Home Security Systems - An Insiders Guide to Saving you Money

Monitoring your home security system has never been easier but there are several things you need to consider before committing yourself to a long term monitoring agreement with any alarm company

Alarm companies don’t make the majority of their profit from selling security systems, it comes from accumulating a large base of alarm-monitoring contracts. In fact these monitoring contracts are so profitable that they are frequently bought and sold like mortgage notes.

Tip #1 Ask if they are an authorized alarm dealer or a represent a marketing company.


Marketing companies have learned to flood a market with fantastic offers on security systems with the sole purpose of selling the contracts at a profit. They often use any sub-contractor available, which can lead to poor customer service once the marketing company leaves town. 

Once you find a reputable alarm company ask them to come out to your home and give you a quote. You’ll find that most will quote you a basic security system at a reasonable price. These basic security systems generally include an control panel, keypad, motion detector, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard sign and warning decals.

Tip #2 Make sure the equipment can be monitored by any alarm company not by just the one selling it to you.

If they use proprietary security equipment you could be left in a bind should you become dissatisfied with their service for any reason.  Ademco, DSC,& Caddx are well known manufacturers and can be monitored by any one.

Some companies offer low a low installation charge of $99.00 or will give you a “FREE” security system. Many do so if you put a security sign in your yard for advertising purposes and commit to a long-term alarm-monitoring contract.

Since the installation charge doesn't cover the true cost of the equipment and labor, you are charged a substantial monthly fee to recoup their investment. These “deals” or equipment leases aren't necessarily bad but make it hard to evaluate the true cost to you over time.

The best way to evaluate your contract is to ask the salesman to give you a quote to purchase the security system outright and show the home alarm-monitoring fee separately. Most of the time you are better off buying the alarm system because your monitoring fee will be much less.


For example. Say for $99 your monitoring fee is $35 per month for 3 years
you total cost for monitoring your home alarm is $1359.00 Your fee
will remain $35 per month or even increase.

On the other hand say you pay  $599.00 installation and $20 dollars a month your total cost is $1319. Not only is your overall cost less but from year 3 on your will be saving $180 per year.  This savings would be better spent on upgrading your alarm system to include fire monitoring and added perimeter protection

Tip #3  Don’t pay additional charges for medical or fire monitoring.

It’s ok to pay for the equipment needed but some companies charge $2-$5 extra     for these services.  These options are easily programmed into the alarm system and don’t require any additional effort to monitor.
   
Is A Basic Security System For You?

The answer is probably not. Basic systems only cover your doors and are supplemented by the use of a motion detector. This detector is usually mounted in the main hallway to catch a burglar crossing the center of the home. If they come through a bedroom window and never pass by the motion detector, the alarm system will never sound. Imagine being home at the time this happens. Basic security systems are best used as a deterrent to a break in and to notify the authorities  an alarm condition exist.

Adding perimeter protection such as window contacts or glass break detectors should be high on the list of upgrades. These types of upgrades not only activate the alarm system instantly but also will give you  piece of mind while you are home.


Protect Your Financial Interest Not Just Your Home

Get all quotes in writing and make sure the quote is a binding quote.
At a minimum the following should be included in your contract.

Length of contract and if / how it renews.  Does it renew automatically?
What type of notice do you have to give to terminate the monitoring agreement

Will your fee increase and is there a limit on the increase. If at all possible lock in your monitoring fee for the entire contract otherwise you could see an increase every year.
Don’t be afraid to walk away on this point alone.

Do you own the equipment or is it a lease? A lease means lower initial installation cost but high monitoring fees. 

Warranty:

Most of the alarm equipment comes with it’s own warranty in addition to what is offered by your company. Specify the warranty for each item so that you aren’t charged if it fails.
Also specify how long the warranty on labor is. Expect to pay some labor cost for replacing under warranty items

Service Calls

Alarm technicians are usually well trained to diagnose and fix problems with your security system. Be prepared to pay in the neighborhood of $55 per hour. The fee can seem high when compared to your original installation cost but is not out of line. Think about how much you pay for your car or computer to be worked on.

How long is the response time to service your alarm system.
48 hours is a reasonable time.

Do they provide an installation certificate for your home owner’s insurance
Many insurance companies offer a discount for monitored home security systems.

Don’t Wait Until You Have A Break-In To Get An Alarm System!

You can replace most things but you may never replace your sense of security in your own home.

Information About Home Security

A majority of us that reside in the United States are worried about leaving home while either at work or on vacation.  If the neighborhood is considered to be bad in terms of crime, it may be troublesome going to sleep.  A lot of people live in fear or leaving their kids or an old person at home due to the fact that someone could easily break in to their home and harm them.  Due to this fear, some may even hide weapons in the house.

Each and every one of these fears that people develop stems from incidents that have happened in the past to others.  These days, people are getting more cautious about protecting their loved ones and their homes.  Most use burglar alarms, keep their doors locked at all times, never open their doors to strangers, and keep their windows locked.  When going out of town, they will inform neighbors that they will be away – and then will invest in a home security system.

Does your canine stay in the yard while you go out? You might consider leaving your spare key with your dog. Attach your spare key inside the collar of your dog. This works very well if you have a pet that is not very fond of strangers. You will get the access you need without having to worry about your safety.

Burglars and intruders alike will often keep a watchful eye on any opportunities that present themselves to gain entrance to a home.  Thieves do their research well and look for any entry that they can use to enter the home such as doors, windows, skylights, and chimneys.  They will also pay attention to any surveillance systems as well, and do their homework on how to disable or avoid them.  If a house is well equipped with alarms, cameras, and motion detectors, a burglar may actually think twice before he attempts to ransack a home.

Don't just hide your spare key anywhere. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. A better place to keep your key is inside your outside dog's collar.

What many fail to realize is the fact that burglars are smart people.  They spend a lot of time planning to rob a home, carefully studying and watching.  Although locking your doors and windows will help to an extent, it normally won’t keep a determined burglar out of your home.  If a burglar sets his mind to something and has a plan in mind, simply locking your windows and doors isn’t enough.

Go with your gut when you invite a home security company representative into your house. This is particularly true if you feel uncomfortable with a company you are dealing with. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you're uneasy. The point of that system is to feel safer after all.

If you have sturdy and strong doors and windows on your home, it will take the burglar extra time to break in.  In the process, he can easily get caught due to the high level of noise he will make trying to get into the home.  If you have a lot of valuables in your home, you can always invest in a strong fireproof safe to store them in.  To protect the exterior of your home you should have always have good lighting in your yard.

People who live rurally often don't think about home security. There are differences between large cities and homes located in the countryside. Still, many believe that rural environments are less frequently targeted by burglars.

Alarms are popular to use as well, as most will go off the second a burglar tries to open a window or a door.  They are very popular these days, providing a high level of security for your home.  Alarms and surveillance systems include a variety of detectors, control panels, alarms, and cameras.  Although they may cost you a bit of money – the peace of mind and safety of your family is more than worth the investment.

A wall is a great hiding place. If you need to protect expensive items in your home, put them inside the walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. If you have no unused plates, you can put in a fake one.

No matter what area you may live in, you can always secure your home. To better secure your home and know what equipment you need, you should always try and understand the frame of mind that burglars use. This way, you’ll know what you need to protect your home.  Home security is a common issue these days and for good reason.  With crime steadily on the rise – protecting your home, your family, and your belongings becomes more and more important.