What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Home Security System

What You Should
Know Before
Purchasing a Home
Security System
By
HomeSecuritySystem411.com

What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Home Security System
Choosing a home security system
can be a daunting decision.
There are more companies
offering systems than ever
before.
Modern systems have a wide
range of features and options
from a basic setup to a complex
system with many sophisticated
extras.

Somebody whose home has been broken
into may be tempted to pick the first
system they find, rather than spending
time learning about the different available
options however, this may not always be
the smart choice.
Do some research before purchasing a system.
The time you spend is likely to help find the right system for
your needs and may possibly save you money at the same time.
Here are some things to look for before purchasing a home
security system.
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Do You Need a Home Security System?
The first step in your research should be to
determine if you actually need a system.
If you’ve just undergone a traumatic home
break-in, your answer to this will be a
resounding yes.
However, for many people who live in rural areas or secure,
quiet neighborhoods, the answer may not be as clear cut.
They may be “on the fence” about making a decision to install a
home security system.
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Also, if the crime rate around
you is low enough, you may
not be sure a home security
system is necessary.
On the other hand, a home
break-in can happen
anywhere and in any
neighborhood.

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All About the Money
There are many low cost systems available however, the cost will
go up as you add features.
Most home security system companies charge an upfront cost for
equipment and installation.
There will be an ongoing monthly fee for the
24 hour monitoring of your home security
system.
In addition, be aware that in some instances
the maintenance may not be provided by the
same company that sold you the equipment.

While it is usually possible to find a
company who will waive the initial
installation costs, this generally requires
signing a contract committing to stay
with the company for an extended
period of time.
This is normally a lease type purchase
and the initial discount is subsidized by
a larger ongoing monthly payment and
may end up costing you more in the
long run.
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Be careful to choose a system that fits your budget both in
terms of the initial payment and monthly fees.
Remember that like a cell phone contract, terminating the
contract may come with steep cancellation fees.


Choose the Security Company Carefully
Companies come and go. It is important to choose a company
that will not vanish soon after you purchase your home security
system.
Find out as much about
the company that you are
considering as you can.
How long have they been around? What is their history?


Find customer reviews online.
It is possible to get a good general
idea of a company’s reputation by
reading what customers have to say
about it.
Does the company have a problem
keeping its promises?
Are their products worth the price?
How is their customer service?
How do they handle complaints?

Make Sure the System Works Well in Your
Area
Most types of home security system will
work over a hard wired phone line.
This is convenient, because most people
have a phone.
This kind of system is more vulnerable to
attack because a burglar can cut the
phone line where it enters the home thus
the security system will be unable to dial
the emergency response number.

If the alert system was properly
installed, it will still sound an audible
alarm and hopefully alert neighbors
and scare the would be burglar off.
As an alternative, there are now home
security system varieties that can
work over a cell network, which is not
so easy to circumvent as long as signal
strength is not a problem.


If having cell network access is
important to you, find a company
that is compatible with the cell
network that works best in your
area and be sure the signal is
strong and you test the system
regularly to ensure signal
strength.


How Many Areas Do You Want
Protected?
Go through your home and
decide which areas you need to
be protected, making sure to
count window and door sensors
and motion detectors.
Often there will be a set number
of sensors included in the
installation price.



Each additional sensor will raise
the cost of your installation, and
possibly your monthly charges as
well.
Choose a home security system
that allows for at least the
number of sensors you need or
be prepared to pay the extra
fees.


What Kind of Monitoring Does the
System Do?
A home security system will no longer
only protect against burglary.
Many may include fire, smoke and
carbon monoxide detectors as well.
These services may involve additional
charges, both for equipment and
monitoring.


How Advanced Do You Want
Your Home Security System To
Be?
Most systems include remote
monitoring of alarms.
Many have two-way audio so
that the monitoring company
can contact you or the invader
via the home security system.


Newer systems have far more
advanced options such as video
cameras or digital locking systems.
You will need to decide which
options will fit your needs.
As with all else, most of this
equipment is not included in the
usual promotional packages and
normally will cost extra.


How Much Control Will You Have Over Your System?
Some home security system models offer you remote access to
your unit. You can arm or disarm, view video cameras and lock or
unlock doors.
Some systems can be accessed over the Internet or by mobile
applications for smartphones, making it possible to adjust settings
from any place at any time.
This would be handy if, for example, you
wanted to allow someone access to water the
plants when you’re on vacation, but don’t
want to give them the code for your system.

What Extra Features Do You Want Added to Your System?
Some companies are taking advantage of the technology in a
home security system to make advances in house automation.
If you can control your door locks online, why not add the
capability to turn on your lights or start the coffee pot?
Small appliance and light automation is
becoming a popular extra feature in home
security packages.
If you want this, make sure the company you
are considering offers it. If not, make sure you
aren’t being charged extra for this feature.

A home security system may have the
ability to page you, not only when
alarms are tripped, but also when the
home security system is armed or
disarmed, for example.
Some systems let you assign special
codes to different individuals. You can
find out when your partner leaves for
work, when the kids arrive home from
school or if you have a cleaning lady
coming over when you are not home.

Some systems can also program a
duress code.
This is meant for a hostage situation,
when a person is forced to disarm the
home security system.
Some systems include a code which
will make it appear that the alarm has
been disarmed, while silently sending
a panic call to the police.


Medical alert features may give peace
of mind to older people or those living
alone.
The medical alert call for help can easily
be activated by a pendant or wristband
being worn by the person.
As with all systems, be sure to test it on
a regular basis to be sure everything is
working as it should.


There is a lot to think about before
purchasing a home security system.
Doing a little planning and research
can make the choices easier and
less overwhelming.
It is a good idea to decide how
much you are willing to spend, then
you can choose the company and
package that best fits both your
budget and your needs.


Thank You

What You Should
Know Before
Purchasing a Home
Security System
By

What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Home Security System

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What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Home Security System