1. What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Home Security System
Choosing a home security system can be a daunting decision. There are more companies
offering systems than ever before. Modern systems have a wide range of features and options
from a basic setup to a complex system with many sophisticated extras. Somebody whose
home has been broken into may be tempted to pick the first system they find, rather than
spending time learning about the different available options however, this may not always be
the smart choice. Do some research before purchasing a system. The time you spend is likely
to help find the right system for your needs and may possibly save you money at the same
time. Here are some things to look for before purchasing a home security system.
Do You Need a Home Security System?
The first step in your research should be to determine
if you actually need a system. If you’ve just undergone
a traumatic home break-in, your answer to this will be
a resounding yes. However, for many people who live
in rural areas or secure, quiet neighborhoods, the
answer may not be as clear cut. They may be “on the
fence” about making a decision to install a home
security system. Also, if the crime rate around you is
low enough, you may not be sure a home security
system is necessary. On the other hand, a home
break-in can happen anywhere and in any
neighborhood. Choosing to install a home security
system should be a pro-active approach to protecting your home and your family. Many
people decide to install a home security system after a break-in has occurred. It is really a
personal choice and you need to decide whether your peace of mind is worth the cost of a
home security system.
All About the Money
There are many low cost systems available however, the cost will go up as you add features.
Most home security system companies charge an upfront cost for equipment and installation,.
There will be an ongoing monthly fee for the 24 hour monitoring of your home security
system. In addition, be aware that in some instances the maintenance may not be provided by
the same company that sold you the equipment.
While it is usually possible to find a company who will waive the initial installation costs, this
generally requires signing a contract committing to stay with the company for an extended
period of time. This is normally a lease type purchase and the initial discount is subsidized by a
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2. What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Home Security System
larger ongoing monthly payment and may end up costing you more in the long run. Be careful to
choose a system that fits your budget both in terms of the initial payment and monthly fees.
Remember that like a cell phone contract, terminating the contract may come with steep cancellation
fees.
Choose the Security Company Carefully
Companies come and go. It is important to choose
a company that will not vanish soon after you
purchase your home security system. Find out as
much about the company that you are considering
as you can. How long have they been around?
What is their history?
Find customer reviews online. It is possible to get a
good general idea of a company’s reputation by
reading what customers have to say about it. Does
the company have a problem keeping its promises?
Are their products worth the price? How is their customer service? How do they handle
complaints?
Make Sure the System Works Well in Your Area
Most types of home security system will work over a hard wired phone line. This is convenient,
because most people have a phone. This kind of system is more vulnerable to attack because a
burglar can cut the phone line where it enters the home thus the security system will be
unable to dial the emergency response number. If the alert system was properly installed, it
will still sound an audible alarm and hopefully alert neighbors and scare the would be burglar
off. As an alternative, there are now home security system varieties that can work over a cell
network, which is not so easy to circumvent as long as signal strength is not a problem. If
having cell network access is important to you, find a company that is compatible with the cell
network that works best in your area and be sure the signal is strong and you test the system
regularly to ensure signal strength.
How Many Areas Do You Want Protected?
Go through your home and decide which areas you need to be protected, making sure to
count window and door sensors and motion detectors. Often there will be a set number of
sensors included in the installation price. Each additional sensor will raise the cost of your
installation, and possibly your monthly charges as well. Choose a home security system that
allows for at least the number of sensors you need or be prepared to pay the extra fees.
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3. What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Home Security System
What Kind of Monitoring Does the System Do?
A home security system will no longer only protect against burglary. Many may include fire,
smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well. These services may involve additional charges,
both for equipment and monitoring.
How Advanced Do You Want Your Home Security
System To Be?
Most systems include remote monitoring of alarms.
Many have two-way audio so that the monitoring
company can contact you or the invader via the home
security system. Newer systems have far more
advanced options such as video cameras or digital
locking systems. You will need to decide which options
will fit your needs. As with all else, most of this
equipment is not included in the usual promotional
packages and normally will cost extra.
How Much Control Will You Have Over Your System?
Some home security system models offer you remote access to your unit. You can arm or
disarm, view video cameras and lock or unlock doors. Some systems can be accessed over the
Internet or by mobile applications for smartphones, making it possible to adjust settings from
any place at any time. This would be handy if, for example, you wanted to allow someone
access to water the plants when you’re on vacation, but don’t want to give them the code for
your system.
What Extra Features Do You Want Added to Your System?
Some companies are taking advantage of the technology in a home security system to make
advances in house automation. If you can control your door locks online, why not add the
capability to turn on your lights or start the coffee pot? Small appliance and light automation
is becoming a popular extra feature in home security packages. If you want this, make sure the
company you are considering offers it. If not, make sure you aren’t being charged extra for this
feature.
A home security system may have the ability to page you, not only when alarms are tripped,
but also when the home security system is armed or disarmed, for example. Some systems let
you assign special codes to different individuals. You can find out when your partner leaves for
work, when the kids arrive home from school or if you have a cleaning lady coming over when
you are not home.
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4. What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Home Security System
Some systems can also program a duress code. This is meant for a hostage situation, when a
person is forced to disarm the home security system. Some systems include a code which will
make it appear that the alarm has been disarmed, while silently sending a panic call to the
police.
Medical alert features may give peace of mind to older people or those living alone. The
medical alert call for help can easily be activated by a pendant or wristband being worn by the
person. As with all systems, be sure to test it on a regular basis to be sure everything is
working as it should.
There is a lot to think about before purchasing a home security system. Doing a
little planning and research can make the choices easier and less overwhelming.
It is a good idea to decide how much you are willing to spend, then you can
choose the company and package that best fits both your budget and your
needs.
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