Most homeowners still underestimate what home security systems actually do. Millions of homes across the country remain unprotected — not because people don’t care about safety, but because they don’t have the full picture. Here are four facts worth knowing before you make a decision.
Fact 1: Do Home Security Systems Protect Against More Than Burglaries?
Yes. Modern home security systems protect against burglaries, fire, carbon monoxide, and medical emergencies — not just intrusions.
One of the most common misconceptions is that home security systems only protect against break-ins. Today’s systems go well beyond that. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flood sensors can all be integrated into a single smart home security system, with each connected to 24/7 Central Station Monitoring that immediately notifies first responders when a threat is detected.
For families with elderly loved ones, wellness monitoring adds another layer of protection, enabling real-time check-ins and emergency response without requiring anyone to press a button.
Fact 2: Can a Security System Actually Lower Your Energy Bills?
Yes. Smart home security systems can reduce energy costs by automating thermostats, lighting, and appliances based on your schedule and location.
A smart home security system does more than watch your front door. Through the Alarm.com mobile app, homeowners can automate lighting schedules, control smart thermostats remotely, and set appliances to power down when no one is home. Geofencing takes this further — using your phone’s location to trigger these settings automatically as you come and go, without lifting a finger. The system also sends real-time alerts if a door or window is left open, or if the garage door hasn't closed by a set time, saving energy and preventing the kind of security lapse most people do not notice until morning. The result is a home that’s more energy-efficient and more secure at the same time.
Fact 3: Are Modern Home Security Systems Wireless and Easy to Install?
Yes. Modern home security systems run on cellular wireless connections and are available for both professional and DIY installation.
Unlike the hardwired systems of earlier decades, today’s wireless home security systems are available for both professional installation or as DIY security systems for homeowners comfortable setting up their own equipment. Smart locks add another layer of convenience, letting you lock and unlock doors remotely from any mobile device and receive an alert if a door is ever left unlocked. It's the fix for that familiar situation of pulling out of the driveway and wondering whether you locked the door. Either way, everything is managed through the Alarm.com app, giving you full control from any mobile device.
Fact 4: Do Visible Security Systems Actually Deter Burglars?
Yes. Residential burglaries fell 19% in the first half of 2025 alone, according to the Council on Criminal Justice — a decline researchers link directly to rising security system adoption. A landmark study by UNC Charlotte found 60% of convicted burglars would choose a different target upon spotting a visible security system.
The presence of a home security system is one of the most effective deterrents against break-ins. Cameras, alarm signage, and motion-activated lighting all signal to would-be intruders that a property is monitored. Alarm.com Perimeter Guard takes this further, using compatible security cameras to detect activity at the property’s edge and responding with bright lights, loud sirens, and vocal warnings before anyone reaches the door. When combined with 24/7 professional alarm monitoring through our TMA Five Diamond certified central station, these systems don’t just deter — they respond.
How Do You Find the Right Home Security System?
The right system depends on your home’s layout, your family’s needs, and the level of protection you’re looking for. Working with an experienced provider takes the guesswork out of the decision.
General Security provides customized smart home security systems with professional installation, 24/7 Central Station Monitoring, and Alarm.com-powered automation for homeowners throughout the U.S. Request a free quote or call us today.
