In today’s world, personal security and safety should never be taken for granted. This can be said for when a person is out in public, deep in the woods or even in the comforts of their own home. It is estimated that are over two million burglaries in the United States each year with some occurring while home occupants are away and some occurring while the tenants are home. For peace of mind and the ultimate comfort feeling in safety, more and more homeowners are turning to home security systems to protect themselves and their belongings from burglary.
In the marketplace of home security systems, there is a ranging difference in what is available to consumers. The first con to putting in a home security is the cost of any type of system. Like in other things, you get what you pay for in home security and generally, the higher priced systems offer more than the basic, cheaper models. Here we will outline the different type of systems that are available to consumers and talk about the pros and cons of each of the types of systems.
Types of Home Security Systems
The first, most basic type of alarm system is a local alarm. The term local refers to the fact that the alarm is placed locally in the home, with no outer monitoring from anywhere else outside the home. These types of systems involve alarm sensors that are placed around the windows and doors of the home and often include motion detectors. When the alarm trips on a local alarm, the sensor itself sounds as the alarm as there is no control panel in the home. The local systems are not connected to anything wirelessly or through a landline in the home. The one pro of a local alarm is the cost as they are generally the cheapest available on the market. But, in getting what you pay for, the cons to a local alarm system are the lack of monitoring outside the home. If a potential burglar trips the alarm, the sound goes off in the home and that is it. These type of alarms are also easy to spot and disarm by sleuth burglars.
The next type of security system that is available to consumers is a wired alarm system. Being a very popular option in homes, this type of system utilizes wired sensor, motion sensors and potentially video cameras that link back up to a control panel within the home. When the alarm system is tripped on a wired system, the alarm within the home sounds. These types of systems can include a monitoring company, and if tripped, the monitoring company can make contact with the owner and the police if necessary. The pros of a wired system are that they are much more secure than a local system The owner doesn’t have to worry about changing batteries in the system and they cost less than the wireless options. The major con of a wired system in the home is the installation process involving the wires. Since all parts of the system are connected, the wires often have to run through walls so some skills are required to install or owners frequently have to pay for the installation.
Another type of alarm system for a homeowner is a wireless system, like SimpliSafe. These systems often work very similarly to a wired alarm system with the only difference being the lack of wires connecting the system throughout the home. They work the same as a wired system in that once an alarm is tripped, the alarm triggers throughout the house and if monitoring services are contracted, they place the proper calls. The obvious cons of a wireless system are the cost, as they sit the highest on the price range for home security systems, and the fact that they are run on batteries and the life of each battery needs to be monitored and changed properly for the system to function. The pros of the wireless type system are easy installation and the ability to pack up the system and take it with if the homeowner should move.
Systems for Renters
The wireless systems offer the best value for renters. No drilling or landline required, these systems are the best match for renters who may want to take their home security systme with them when they move. Frontpoint or Simpli safe are the top two brands in this areas as they fit the requirements. Good to note that Simplisafe works with Nest and Frontpoint systems work with Amazon Alexa.
Smart Home Systems
On top of these available home security options, many of today’s consumers are stepping it up a notch and purchasing a smart home system, like the one available from Vivint. Basically, a smart home system allows a homeowner to remotely control many things within their home, including the heating/cooling systems in the home, home video monitoring, controlling door access to the home and monitoring safety items around the house like motion detectors, glass break detectors, flood sensors and small appliance controls. These systems come with a price tag, but ensure the greatest peace of mind for homeowners.
Pricing
Traditional installed home security systems, like ADT or Vivint will put you in a contract depending on where you live which dould be anywhere from 3-5 years. The cost will set you back around $50 a month. Because of the contract, they will provide installationa and the hardware either free or deeply discounted. Systems like SipliSafe are all ala cart, but typically run $200-400 dending on your need and then $15 a month. It is a great discount, but will not provide the level of service as an ADT. There are often coupons or promotions available to get you started.
