Home security systems

 From stand-alone, do-it-yourself security alarms for one door or window to sophisticated security systems for an entire house, there is something for everyone who desires peace of mind through a home security system.

  Homeowners can choose between a local system, which sets off an alarm at the residence, or a monitoring system, said Donald Dinwiddie, owner of AVSA Inc. A monitoring system automatically dispatches a monitoring station, which in turn dispatches the appropriate authorities, he said.

  If a glass break is detected, police will be dispatched, for example. And if smoke or heat is detected, the fire department will be dispatched.

 Wireless security systems

  Although they're called "wireless," there is a limited number of wires you have to run to wireless security systems, he said.

  The main panel of a wireless system requires wiring for electricity, phone (unless a cellular back-up is used) and a siren, he said. After that, wireless devices can be added to any doors or windows up to 1,000 feet away, he said.

  Wireless devices include transmitters that go over doors or windows, motion detectors, glass break detectors, vibration detectors, carbon monoxide, smoke and heat detectors. Depending on the homeowners' needs and budget, any or all can be installed, Dinwiddie said.

  And no need to worry about pets or strays tripping motion detectors and setting off alarms, he said. Motion detectors can be ordered with pet immunity, which makes the detectors immune to movement by pets weighing up to 60 pounds.

Hardwired security systems

 "All those systems are available hardwired as well," Dinwiddie said. Though wireless systems are generally installed in existing homes that may have limited access or attic space, hardwired systems are recommended when you're building a home, he said.

  "They both cost about the same."

Cost

  A basic wireless system that's ideal for a small home, apartment or RV includes a control panel, three door or window contacts, a pet immune motion detector and a remote control key fob. It costs about $300, Dinwiddie said.

  Some homeowners use the basic system on larger homes, too, he said. They may not be concerned with highly visible doors or windows in the front of the house, but they choose to install security devices on doors and windows in secluded areas like the backyard, he said.

  With a basic system, up to 32 devices can be added at any time after initial installation, he said.

  For an average-sized home, he charges between $1,200 and $1,400 for a complete, hardwired security system with smoke and heat alarms and devices on every window and door, including the garage door, he said.

  A wireless system with all the same devices would cost about the same, he said.

  His company charges a minimum monthly fee of $20 for monitoring systems. There are no monthly fees for local systems, however.
Do-it-yourself or professional installation

  Because wiring is required, Dinwiddie recommends professional installation for the type of security systems he sells.
  However, stand-alone alarms may be an option for the do-it-yourselfer.

Stand-alone alarms

  A homeowner can easily install a stand-alone, battery-operated alarm and transmitter with just a screwdriver, said Brian Hagedorn, sales associate at Radio Shack in Yuma. The keypad alarm mounts on a wall with two screws, and the transmitter also mounts over a door or window with two screws.

  Screws are typically included with units, and no wiring is required.

  The downside is, additional devices cannot be added to a stand-alone unit, so a separate unit must be purchased for each door or window, Hagedorn said. Radio Shack sells a stand-alone unit for $29.99. Similar units can be found in some stores and online.

Permit, inconvenience?

  Permits are not required for security system installation in Arizona, but they are in California, said Dinwiddie. Systems are typically installed within a day or less, and the installation is not very messy or invasive, he said. Minimal drilling is involved and "we always clean up after ourselves," he said.

YPD says ...

  A security system is an additional security layer that can make it harder for thieves to break in, said Clint Norred, Yuma Police Department spokesman.
  "Thieves are generally lazy. They're not looking to work very hard."

  Signs and decals provided by security companies are also an added distraction that may deter a thief, just as a bicycle lock or steering lock on your vehicle might, he said.

A realtor says ...

  A security system increases the value of a home, said J.B. Shrader, broker at Shrader Realty & Associates. But it's not something buyers are necessarily looking for in a home, he said.

  "It's not a deal breaker because it's something that can be added later."

Contact info

Radio Shack - 783-0115, 383 W. 16th St.

AVSA Inc. - 314-3480, 2091 W. 25th St. 

Shrader Realty and Associates - 314-3030, 2450 S. 4th Ave., Suite 119