You have a beautiful family and a home that you’ve worked hard for. It’s time to make sure your loved ones and your property and assets are safe.
There are a multiple home security systems in the market with diverse options and features. Choosing a home security system that best fits your lifestyle and budget can therefore be a challenge. Having said that, there are actually only five things to consider before narrowing down on a home security system to buy.
What to Look for in a Home Security System: Wireless or Hardwired?
- Hardwired: As technology advances, more and more systems are moving away from being hardwired. When a system is hardwired, it typically uses an analog phone line to support the connection. However, analog phone lines are no longer being used. You wouldn’t want to make an investment in a home security system that could be obsolete in five years.
- Wireless means using the internet or having a cellular backup. This is also the most reliable method to consider when contemplating how to choose a security system. Having a cellular backup safeguards your system ensuring that it won’t go down in the event of a power outage. On that same note, be sure that your system has a battery backup in case of power outages.
How to Choose a Security System: Self-Monitoring or Central Monitoring?
- Self-Monitoring: You’re probably asking yourself, what does Self-Monitoring or Central Monitoring even mean, and how does this affect how to choose a security system? When choosing a system that offers Self-Monitoring, YOU are in control. This means, if there is an attempted break-in, or the house is on fire, you receive a text or an email, and it is your decision to call the authorities or to ignore it a false alarm.
- Central Monitoring means that there is a dedicated team of people working all shifts of the day and night whose main function is to respond to your alarm. This is often the most popular option when choosing a home security system since this takes the pressure off you to have the sole responsibility of making sure the police or fire departments are notified in the event of an emergency. What happens if you have the self-monitoring feature, and you don’t see the text in time? We all lead busy lifestyles; wouldn’t it be nice to not have to worry about the safety of your home while you’re at work or on vacation?
How to Buy a Home Security System: What Impacts the Price?
- The Price Factor
The next question is something an informed consumer needs to know when making the decision to buy something important. What is the bottom line? What are the things that impact the Price When Choosing a Home Security System?
There are many different things that will impact the cost. If you go the DIY route, installation and monitoring will be free since it is up to you to do both. If central monitoring is the option that you want, there will be a monthly subscription cost, which typically comes in around $30 to $50 per month.
The cost to have your system installed does vary depending on the company and type of setup, but on average, it looks to be around $600-$1200. There are other factors that impact the price, like the level of technology being used. Features like home automation and live video streaming come in a higher tier package and will generally, be more expensive. But if you are tech savvy and enjoy being able to turn lights on and off as well as locking or unlocking the doors of your house remotely, this could very well be the best option for you.
When it comes to Your Home, choosing a Home Security System is not easy
Nevertheless, now the decision may not seem so overwhelming. You have a grasp on what to look for in terms of connectivity. You know that being hard-wired will soon be an extinct technology which will leave your entire system obsolete. You realize that you can save some money if you do your own installation and choose to self-monitor the system. You understand what to look for in a home security system as far as the price is concerned. So, go ahead and get your home security system. If you need further help in the process, give us a call.