Security of homes is a real issue for many people, which is logical due to increased levels of criminal activity in some regions. Today, there is a vast array of home alarm systems with the promise of safety through alarms, sensors, cameras, and others. However, are such systems in reality, necessary and justified to be invested in? When opting for it, certain considerations should be taken into account.
How do They work?
Home alarm systems are aimed to identify the presence of an intruder and sound tones which will discourage the intruder and inform the security forces as well as homeowners. Systems may be in the form of doors and windows contacts, motion sensors, cameras, control panels, alarms, and lights. Intrusion is detected by the sensors and upon sensing an intruder, it sends a signal to the control panel, and the alarm is set. Most systems also send a signal to a monitoring center that can inform the police. Some systems even enable homeowners to monitor activity via their smartphones whenever they are away from the house. Additional formalities include smoke and fire alarms, video surveillance, home automation, and other similar features.
Benefits Homeowners Can Expect
Several key benefits make home alarm systems worth considering for many homeowners:
Discourages potential burglars – Criminals are usually discouraged from choosing homes with alarms due to security signs and the sounds of alarms. Research has revealed that homes without such systems are 200-300 percent more vulnerable to attack.
Quick intervention – This means that a monitored system can notify a central monitoring center of intrusions, which in turn alerts the authorities within minutes. This minimizes the risks associated with theft and vandalism since the equipment can be easily taken away and destroyed.
Offers homeowners protection – This gives the homeowner a sense of security knowing that their home and their property are safe. Other benefits include video camera monitoring, smartphones that can access feeds remotely, and real-time alarms that provide an extra measure of assurance.
Can lower the insurance costs - Home insurance providers may offer policy rebates to homeowners with professionally supervised burglar alarms since they help to minimize losses. While the general monitoring rates may be a little high, the reduced rates might help cover some of the monthly fees incurred in monitoring.
Drawbacks to Consider
On the other hand, home security systems do come with some downsides to factor into the value determination: On the other hand, home security systems do come with some downsides to factor into the value determination:
The total cost for the installation of basic systems is $200 while the cost of advanced systems with full-home coverage, wireless capability, cameras, and automation is over $1,000. Additional charges such as installation and activation costs from security companies range from several hundred dollars on average.
Monthly monitoring fees – The professionally monitored systems come with additional monthly costs of monitoring, which are usually between $15 and over $100 depending on the level and type of monitoring. Long-term costs stack up.
It also has the possibility of false alarms – this is seen when the sensors have a mechanical problem or through the homeowner’s error, they trigger the alarm, and in this case, it attracts many fees in most regions after several violations.
Protection is not absolute – It is always possible for smart criminals to work their way through some of the best home security systems. And no system is designed not to allow break-ins while others just discourage and help detect intrusion.
Making the Value Determination
Deciding whether the offered home security system is worth the money involves identifying the benefits and drawbacks that may be relevant to your house and your family to the greatest extent. Key questions homeowners should consider include: Key questions homeowners should consider include:
What type of neighborhood is most likely to have break-ins? Is the crime rate increasing within this area? Families in houses that are at a greater risk for break-ins should gain the most from increased safety measures.
How much will it cost me to get an alarm system?
Select equipment and monitoring options that can be supported over the long term and are within the organization’s budget.
Can I qualify for insurance discounts for system monitoring? Contact your provider for details.
Am I the type of person to frequently travel and leave my home unattended and unprotected? The above chart shows that the more often the alarm systems are used the more their value is.
How much customization is ideal?
Select home security systems that have features such as smartphone compatibility that will address other aspects of one’s lifestyle besides protection from intruders.
This way, the focus is on the priorities and cost implications that surround the choice of the system to guarantee maximum value. And, when functionality is reassessed against emerging requirements, homeowners can refine systems periodically. When installed with the right choice at the beginning and optimum rebalancing from time to time, home alarm systems offer much security.
Conclusion
A home security system is a major investment that is needed to safeguard the lives of people who live in a particular home. However, the increased safety, less chance of loss, insurance savings, and other benefits make the burglar alarm systems a worthwhile investment for homeowners who are looking for ways to boost the protection of their families and properties – especially those who are most vulnerable to attacks. However, identifying the right balance of capability and value is not easy as it calls for an assessment of need, feature, and cost. But when chosen wisely, home alarm systems can without doubt justify their existence.
Protect your home today with ADT’s top-rated security solutions!
Call now at +1 877-470-7879 to get a free consultation and find out how you can secure your home with the best in the business. Don’t wait—ensure your peace of mind with ADT!
