The top home security companies of today offer cutting edge technology as part of their complete package. When a customer subscribes to the service he or she will receive several pieces of high-tech equipment, including a digital keypad that gives homeowners access to fire, medical and police authorities as well as programmable paging features to contact a traveling homeowner or family member. Additionally, homeowners receive a keychain remote access control, which allows them to arm or disarm the system, and activate a panic button.

However, these standard features are not nearly as advanced as the infrared interior motion detector system. This system is specially created to monitor a variety of dangerous happenings, whether or not the homeowner is present. These might include monitored burglary sensors, a manual and automatic alarm for fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, water, freezing or even A/C power failure. These sensors cannot only detect the event of an emergency; they are also built to sense possible false alarms that can be set off by pets or other coincidental circumstances. Sensors can also detect audible sounds like doors being opened and closed.

Along with these innovative new features, the best home security alarms of today also offer more primitive technology that still remains vital to complete protection. The high-decibel alarm siren may not be enough to completely stop crime but it may scare a few burglars away. In addition, the battery backup protects against power outages and storms, while a new feature called Cell Guard lets homeowners communicate with monitoring dispatchers from cellular towers, essentially from any location.

All of this equipment must be programmed by a professional installer. Some customers may want to try to install security systems on their own, and unfortunately, some services will let them try. Not only would this be dangerous in the short term (as you would be dealing with high-powered devices) but also in the long-term; if the sensors and keypad are not installed correctly, the system's efficiency will be compromised.

The installer of the equipment should be an experienced, certified and licensed installer. As the consumer you have a right to request information from the installer that follows up on your interest, including a license number and photo card ID. Companies are used to dealing with these requests as state public officials are now giving warnings about scam security companies in multiple states due to complaints of bogus security companies.