🔔 Alarm Systems · Reno, Sparks & Carson City

Home Security Alarm Systems
in Reno, NV

A complete system — encrypted sensors, 24/7 professional monitoring, and a control panel that works the way you'd expect. Scott Ferguson installs every system personally, from the initial walkthrough to final testing.

What's In the System
🖥️
Control Panel
Cellular + WiFi backup
🚪
Door / Window Sensors
Encrypted S-Line
🏃
Motion Detectors
Pet-immune available
🪟
Glass-Break Sensors
Added perimeter layer
the components

What's Actually In a Complete System

A real alarm system is more than a keypad on the wall. Here's what typically goes into a Kiwi Alarms installation — and why each piece matters.

🖥️
Control Panel
Touchscreen panel with cellular and WiFi backup, so your system keeps reporting even if home internet drops.
🚪
Door & Window Sensors
Encrypted S-Line sensors on every entry point — resistant to the signal-replay devices that defeat standard wireless sensors.
🏃
Motion Detectors
Interior coverage for hallways and common areas, with pet-immune settings available for households with animals.
🪟
Glass-Break Sensors
An added layer that detects the sound frequency of breaking glass, independent of door and window sensors.
the technology

Why Encrypted Sensors Matter

Most homeowners don't know that standard wireless alarm sensors can be defeated with an inexpensive signal-replay device — something that costs about as much as a nice dinner out. It works by capturing and repeating the sensor's wireless signal, effectively telling the panel a door is closed when it isn't.

Encrypted S-Line sensors close this gap. Every signal sent to the panel is authenticated, so a replay device has nothing valid to copy. It's a standard part of every system Scott installs — not an upsell.

Want the full technical breakdown? Read Why Encrypted Sensors Matter for the complete explanation of how the vulnerability works and why encryption solves it.
01
Sensor triggers
A door or window sensor detects a state change.
02
Encrypted signal sent
The signal is authenticated, not just broadcast in the open.
03
Panel verifies authenticity
Unauthenticated or replayed signals are rejected.
04
Verified signal relayed
Only then does the event reach monitoring.
01
Alarm trips
A sensor or panel event is detected.
02
Dual-path signal sent
Reported over cellular and WiFi simultaneously.
03
Brinks verifies the event
24/7 monitoring center confirms what happened.
04
Dispatch & notification
Authorities contacted if needed; you're alerted via app.
24/7 monitoring

Monitoring That Actually Responds

Every Kiwi Alarms system is monitored 24/7 by Brinks Home Security, with dual-path reporting — meaning your panel communicates over both cellular and WiFi. If one connection drops, the other keeps your system reporting.

Monitoring starts at $40/month with no long-term contract required. See the full pricing breakdown for what's included.

who this is for

Built Around How You Actually Live

There's no single "right" alarm system — the right setup depends on your household. A few common starting points:

👨‍👩‍👧

Families with Kids

Door/window sensors on every entry, plus a simple keypad code system so babysitters and family can arm and disarm easily.
🔑

Renters

Wireless sensors that don't require permanent modifications, so the system works within a rental agreement.
✈️

Frequent Travelers

Remote arm/disarm and live camera viewing so you can check in on the house from anywhere.
🏠

New Homeowners

A full system designed around your specific floor plan, not a generic one-size-fits-all package.
🧓

Empty Nesters

Simplified panel layouts and optional medical panic buttons for households that want fewer, clearer options.
🐾

Pet Owners

Pet-immune motion sensors calibrated to ignore animals under a certain weight, cutting down on false alarms.
the walkthrough

Sensor Placement Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

Two homes with the same number of sensors can have very different actual coverage, depending on where those sensors go. Scott walks every property in person before installing anything — accounting for entry points, floor plan, and how the household actually uses the space.

This is also where builder-installed or DIY systems most often fall short: coverage gaps that aren't obvious until something is missed.

🚪

Entry Doors

Every ground-floor entry point, including side and garage doors.
🪟

Ground-Floor Windows

Especially windows hidden from street view.
🏃

Stairwells & Hallways

Motion coverage positioned to catch interior movement without false triggers.
🚗

Garage & Side Access

Often overlooked in generic system layouts.

