Best Home Security

When it comes to protecting your home, there is nothing more than you want than to be sure that all of your money and time isn’t wasted. Shopping for a home security provider can be stressful, there are plenty of companies to choose from and they are all offering basically the same thing. Basically, you’re looking to find the company that will suit your home, lifestyle, and budget the best. To make your life a bit easier, we’re breaking down just how to shop for the best home security system so that you can have a peace of mind when you’re in your home and away from it.

Why should you get a home security system?

To start, let’s go over the top reasons why you need to consider investing in a home security system. Of course, the obvious answer is to protect from break-ins and to keep yourself safe from burglary. But for some people, those simple worries aren’t enough to get them to sign the contract. So why, exactly should you protect your home?

• There are about 2,000,000 home burglaries reported a year and from the looks of it, that isn’t changing anytime soon. More and more American homes are being attacked as the years go by and unfortunately, it doesn’t matter where you live or what type of home you live in. Anywhere, whether house or apartment, gated community or not, is vulnerable to an attack at any time.
• Most burglaries take place when you’re not there. The statistics show that most break-ins happen during the daytime when the inhabitants are at work or school. So, believe it or not, your home becomes a lot more vulnerable once you leave it in the mornings.
• It offers a peace of mind. Even with all of the statistics on burglaries, when you have a home security system, there is always a sense of security in the back of your mind. You know that should the unfortunate happen, your company or your technology will have your back. That could be in the form of an alert to your phone or alerting the authorities.
• 90% of home burglaries are prevented by a visible monitor. This tends to deter them from attacking your home. So, your system is working for you when you’re not there.

What are the different types of home security systems?

Before looking for the best home security company for you, you need to acquaint yourself with all of the different types of systems available. Technology is ever-evolving, and it’s important to know what on the market to make sure you’re getting the best value.

Wired

Wired home security systems refer to those which require a landline connection. So, this means that to install one you’ll need to drill holes to run the cables through the walls or floors. Sounds complicated? It can be, and that’s why knowing which of these systems will be the perfect fit for you is better. Wired systems biggest weakness is requiring the landline connection and rely on electricity. Either way, you can assure that your house will be protected by connection of video cameras and motion sensors.

Wireless

A wireless system essentially does the same thing that a wired system does, but it operates from a battery or cellular connection which doesn’t require hardwiring. This can seem like the better, more modern option, but there are pros and cons to both wired and wireless systems. It is important to ask your home security company the questions about them to know which one would work better for you home.

Alarm System

An alarm system is a basic, sensor-based system that you’re able to arm and disarm when you leave. These systems usually don’t offer any type of high definition video monitoring or home automation features, but they do have sensors that go off if they are triggered. The plus side to alarm systems is not paying a monthly fee to companies, and they tend to be pretty inexpensive. Choose wisely.

What to look for when shopping for a home security system

While it may seem that all of the best home security systems offer the same thing, they are not all created equal. There are a few things you should look for and be aware of when it comes to choosing a company that’s right for you.

What size is your home?

Home security providers typically offer tiered packages. The highest level ones can usually come with more cameras and motion sensors for the home. So if your house a bigger size, it may be a good idea to choose a bundle that comes with more sensors so you don’t have to buy more out of pocket.

Do you want to sign a contract?

Almost all of the big-name companies require you to sign a contract for their services. The minimum length of most contracts is only 1 year long. The cheaper monthly costs come when you sign a 3-year contract. This is something to keep in mind when you’re choosing which to go with. If you have to break the contract for any reason, then most companies make you pay a lump sum of the remainder of the contract. Yikes.

On the other hand, there are some companies that work on a no contract, no monthly cost basis. Instead, you buy all of the equipment up front. If you are wary of signing big contracts for whatever reason, this may be a better option for you.

How much are you willing to pay?

Prices vary when it comes to choosing a company. Some of the more established companies with newer technology may cost more per month, some may have good package deals that average out the cost. In addition to the monthly fees, it is also important to check if the company has these fees:

• Installation fee
• Equipment costs upfront
• Warranty

Whether or not a company has these fees varies, so it’s important to weigh your options.

Do you want to self-install or professionally install?

Before the proliferation of wireless connections, getting home security meant having a technician come to your house to install a complicated system. This could cost money and time. While this method has its benefits and is still an option, there are tons of DIY home security companies out there. DIY home installation isn’t as scary as it looks. Most come with all of the equipment you need, a manual and a customer hotline if anything goes wrong. DIY home installation also avoids those pesky installation fees.

Do you want Home Automation features?

Smart homes are all the rage nowadays. Having control of your home from your mobile device is such a convenient feature to have. Most home security companies offer home automation integration with their control panels and video cameras. You can enjoy arming and disarming your devices from the palm of your hand. You can also view the video footage of your home whenever you want, as well as receive alert text messages to your phone.

So now that you have all of the information, you have just what you need to find out the best home security provider for you. We’ve listed below some of the top home security companies out there and what we think about them.