Home security systems and remote monitoring

Overview: Home security systems can help protect your home by combining physical safeguards with monitoring and smart control features. Modern systems often include sensors, alarms and connected devices that may send real-time alerts to your phone, let you check video feeds and allow some settings to be adjusted remotely. You can choose between professional monitoring for around-the-clock oversight or self-monitoring for more control and lower costs. Depending on your setup, these systems may also integrate with smoke detectors, water sensors, smart locks and lighting to improve safety and convenience — and in some cases, may lead to insurance savings.

If you’re exploring a security system for homes, it can help to start with the basics: what kind of system fits your space, whether you want professional monitoring and which connected devices may make day-to-day life a little easier.

Types of home security systems

Some systems are professionally installed, while others are designed for do-it-yourself setup. Some are wired into the home, and others rely on Wi-Fi, cellular service or batteries.

A typical home alarm system or home security monitoring system may include a control panel, entry sensors, motion sensors, alarms and optional tools like video monitoring or smoke, carbon monoxide and water detection.

You may also see differences between a wireless home security system and a hardwired system. A hardwired setup connects components through wiring in the home. A wireless home security system often offers more flexibility for placement and expansion, but it may depend on battery life and network strength to keep everything running smoothly.

What is alarm monitoring?

Alarm monitoring is the service that helps connect your system to a monitoring center or alert process when a sensor is triggered.

In a monitored alarm system, the signal can be reviewed by a monitoring company that may try to contact you and, depending on the situation and service, notify emergency responders. In a self-monitored setup, alerts are sent directly to you by phone, text, email or app notification so you can decide what to do next.

Monitored alarm systems vs. self-monitoring

Choosing between a professionally monitored alarm system and self-monitoring often comes down to budget, lifestyle and the level of support you want.

Some providers offer a hybrid approach, where your home security monitoring system includes app alerts and optional professional monitoring.

If you’re comparing remote home monitoring options, it can help to think about how often you travel, how quickly you can respond to alerts and whether you’d like someone else involved when you can’t pick up your phone.

Devices that can be monitored and controlled remotely

One of the biggest changes in smart home monitoring is how many devices can now connect to one home monitoring system — and how easily many of them can be managed from your phone. A modern setup can go beyond burglary alerts and help you keep tabs on fire, water and daily activity in and around your home. Depending on the system, that may include real-time alerts, video monitoring, arming or disarming your home alarm system and control of connected devices like locks, lights or thermostats.

Fire and air safety devices

A home security monitoring system may connect with devices such as:

• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Natural gas detectors
• Air quality sensors
• Electrical system monitoring

Water and temperature devices

Remote home monitoring can also include tools that help spot water issues early, including:

• Moisture sensors or leak detectors near appliances or plumbing lines
• Automatic water shutoff devices
• Temperature sensors that may help reduce the risk of frozen pipes

Security and crime-related devices

Home security devices can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening around your property and help you respond more quickly when something looks out of the ordinary. Many alarm systems for homes now support connected security features such as:

• Motion sensors
• Door and window sensors
• Glass-break alerts
• Smart locks
• Outdoor lighting controls
• Video monitoring
• Doorbell cameras

Care and household support devices

Some systems also include features that support care and day-to-day awareness, such as:

• Indoor video monitoring
• Activity alerts
• Medical alerts
• Check-ins for older adults or family members with health concerns

Convenience devices

Some connected systems also work with devices that make everyday routines easier, including:

• Smart thermostats
• Connected outlets
• Appliance shutoff controls
• Lighting schedules

If you add connected tools to your setup, it can help to learn how to secure your smart home devices to reduce the chance of a security breach.

Tips for choosing a home security provider

Once you have a sense of which monitoring style and connected devices fit your home, the next step is comparing providers. The goal isn’t only to find a provider with the most features—it’s to find one that offers the kind of service, equipment and support that works for you. When evaluating home security providers, consider asking about:

• Monitoring and response — ask whether the company offers professional monitoring, self-monitoring or both, and how it handles alerts and false alarms.
• Setup and everyday use — find out whether installation is professional or DIY, and what app features or smartphone controls are available for alerts, arming, locks or video.
• Costs and contract terms — review upfront costs, monthly fees, added charges and whether there’s a long-term contract or cancellation fee.
• Equipment and warranty — verify whether equipment is purchased or leased, what the warranty covers and how service issues are handled.
• Certifications and employee screening — it may help to choose a company with nationally recognized certifications and ask about screening for employees who may enter your home.
• System compatibility — if you may want to add devices later, ask whether the system supports options like motion sensors, moisture sensors, video monitoring or medical alerts.

Before choosing a provider, it may also help to understand how local emergency services handle alarm calls and what the provider does before contacting responders. You may be able to talk with local police to get a general sense of response timing after a home security alarm is reported.

Can home security systems or alarm monitoring lower insurance?

Installing a home alarm system or other home security systems may help support home protection efforts and, in some cases, may also lead to savings on your homeowners insurance. Each insurance company is different, so available discounts may be specific to the insurance carrier you have.

If you’re curious about whether a home alarm system or monitored setup may affect your coverage or create opportunities for savings, consider talking to a State Farm® agent to see if you qualify for a homeowners insurance discount for security systems installed in your house.