A Beginners Guide to Home Security
Whether you’ve owned a house for years or the ink is still drying on your first real estate contract, now is the time to install a security system. But with all the options and technology available, it can be hard to decide exactly what is the best alarm system for your home.
Maybe you’re interested in the whole nine yards, with everything from twenty-four-hour security monitoring to remote monitoring with live streaming video. Or maybe you just want a few motion sensors to keep an eye on your windows. Either way, we’ve filled this guide with nine things you probably didn’t know about home security, and why it’s so important to have some sort of alarm system in your home.
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A Security System Can Save You Money on Home Insurance
Many home insurance companies offer a discount if you have a security system. This service allows you to keep an eye on your home via live stream to your phone, tablet, or computer, reducing your risk for property crimes, like theft. It also lets you benefit from twenty-four-hour monitoring from a reputable company.
If a burglar does attempt to break into your house, the authorities can be contacted quickly, and your home can suffer less damage—which insurance companies will appreciate since they have an active interest in your property.
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It Can Also Raise the Value of Your Home
A hard-wired security system will likely stay in the house even if you move, which will boost the value of your home when you sell it. Most buyers would rather pay for a property with a preinstalled system than handle this step later on.
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You Can Monitor Your Children
Do you have school-aged children who spend time home alone after school or on the weekend? The same live stream that allows you to see if anything is happening in your home can also alert you when your children walk through the door. Or you can check in on them to make sure they’re doing their homework instead of watching TV.
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You Can Manage Your House from Your Mobile Device
With home automation apps, you can arm and disarm your security system and cameras, lock or unlock your doors, control your thermostat, and turn your lights off and on—all from your phone or other mobile device. You can also get notifications anytime your door or windows are opened and reminders if you forgot to lock your door.
Burglars are more likely to break into a home if they know the owner is on vacation, so if you can’t hire a house sitter, being able to remotely control the lights is your next best option for deterring thieves.
Remotely controlling your thermostat and lights also increases energy savings and lowers utility bills.
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Modern Motion Sensors Won’t Be Triggered by Most Pets
Motion sensors are a great tool if you have several windows in your house. More advanced sensors can now detect how large a moving object is, so small pets won’t set off a false alarm. You can set the sensors to trigger an alarm at sixty- or eighty-pound weight minimums.
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Alarm Systems Aren’t Just for Deterring Burglars
Alarm systems used to warn homeowners only if their houses were broken into, but now, some companies offer fire, carbon monoxide, and flood monitoring—meaning you can have peace of mind knowing your house is protected from thieves and Mother Nature.
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Security Systems Don’t Just Protect Your House
If you have a parent living with you—or a health concern of your own—a personal emergency response system can work with your security system in the event of an emergency. An inconspicuous, waterproof pendant connects to your existing security system for easy health monitoring.
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You Can Be More Aware of Scammers
Unfortunately, many people try to gain access to your home under the guise of selling a security system. They may also be identity thieves attempting to get your credit card number or other personal information.
Whether you have a security system or not, if you don’t recognize the name of the security company or someone shows up at your door trying to sell you a security system, be aware it may be a scam.
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It’s Not as Expensive as You Might Think
The most popular home security systems will cost you around $27.99–$58.99 per month. According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, houses without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized, so a home security system is a sound investment.
If you also consider how much safer your family and home will be, especially if your house is at a higher risk for a break-in, the protection is easily worth the cost of a dinner out.
Ready to see what options are available for your home? Check out our packages and get a free quote.