Get a Free Alarm System Quote

Free on-site consultation, honest pricing, no pressure. Scott walks your property and designs the system around what your home actually needs.

📅 Book Free Consult
775-247-7782
Call or text Scott directly
faq

Common Questions About Alarm Systems

How much does a home alarm system cost in Reno, NV? +

Pricing depends on the number of sensors, whether cameras or smart locks are included, and property size. Installation is typically free on most residential jobs, with monitoring from $40/month through Brinks. See the full pricing breakdown or call 775-247-7782 for a free quote.

What's actually included in a Kiwi Alarms system? +

A typical system includes a touchscreen control panel with cellular and WiFi backup, encrypted door and window sensors, motion detectors, and optional glass-break sensors. Cameras, smart locks, and water/smoke detectors can all be integrated into the same system.

Why do Kiwi Alarms sensors use encryption? +

Standard unencrypted wireless sensors can be defeated with an inexpensive signal-replay device. Encrypted S-Line sensors prevent this by authenticating every signal sent to the panel. Read the full explanation — it's standard on every system Scott installs, not an upsell.

Who monitors my alarm system? +

Brinks Home Security provides 24/7 professional monitoring with dual-path reporting — your panel reports over both cellular and WiFi, so monitoring continues even if one connection drops.

Can I add security cameras to my alarm system? +

Yes. Cameras integrate directly with your alarm panel and Brinks monitoring, so a triggered camera event can be verified and escalated faster than a standalone camera system. See the full camera installation options.

I have a builder-installed smart home system already — do I need a new one? +

Not necessarily. Many new-construction Reno homes come with smart home equipment already installed. In many cases Scott can reprogram that existing equipment to run on Kiwi Alarms and Brinks monitoring instead of a builder's proprietary plan. See the smart home takeover page for details.

Does Kiwi Alarms install alarm systems for businesses? +

Yes. Business alarm systems are designed around your specific layout and hours rather than a generic package. See the business security systems page for details.

Do I need a permit for an alarm system in Reno or Sparks? +

Yes. Both Reno and Sparks require a registered alarm permit. Kiwi Alarms handles this paperwork as part of every installation at no extra charge.

What customers say

Real Reviews From
Real Reno Customers

★★★★★
5.0
Reviews across Google & Yelp
K
Kristen C.
West Sacramento, CA
Yelp
★★★★★

"Scott is super responsive and helpful. I quickly needed an alarm system installed for my insurance and he came out same day and got us all set up. He also offered the best rate we had seen. I'm glad we decided not to go with ADT — their customer service was a nightmare."

March 2026
S
Steve M.
Los Gatos, CA
Yelp
★★★★★

"Scott from Kiwi Alarms is excellent! He installed four solar AI cameras plus the equipment to make them run. We downloaded the app and he showed us the full functionality. The cameras work perfect. Could not be more happy. I recommend giving Scott a call for any alarm and cameras."

March 2026
D
Dolly Hood
Reno, NV
Google
★★★★★

"Scott with Kiwi Alarms was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. He explained everything clearly, gave us a great price, and the install was clean and fast. Highly recommend if you're looking for a reliable security system."

Recent
C
Chris Newman
Reno, NV
Google
★★★★★

"Service was smooth with no gimmicks. Scott is very professional and good at what he does. Very genuine and helpful. Kiwi Alarms hooked it up with new devices and replaced my outdated ones. Price is great too — saving us extra money. Thanks again Scott."

4 months ago
D
Demetrius Ramsey
Reno, NV
Google
★★★★★

"Very professional and customer focused. He set up my system with great attention to detail, took his time to ensure everything was done correctly, and thoroughly explained how the entire system works. Highly recommend!"

5 months ago
C
Chris P.
Buena Park, CA
Yelp
★★★★★

"Scott was amazing from the beginning consultation. He was very thorough when installing our new security system with the camera installation, to the panel especially the z-wave thermostat. Everything was integrated and the clarity from the eufy cameras is super sharp! Highly recommend going with Scott for your home security needs."

April 2025
📅 Book Free Consult 📞 775-247-7782
📅 Book Free Consult 📞 775-247-7782