Whether you live in a home, an apartment, or operate a business one of the main concerns you may have about your property is safety and security. Asides from location, most people will purchase services and equipment to enhance their security. For example, buying driveway alarms on your property is an excellent idea. 

You do not want to buy any type of driveway alarm though. The first thing you should do is think about the features you want and those that will benefit you the most. Before you start shopping around to purchase a driveway alarm, take a look at these important features. 

1. Durability of the Equipment 

The money you put into a driveway alarm is something you do not want to go to waste. Creating a budget for alarms is important, but you also need to take durability into consideration. Because your driveway alarm will be outside, you want to buy one that is weatherproof. 

Your driveway alarm should be able to withstand harsh weather such as the rain, snow, or wind without it affecting or damaging overall the function. The material is and battery life is also an important matter in regards to quality. Whether it is for indoor or outdoor use, you want something that will last for years.  

2.  Sensor Range

The sensor range of the driveway alarms is another factor you want to remember. Your main concern is that you want it to be able to cover your driveway area or other location you desire. You should have a general idea of how far your sensor can be away from the receiver and still be able to pick up a signal. 

At a minimum, a good driveway receiver should have at a sensor range of 100 feet more than the area you wish to cover. A quality driveway alert system can give you as much as 500 feet and allow you to hear notifications as far as 35 feet away. The type of sensor you get matters. You may want the alarm to notify only for specific types of traffic. 

3. Wired vs Wireless Systems

There are two types of driveway alarms you can purchase. You have the option of choosing between a wired or wireless driveway alert system. Each has its own pros and cons. The wired systems often cost more but may require less maintenance.

The wireless systems are often easier to install. Most people are able to determine which of the two is best for them. When you want added help deciding, you should speak with someone who will be able to help you determine which is best for your property. 

4. Detection Capability and Alerts 

The last thing you want is to get an alert over every little thing. You probably do not want to know about any animals or minor debris that pass by. This will end up becoming more of a nuisance. The types of alerts you get based on the driver alarm's motion detection can save you from this issue. 

The main type of sensors available is metal sensing probes, rubber air hoses, and motion sensors. Metal detecting sensors are able to pick up electromagnetic waves and cars in motion that come to your property. They are best for people who do not want people in the area. 

Rubber hose sensors are the opposite and are best for people who want to detect human traffic whether they are located in a remote or busy area. They can also detect the weight of cars that pass by. 

Motion detection sensors are the most common and are able to pick up the motion of cars, animals, or people. It is ideal for people who want to be aware of anything that comes to visit their property. A good motion detector will have low false alarm motion sensors. 

Your driveway alarm system should also have different operation mods to allow you to better control sensors. You will have moments you may want a simple alert without a sound by muting it or being able to turn the system off with ease during certain moments. 

5. Ease of Installation

The ease of installing driveway alarms may be something else you want to be mindful of. Most people do not like to buy equipment that is too complex to install for a reason. The more difficult it is to set up, the more likely it is you will not install the system the right way.

Some people may not be able to install it at all. Be sure to get a wired or wireless system that makes every step you need to do in a clear way with the help of instructions. If you are not good with wires, opting for a wireless version may be the best choice. 

No one wants to deal with a complex and lengthy process either. Getting an alarm system that comes with a manual, shows you clear directions, and only has a few steps is the most user-friendly. 

Consider Features You Want Before Buying Driveway Alarms

There are many benefits that come with receiving real-time alerts at your home or business to aid in security. Buying driveway alarms is a smart choice for those who want to be more aware of who and what enters their property. Before you order an alarm, you want to take a look at the features first to ensure you will be happy with the product. 

You can look for the features you want by reviewing the products you shop for to get a glimpse of what you're searching for. Getting the right driveway alarm for your property may also be something you need a little help with in regards to deciding. If you want to receive recommendations on what may be best for you, contact us and we will be glad to help.