Regarding guaranteeing your family's and your house's security, a home security system may help. Like any significant expenditure, however, one is naturally focused on the costs before making a purchase. Starting at a couple of hundred dollars for a do-it-yourself system and up to several thousand for a professional installation, home alarm systems are reasonably priced. On average for equipment, installation, and monthly monitoring expenditures, the expenses run from $300 to $1500. Some of the elements comprising the overall project cost are as follows:

Initial Equipment Costs

The main equipment you'll need falls into two categories: 

Alarm – These are the speakers that, when the system is running, produce a loud alerting noise. The brains of the system that manages the other components like sensors, alarm sounds, and system access are controls. Prices lie between $100 and $500. Keypads — Wall-mounted touchpads let a user turn on and off the system. Every keypad comes with expenses ranging from $30 to $150. Sensors and detectors are used to sense hazards or incursions including smoke or carbon monoxide. For one sensor, it may cost as little as $15 or as much as $100. Additional accessories including motion detectors, glass break detectors, and cameras add to the expenses. With a control panel, one keypad, and three to five principal sensors at most, a rudimentary system may be readily deployed. Advanced systems may contain cameras and/or home automation systems, have two or more keypads, and have more than 10 sensors. The starting price rises as the equipment count rises as well.

Installation Costs

If you are moderately do-it-yourself inclined, it is possible to install a rudimentary alarm system in a day. As for more complicated arrangements, it is highly advisable to turn to professional services. Installation costs differ depending on factors such as geographical location and the extent of the work required. Easy to install on your own – Free Difficult installation by a professional security firm – $200-$500 Additional wiring for smart home compatibility or other electrical work may also be an additional cost. They also entail cable and outlet access which may also lead to electrical expenses in the future. It is always advised to get a breakdown of installation costs before getting a quotation so that you know the total amount you will be required to pay when the installation is complete.

Monthly Monitoring Fees

Almost all the security companies we researched require customers to pay a monthly fee for the monitoring of the home alarm system. So that police can investigate you get access to emergency dispatch and alerts if your alarm is triggered while monitoring. The monthly monitoring fees usually range from $15 to $60 per month. The more advanced features offered or faster response time in emergencies, the more monitoring will be every month. Monitoring plans are often compulsory if the equipment is leased or financed through a security firm. Some of the fees that you may be charged include annual fees, and false alarm fees where too many erroneous alarms occur within a year.

Financing Options

Most security companies allow you to lease alarm systems so you can pay in installments. Financing typically means that a person pays nothing or a minimal amount for the device and then is charged over an agreed number of months or years. They will incur higher costs than they would like over the entire period of the loan. Pay attention to all the financing options provided by the company or institution so that you are aware of the actual costs. It is also important to know about buyout options in case you sell your house. Another form of assistance is the provision of grants to enable low-income earners to secure cheap or even free alarm systems.

Cost Influencing Considerations of Home Alarm Systems

Now that you know the main components of costs, here are the key factors that determine overall price: 

Level of Security Desired – If more sensors are required, more cameras, and more components, then the cost will be high but the security will also be high. Monitoring Response Time – There is always a trade-off in regards to the quick response from the dispatch center, which can cost $10+ more per month. System Type – Professionally installed systems are relatively expensive compared to the ones that are installed by homeowners. However, I find that DIY does not have proper instructions from a professional. Home Size - Larger homes require more equipment to ensure that there are adequate security measures at all the entry points. False Alarm Tendencies – Regular false alarms from pets or system faults attract charges from the monitoring firms. Control via Smart Home Hubs/Devices - It is an added service that also allows you to monitor and control your alarm through smart home hubs and devices but it’s a little pricier and offers whole-home integration. Size - When you sign up for a longer term the rates are generally cheaper but if you switch locations you may not be able to use the service. Energy Usage – Wired systems are more costly to implement as compared to wireless systems. Location - Costs are generally higher in regions with high wages or high standards of living.

Ways to Save Money on Home Alarm Systems

While home alarm systems involve a considerable investment, there are ways to reduce the costs: 

  • Select a simple model you can self-install by yourself to save on professional charges.
  • Where possible select wireless components to prevent expensive wiring costs.
  • Purchase equipment as opposed to leasing to eliminate fixed terms and unnecessary charges
  • Compare monitoring plans for the lowest acceptable monthly rate
  • Purchase your home alarm alongside other services such as home insurance to enjoy discounts from a single supplier
  • It is also advisable to collect quotes from different companies to use them as bargaining tools.
  • Preventing false alarms can be done by training pets, tweaking motion sensors, or letting guests know.

Having an alarm system for your home can be of great help in ensuring that your home is secure. However modern technology has ensured that quality equipment and monitoring services can be obtained even at low costs. You should research what is reasonable to be spent based on your needs. And with some wise purchase choices, it’s possible to locate a configuration that meets the family’s security requirements as well as its fiscal capabilities.

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!