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Protect your family and property with professional residential security systems designed for New Jersey and Pennsylvania homes.
A residential security system is more than just an alarm—it's a comprehensive network of sensors, monitoring, and smart technology that protects your home 24/7. Whether you live in a historic Princeton colonial, a modern Ewing townhome, or a Bucks County estate, the right security system provides peace of mind knowing your family and property are protected.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about residential security systems in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including types, features, costs, installation, and how to choose the right system for your home.
A residential security system is an integrated network of electronic devices designed to detect and alert you to unauthorized entry, environmental hazards, or emergencies in your home. Modern systems combine:
When an alarm triggers, your system sends an encrypted signal to a 24/7 UL-listed monitoring center staffed by trained operators who verify the alarm within 30-60 seconds, attempt to contact you, and dispatch police, fire, or EMS if verified or you can't be reached.
Alarms trigger notifications sent directly to your smartphone. You are responsible for verifying the alarm and calling 911 if needed.
Sensors communicate with the control panel using encrypted wireless signals. No wiring required between devices.
Cost: $500-$3,000 for average home
Sensors connect to control panel via physical wires run through walls, attic, or basement.
Cost: $800-$4,000 depending on home size
Combines hardwired backbone (control panel, keypads, main sensors) with wireless sensors for hard-to-reach areas. Offers the best of both worlds—reliability where needed, flexibility where convenient.
The brain of your system. Modern panels offer processing for all sensor signals, communication with monitoring station, and smart home integration.
Popular models: Honeywell Vista 20P, DSC PowerSeries, Qolsys IQ Panel 4, 2GIG Edge
Magnetic contact sensors detect when doors or windows open. Available in surface mount (visible) or recessed (hidden) options.
Typical coverage: Small home 4-6, Medium 8-12, Large 15-25 sensors
Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors detect body heat and movement with 30-40 foot range and pet immune options up to 40-80 lbs.
Coverage: Small home 1-2, Medium 2-3, Large 3-5 detectors
Acoustic sensors listen for the specific sound frequency of breaking glass with 20-25 foot radius coverage.
Best for: Rooms with many windows, sunrooms, sliding glass doors
Touchscreen or traditional button keypads allow you to arm/disarm, view sensor status, and control smart home devices.
Recommended: Main keypad near entrance, secondary near master bedroom
Smoke, carbon monoxide, water leak, and temperature sensors connect to your security system for comprehensive home protection.
Critical for: Fire safety, CO detection, preventing water damage and frozen pipes
| Home Size | Equipment | Installation | Total Upfront |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Home 1-2 BR, 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $500-$1,200 4-6 sensors, 1-2 motion, 1 keypad | Included or $150-$300 | $500-$1,500 |
| Medium Home 3-4 BR, 1,500-3,000 sq ft | $1,200-$2,500 8-12 sensors, 2-3 motion, 2 keypads | $200-$500 | $1,400-$3,000 |
| Large Home 5+ BR, 3,000+ sq ft | $2,500-$5,000+ 15-25 sensors, 3-5 motion, 2-3 keypads | $500-$1,000+ | $3,000-$6,000+ |
$20-$30
per month
$30-$50
per month
$40-$60
per month
Most New Jersey and Pennsylvania homeowners insurance companies offer 10-20% discounts for monitored security systems.
Annual insurance premium: $1,500
Discount (15%): -$225/year
Monitoring cost: $360-$600/year
Net cost after insurance savings: $135-$375/year
Installation time: 4-8 hours (wireless) to 1-3 days (hardwired)
Cost: Included or $150-$1,000 depending on complexity
Popular brands: Ring Alarm, SimpliSafe, Wyze, Abode
Cost: $200-$900 equipment, $0-$30/month monitoring
Not necessarily. Professional installers prioritize:
For many homes, protecting all doors + strategic windows + motion detection provides excellent coverage without sensor overload.
Modern pet-immune motion detectors handle pets up to 40-80 pounds when properly installed. Professional installation ensures:
Tip: Door/window sensors are pet-proof—only triggers when door/window opens.
Security systems include backup batteries (4-24 hours runtime):
You'll receive a low battery warning with plenty of time to replace.
Yes, via mobile app you can:
False alarms are prevented by:
Most monitored alarm companies allow 1-2 false alarms annually before potential fines from local police.
Get a free, no-obligation home security assessment from certified security professionals serving Mercer County NJ and Bucks County PA.