As careful as we try to be about protecting our safety and the safety of our family, no one can predict when the unexpected may occur right in our very home. One way to help alleviate the threat of unforeseen danger, catastrophe or potential loss may be with a security system. Such a system can alert us of a myriad of threats and protect our safety and that which is dear to us by contacting emergency services to deal with unexpected situations.
Security systems can help protect our homes, belongings and, most importantly, our family’s well-being. There’s little question as to whether there’s a benefit to having a security system; the questions arise when determining what company to choose and which features and services are most beneficial.
The Costs of Security
When choosing a security system, consider that you’re paying for two separate things: The system itself, which includes sensors throughout your home and the monitoring service, which determines what happens when threats to your home occur.
Security systems
Security systems can be hard-wired or wireless. Although they are costlier to install, hard-wired systems are preferable, due to their greater reliability. Because they’re attached to a power source, they can’t malfunction due to a low or dead battery. They’re also not affected by cellular technology, wireless components or other electronic instruments which could cause operational interference. Hard-wired systems can cost $90 – $130 per entry point, which include each door and window. If you’re up to the task, there are security systems you can install yourself, then pay a security company for the monitoring.
Security services
Choosing a company
Who ya gonna call to provide security monitoring services? Contact companies that:
- Are locally owned and operated – Hiring a company that operates where they provide service ensures they have a vested interest in the community’s security and a local reputation to uphold.
- Provide a full array of services – When the company you choose does it all, you won’t have to switch to a new provider should you decide you need or want additional services.
- Provide 24/7 service – Since most burglaries occur during daylight hours (when burglars assume you’re not home) and emergencies can occur regardless of the day or time, 24-hour monitoring is crucial.
- Have been in business many years – This ensures that they’re experienced and have a track record to back it up.
Choosing services
Monitoring of your security system is what gives it “teeth.” Basic monitoring services can cost as little as $20-$50/month, which you may recoup with lowered homeowner’s insurance rates. In addition to intruder monitoring, other services can be added to alert you and officials in the case of fire, breaking glass, carbon monoxide, smoke, water and dangerous temperature fluctuation. Costs for monitoring can add up but it’s very important. For example, an ear-piercing alarm alone may deter an intruder at the time; but without official follow-up to determine what happened, an entry point that may have been breached may not be discovered, providing the burglar future, undetected entry into your home.
Go with a one year contract – that’s long enough to decide how you feel about the equipment, service, convenience, and ease of use. If it proves unsatisfactory, you only have to put up with it for a year before making a change.
Spending money on a security system is a good idea, providing a constant presence that can save your home and its occupants in an emergency. Choose good equipment and monitoring by a reputable company and you’ll be rewarded with extra peace of mind.
What do you think is most important in a security system?
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