So, you decided to purchase a home security system, congratulations! However, before you begin shopping around, there are a few things that you should decide.
For example, what level of protection do you need? Do you want home automation features or simple motion sensor cameras? Do you choose a self-monitored or professionally monitored system?
If you have a puzzled look on your face right now and need help deciding how to judge which security system is best for your needs, don’t panic. We are here to help.
Our job is to provide you with the right information, so you can easily compare home security companies.
The key to determining which home security system is right for you is learning how to search for the one that fits your particular needs and budget. So, what’s the best way to compare home security companies?
There are three important considerations that you should have in mind before purchasing a home security system: costs, services, and reputation.
Costs
Often the main deterrent for people thinking about getting a home security system is the cost, which usually includes a monthly bill and any initial installation equipment and fees. However, having a home security system is crucial for protecting your home, as the statistics state that, on average, a burglary occurs in the United States every 20.9 seconds.
That being said, several factors will determine the final price of your home security system: equipment, installation/activation, and monitoring. These are all essential features that you should be looking for when you are looking to compare home security systems.
Let’s start with the equipment. First, you will need to decide whether you want a hardwired home security system or a wireless security system, which has a pretty wide price range. The cost difference can range from between $700 to $2000 for hardwired vs. $50 to $2000 for wireless.
Also, if you prefer there are do-it-yourself home security systems available that range from $90 to $1,000. Which one is better? It depends on what you need from a security system.
The basic home security equipment generally comes with a control panel, a few door and window sensors, and motion detectors. The cost of a basic system is around $595.
However, the price increases as you add additional security and home automation features such as live cameras, additional sensors (doors, windows, glass break), and home automation upgrades (thermostat, door locks, garage door).
Security systems that use wired equipment have been around the longest, but wireless security systems are becoming more popular because of the flexibility to install, upgrade, use, and move.
The installation costs of a home security system range from $120 to $700. What homeowners pay for the installation will depend on their home’s layout, the specific system, and the difficulty of the installation process.
Many home security systems require a contract as well, which means that homeowners should factor that into the calculations of their systems final costs. DIY setups are ideal for homeowners on a budget because they can save a bundle on installation charges and subscription fees.
Also, DIY systems are easy to install and are sold as kits that you can configure to your specific needs.
The last decision you want to make when comparing costs for home security systems is the monitoring. Some home security companies offer optional professional monitoring, in which responders track your system for triggered alarms.
For example, Frontpoint offers a choice of 12-months and 36-months monitoring contracts, and ADT only has a 36-month contract. You also have the option to self-monitor and keep an eye on your home via alerts and video feeds on your smartphone.
However, home security systems like SimpliSafe and Scout Alarm require homeowners to pay a monthly fee for smartphone alerts ($10 and $25). The thing is that without those alerts, you’ll have no idea if your alarm goes off, so the companies are pretty much charging you for self-monitoring.
Also, bear in mind that police departments often charge a fee for responding to “false alarm” emergency calls. So, if your alarm system goes off by accident (or malfunction), you might have to pay municipal fees.
Services
Home security systems are evolving at an incredible speed. With new specs almost every day, it can be difficult to wrap your head around all the bells and whistles for the average home security and what they will mean for the costs.
A typical home security system includes a control panel, which is the primary controller of a home’s security system, door and window sensors, motion sensors (exterior and interior), wired or wireless security cameras, a high-decibel siren or alarm, and a yard sign and window sticker.
Most companies offer the four fundamentals levels of protection: intrusion, environmental, surveillance, and safety. Intrusion means that the company sells doors, windows, and glass-break sensors.
Environmental deals with carbon monoxide, fire and flood sensors. Surveillance includes indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras and safety contain life alert and panic buttons.
Today, homeowners can personalize their security system depending on their specific needs. Some people prefer to go with a system that they can monitor themselves while others prefer to pay a subscription fee to have their house surveilled 24/7 by professionals.
Furthermore, the internet of things has made it easier to set up a smart home in which you can control your door locks, lights, thermostats, vacuums, and more. A smart home system connects to your home Wi-Fi network, so you can monitor and control your security devices using your smartphone, app, or tablet.
A basic home automation system usually includes some door and window sensors, a motion detector, and a hub that communicates with these devices using one or more wireless communications protocol such as Z-Wave, Zigbee or a proprietary mesh network.
Homeowners can add extra motion sensors for their doors and windows to provide coverage for their entire home and build a comprehensive system that includes indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras, smoke detectors, water sensors, and more.
Reputation
Besides pricing, services, and equipment, homeowner’s must assess the company’s given reputation. A company’s reputation is made up of what others think and feel about the particular business, based on their experience, what they’ve heard, and the facts they’ve gathered.
What you’re looking for in a home security system is the sense of security that your home and family will be safe, even though you aren’t home. A good provider will show interest in providing you with a solution that fits your needs, won’t hit you with hidden costs or fees, and won’t pressure you into spending beyond your budget.
Simply put, the best home security company should be able to give you peace of mind.
The majority of home security companies recommend or require you to call when ordering your service. The company’s sales representative should be someone who listens, pays attention to detail, and provide excellent customer support both during and after the purchasing process.
When comparing home security companies, it’s important the company offers no-stress, no-hassle, honest service and that it has a long history of excellent customer service.
For more information regarding a company’s reputation, we recommend looking at organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) that focus on rating companies based on customer reviews.
Conclusion
Home security systems are effective for deterring, detecting and even catching home invaders in the act. One study conducted by Rutgers University found that nearly 60% of convicted burglars report staying away from choosing houses with surveillance equipment, and another 40% reported that the presence of surveillance equipment made them choose another target instead.
However, as stated above, there are many features to review before committing to a wired or wireless security system. Be sure to do your research to see which system best suits your needs and remember to ask every question that comes to mind, making sure that the companies that you are considering have the system that best fits your needs.
Also, don’t forget to check out our list of the top home security systems of 2018.