- Had the same problem with my 70s ranch.
- Tried sensors everywhere—regretted it fast.
- Now just have them on doors and a couple ground-floor windows that actually open.
- Upgraded locks and added a security bar to the slider.
- Less tech, fewer headaches. Never had an issue upstairs either.
That’s a smart move. I see a lot of folks go all-in with window sensors, and honestly, most of the time it’s overkill—especially on upper floors. Like you said, if the windows don’t open or aren’t easily accessible, it’s just more stuff to maintain. Upgrading locks and reinforcing sliders does more for real security than a dozen sensors ever will. Less tech means fewer false alarms, too... those can drive you nuts. Your setup sounds solid for a ranch-style house.
- Totally agree, especially with this:
Upgrading locks and reinforcing sliders does more for real security than a dozen sensors ever will.
- I used to have sensors on every window—upper floors included. It was a pain keeping batteries fresh and dealing with random beeps.
- Now I just focus on ground-level windows and doors. Feels way more manageable, and honestly, I sleep better not worrying about false alarms at 2am.
- For my older house, better locks made a bigger difference than any tech add-on.
I used to be all-in with window sensors too, but honestly, the constant low-battery alerts drove me nuts. Plus, I noticed all those sensors probably ate more batteries than my old TV remote. Eventually, I just focused on the doors and the two windows a raccoon could realistically reach (don’t ask). Swapping to quality locks and weatherstripping actually cut my drafts and my power bill. Tech is cool, but sometimes a good deadbolt and a tight seal do more for peace of mind... and your wallet.
- Totally agree about the battery hassle—had to swap mine every few months, and it got old fast.
- Focused on main entry points after a while. Windows on the second floor? Not worth it, unless you’ve got a squirrel problem.
- Upgrading to solid-core doors and better locks did more for actual security than any sensor ever did for me.
- Weatherstripping’s underrated. Not just for drafts—keeps out bugs and cuts down on outside noise too.
- Only tech I kept was a single motion sensor in the hallway. Simple, reliable, and zero battery drama.
I hear you on the battery pain—my window sensors always seemed to die at the worst times. I ended up just putting smart sensors on basement and first-floor windows, since those are way more likely entry points. Second floor? Never had an issue, and it saved me a bunch of battery swaps. I do like having the tech for peace of mind, but honestly, a good deadbolt and solid door feel way more important.
I get why you’d skip the second floor. In most houses I work on, the real risk is ground level—basement windows especially if they’re hidden by bushes or out of sight from the street. I usually tell folks: step one, reinforce your doors with a quality deadbolt and strike plate. Step two, focus sensors on basement and first-floor windows, especially the ones that can’t be seen easily. Second floor? Unless you’ve got a weird layout or easy roof access, not worth the hassle or battery changes. That’s what I do in my own place—never had an issue.
Yeah, I’m with you—ground level is where the real action happens. I tried putting sensors on every single window once (got a little carried away during a smart home sale), but honestly, swapping batteries on the upstairs ones was just a pain. Plus, unless you’ve got a trampoline under your second-floor window, it’s not the first place someone’s breaking in. I focus on the basement and main floor now, just like you said. Never had a problem, and my sanity (and wallet) are both happier for it.
Had to laugh at this:
I did the same—got all excited and put sensors everywhere, but after the first round of dead batteries upstairs, I gave up. Now it’s just doors and basement windows for me too. If someone wants to scale my siding to get in a tiny bathroom window, I figure they’ve earned it.unless you’ve got a trampoline under your second-floor window, it’s not the first place someone’s breaking in.
I totally get it. I went all-in at first, thinking more sensors meant more security, but it turned into a battery-changing marathon—especially upstairs where nobody’s getting in anyway. Now I just stick to the main entry points and the basement too. Honestly, I’d rather put that money toward better insulation or sealing up drafts... feels like a better use of tech (and batteries) in my book. If someone’s determined enough to get in through a tiny second-floor window, they’re probably getting in no matter what I do.