Are home security companies worth your money? Home security has become more important than ever since the economy started to decline in the middle of the last decade. More homeowners are now securing their home with alarms and home security systems. While these security measures may seem pricey and intrusive, there are several reasons why home security is important to homeowners.
Most home security companies charge between $100 and $200 for a basic alarm system and up to $10 a month for professional monitoring. However, most security companies do not make you purchase all of the equipment upfront, which could total up to a few thousand dollars or more. Instead, your initial cost for installing an alarm system is usually included in your monthly fee.
Home security companies can install the basics of a home security system such as motion detection and glass break detectors. They do not, however, offer expert installation unless you want them to. Some home security companies offer free installation, while others charge a minimal fee. In some cases, professional installation is required.
Since many home security companies offer free professional installation, they may also provide monthly monitoring for free. This is a great way to begin securing your home without having to invest in expensive equipment. The monthly monitoring service is usually broken up into two options: hardwired or wireless. Both work very well, but hardwired is more affordable than wireless. Wireless systems offer more flexibility and can be installed by anyone. Therefore, there is no need to hire an alarm system professional to install a wireless home security system.
Many companies sell home security systems that are available in standard packages or custom bundles. Custom packages offer several advantages over standard packages. First, they have more options. Some packages monitor for temperature, water, smoke, carbon monoxide, and so on, while others only offer protection from doors and windows.
One of the most common features found in many home security systems is smoke detectors. Motion sensors are another popular feature. Motion sensors are used to detect movement and provide notification to the home security company of potential intrusion. Many companies now sell combination systems that combine motion sensors with heat detectors.
Some home security companies include both smoke detectors and motion sensors in their overall cost of protection. They use this as an opportunity to make their monitoring service more affordable home security system. However, be aware that smoke detectors require regular servicing and maintenance. If you are not skilled enough to service and maintain the devices, then purchasing a system with monthly monitoring fees may not be in your best interest.
A long-term contract with a home security provider is another factor to consider when shopping for affordable home security. Long-term contracts generally offer better discounts and long-term technical support for your home security system. When selecting a long-term contract, inquire about installation, maintenance, and monthly monitoring options. Be sure to inquire about the number of months up to which your fees are set to accrue. Some companies may require a longer term commitment for a specific price.
When shopping for security companies, ask about home monitoring options, as well as other services such as access control, emergency dispatch, and electronic caller identification (ECI). Ask if the provider offers any of these services, as it makes a difference what services are offered. Often adt equipment is included free with a new or established contract. Be sure to inquire about any upgrades or possible future upgrades to adt equipment. Some providers will offer you a month to month service contract, where you pay a certain amount of money each month for specific services. This is a less expensive way to go than purchasing your own equipment, but be certain to check into all charges before signing on the dotted line.
A third important factor to keep in mind when shopping for a home security provider is whether the company offers money-back guarantees. Some adt equipment providers offer a ninety-day money-back guarantee on most home security devices. While this sounds like a great deal–it is not! If the company cannot provide proof that they can actually repair or replace your adt equipment (most likely after the warranty expires), it’s just not worth it.
Lastly, be on the lookout for home security systems that offer extra benefits. Most providers of home security systems today offer some type of alarm notification, such as an audible siren or email or text message alert. Some also include items like smoke and fire detectors, panic buttons, remote control panels, or carbon monoxide detectors. The more options a home security system has, the more likely it is to protect your valuables from harm. But always remember that extra items like cameras and monitoring units are just as crucial to protecting your home as the motion sensors, cameras, or other devices mentioned above.
Landline monitoring involves the use of a landline telephone. Cell phone usage within the home is not covered by a home security provider. The reasons for this are many. For example, if a homeowner uses their cell phone to call a security provider, the security provider will deem the call a residential call rather than a professional emergency. Landline monitoring, therefore, is a must when it comes to protecting your belongings over the phone.
