second component is the receiver. The receiver is the part of the system that you place in your house. The purpose of the receiver is to tell you when the transmitter detected movement.
If you have several driveways or entrances to your yard, you might need a system that comes with several transmitters.
If you have a large home, you might need several receivers so you can receive notifications wherever you are in your house.
How They Work
When you buy a driveway alarm, you can choose the type you buy. Some alarms do not require hiring a driveway alarm company, while some do.
Each type works differently. One type is a passive infrared sensor. This type of sensor detects movement through infrared technology, which senses movement by heat primarily.
Most driveway alarms use passive infrared sensor technology, but you can also find some that use other methods for detecting movement.
In any case, when you install the device in your yard, it should notify you of movement. Most driveway alarms have options to let you adjust them for movement.
For example, if you do not want to know if an animal walks into your yard, you might need to adjust the sensor to prevent it from going off each time this occurs.
Another option to consider is having a receiver that you can move or that notifies you on your cellphone. Some receivers are stationary, which means you must plug them in and leave them in the same spot.
Others don't require electricity. This kind might run on batteries, or they might allow you to connect them to your phone.
How to Install Them
The next thing to understand about driveway alarms is the steps required for installing one at your home. The steps needed to install a driveway alarm depend on the type you get.
The best driveway alarm is a wireless one. A wireless alarm is much easier to install than the type that requires wires.
When a system is wireless, you won't have to run wires or connect anything. You can activate the transmitter and install it in your yard.
You'll want to carefully consider the location of the transmitter, as this affects the results it offers. You might want to put it in a place that detects any movement on your driveway.
You could also put it on your sidewalk near your house to detect foot movement. You'll need to decide your main objectives for the alarm when deciding where to put it.
If you buy one that requires wiring, you may need to hire a company to install it for you. The company will need to bury the wires and determine the best path for running them from the transmitter to the receiver.
The Benefits They Offer
Driveway alarms offer a lot of great benefits. Here are some of them:
They Stop Burglaries
Nearly 1.5 million burglaries occur during daytime hours each year. If you want to reduce the risks of burglaries occurring at your home, a driveway alarm might help.
If your alarm notifies your phone each time it detects movement, you can keep a closer eye on your home while you're gone. If someone shows up, you can call the police to go to your home right away.
They Protect Your Plants
If you ever have problems with wildlife eating your plants or flowers, a driveway alarm can help you stop this issue.
If you set up the camera to detect movement by your plants, you'll receive a notification when animals come too close to these areas.
You'll Know When Guests Arrive
Another excellent benefit of a driveway alarm is that it will notify you when guests arrive. If you're expecting company, you might like the warning you receive from your driveway alarm when they pull into your driveway.
You might also like it when you're notified that delivery drivers are there.
Your Family Might Feel Safer
A home security system is also beneficial for safety. When you have a driveway alarm, you and your family members might feel safer at home.
Some people even install fake cameras as a way to prevent people from breaking in or causing problems at a home.
Where You Can Get a Driveway Alarm
One of the easiest and most affordable security systems you can purchase for your home is a driveway alarm. Driveway alarms offer many benefits for your home and safety.
If you're ready to start shopping for a driveway alarm, check out Reliable Chimes Online Store to find many different options.