Did you know that a home in America is burgled every 15 seconds? A sobering statistic to say the least. Further studies conducted by both the FBI and local law enforcement departments across the country found that the best time for break-ins is during the day, when most people are at work and children are at school. Thankfully though, there is a way to protect yourself, your home, and your loved ones from harm; investing in a home security system.
Despite over 90% of homes in the country not having a home security system, make no mistake, it is a critical investment to make. It not only deters thieves and robbers from entering your home but also keeps the neighborhood safe. A recent study found that neighborhoods with densely installed alarm systems have fewer burglary incidents. With multiple home security options available in the market, all claiming to protect your home and your family, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here is a list of things to consider when choosing a home security company.
Factors to Look For When Choosing a Home Security Company
Protection Type
Depending on the crime rate in your area, you have to decide what kind of protection you require. For instance, if you’re concerned about burglary, you’ll need a comprehensive security system that covers all vulnerable points with door sensors, cameras, motion detectors, and glass break sensors. However, suppose you live in a relatively safe neighborhood and require protection only when you’re away. In that case, a fire alarm, a couple of door sensors, and motion detectors may provide enough protection for you.
Professional vs. DIY Installment
If you opt for a professional installation, security companies send experts to your home to take care of equipment installations. You also get the added benefit of their consultation while they work around your security priorities.However, professional installations come at a fee. So if you’re looking to save cost, you can use a DIY system. DIY systems nowadays come with peel-and-stick equipment that can easily attach to your walls, doors, or windows. They’re great for smaller homes requiring basic protection.
Professional vs. Self-Monitoring
The monitoring option is another factor that requires careful consideration. With professional monitoring, your security system is monitored around-the-clock by a dedicated security team. As soon as the alarm is triggered, they contact emergency services such as the fire or police department. If you opt for self-monitoring, you’ll still receive alerts and notifications on your smartphones, but you’ll have to notify the emergency services yourself. You can choose this option if your home is usually occupied and does not require professional monitoring.
Property Size
Usually, the rule of thumb is that the bigger the space, the more equipment is needed to ensure no blind spots persist. Naturally, this added equipment comes at a cost. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that in this business, you get what you pay for. If your home is expansive with lots of valuables inside, then it makes sense to pay to have it safeguarded. On the other hand, if your home is small, or minimal in terms of interiors, then a simple home security system will be more than sufficient.
Smart Home Integration Capable
Home security systems are getting more and more modern by the day. Many security systems now integrate with smart home devices such as your phone, lock, or light system. It enables you to manage your household smartly. For instance, you could remotely lock and unlock your doors or adjust lights from afar. While they may not necessarily have security implications, they sure add convenience to your life.
Contract Commitment
In this industry, there are two kinds of home security companies; local companies that have built their reputation protecting homes and businesses in the region and big, national companies that have multiple branches and locations across the country. In our experience, we’ve seen that the larger firms tend to have contracts that are rigid and have fees that can quickly become unmanageable. Add to this the threat of data breaches, as happened to Ring, and it quickly becomes apparent why local home security companies are increasingly becoming popular.
Before you make a decision, it’s important to have a firm understanding of how much you can afford to pay every month for the service, what your upfront costs are, and if there are any hidden fees associated with the service.