Investing in a home security system can give you peace of mind while you’re away from home or asleep at night. A bonus to getting a home security system is that they serve more than one purpose. They work as crime deterrents to ward off potential intruders, they serve as early warning systems for the home’s residents, and they provide helpful evidence to law enforcement if a crime does occur, so you’re getting a lot of service in exchange for your hard-earned cash.
These days, a variety of security systems are available on the market but choosing the best alarm system for your home isn’t as simple as going with the first option or choosing the cheapest package. From method of installation to equipment, there are many factors to consider when choosing a home security system.
Cost
You need to consider several factors when estimating the cost of a home security system: equipment costs, installation fees, activation fees, and monitoring fees. There will be a wide range of equipment prices between providers and packages. A cheap package might not always be the best deal. Finding the right fit requires balancing your budget and priorities. The activation fee is not included in all equipment costs, and almost all providers charge an installation fee if you get one that needs to be professionally installed. This can be pricey but since it’s usually performed by an experienced security expert who can walk you through the process and install equipment in locations that maximize protection, you may have more peace of mind.
DIY systems aren’t as time and resource heavy. These bundles will usually come pre-programmed, meaning you only need to set them up. You also won’t need to worry about drilling holes in your walls because most DIY security systems also offer equipment with adhesive peel-and-stick technology.
Monitoring
Professional monitoring is offered by some providers, while DIY monitoring is only available by others. A monthly monitoring plan generally comes with several levels of protection—from the basic starter kit to more advanced options like 24/7 professional monitoring, emergency service alerts, and more.
Smart Home Integration
A few home security systems are capable of connecting with third-party smart home devices. Some of which are the Amazon Echo Studio, the Arlo Pro 4, the Google Nest Hub Max, and many more. Home automation adds a level of convenience throughout your house. It lets you fit your routine by customizing controls. For example, you can adjust your thermostat to a specific temperature each morning or arm your system with voice command.
Connection Types
If you choose professional monitoring, you’ll need a connection to the control center by either landline, broadband, or cellular.
With many homes forgoing their home phone,a landline connection may not be an option for you. While this option is the least expensive, it’s also the most vulnerable since someone can easily tamper with your line.
Broadband connection uses your high-speed internet. Unfortunately, your connection is lost if the power goes out. Some providers offer backup batteries to make sure that your system stays functional even if the Wi-Fi cuts out. Cellular systems use built-in chips that send alerts just like your phone, it’s reliable but usually the most expensive.