Before you invest in a home security system, it's important for you to take the time to research and consider what you actually need to protect your dwelling. The entryways, property configuration, and other access points can affect your home security configuration.

However, the safety of your dwelling and its residents should be the top priority, whether you're a homeowner or renter.

Home security doesn't just consist of alarms that go off when the front door is breached. Truly secure systems cover other entry points, such as windows.

A home security system should also prevent environmental damage by allowing residents to control appliances remotely, and alert you about risks such as smoke or carbon monoxide. These systems can help you protect your home property investment and even reduce your homeowners' insurance rates.

Some security systems are tied into emergency medical pendants, which trigger a medical dispatch in case of a health emergency. Below are five primary concerns when you're shopping for a home security system.

1. Breaking and intruder detection

Front door alarms can alert you to intruders who take the most obvious route into your home. Glass break detectors alert you when someone breaks a window to gain entry.

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Window sensors can go off when windows are opened if the system is armed. You can even secure specific rooms by placing motion detectors around the home and near to valuables such as safes and jewelry boxes.

Home security systems can also be linked to video surveillance systems which allow you to view streaming footage online, even while you're away from the house!

2. Home automation

Have you ever left the house and realized that you've forgotten to adjust the thermostat, turn off the lights, or switch off a home appliance? Home automation gives you remote access to these functions, so you can control them while you're on the go.

This type of access can dramatically reduce your home utility bills, since you can remotely switch off home elements that draw the most power.

You can switch on the heat before your family arrives at home, so you'll enjoy a comfortable temperature when you get home even if it's cold outside.

3. Environmental warnings

Homeowners and renters have to worry about a number of man-made or environmental threats, such as flooding, fire, frost, gas leaks, natural disasters and smoke. These situations can quickly cause major property damage and threaten lives.

A good home security system will alert you to these threats early, so you can take preventive measures, and protect your home and family. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will alert you to the presence of a fire or gas leak, so you can evacuate and alert the authorities in a timely manner.

Flood and freeze sensors alert you if water is detected within your home, or the temperature falls below a certain point.

4. Medical emergencies

If your loved ones are elderly or chronically ill, you'll worry about their well-being, especially if they are home alone. You can rest easy if they have access to an emergency medical pendant, which immediately triggers a medical dispatch when pressed.

This is a wearable remote that can be worn throughout the house. If the wearer falls down or begins to experience emergency medical symptoms, he or she can press a button to call for help.

5. Security monitoring

Monitoring is one of the highlights of a quality home security system. A two-way communication system on your security panel gets you in touch with home security operators, who can assess the emergency and dispatch the proper authorities to your home, whether police, medical, or fire response services.

Constant access to a home security operator can ease your mind when it comes to home security threats.

A reliable home security system can pay for itself in the long run. Be sure to invest in a system that will protect your home and family from a variety of threats, including intruders, theft, natural disasters, and other environmental events.