Home security is an important part of enjoying your house and ensuring the safety of your family. There are all kinds of different systems and features available on the market, so how can you know what is most vital to the security of your home, loved ones, and possessions? Consider the following guidelines for choosing the best home security system for you.
Possibly the most important consideration for first-time home security users is what type of home you live in, and whether you rent or own – there are all kinds of home alarm systems, for every time of living situation. For apartment or condo renters, perhaps a rented wireless alarm system that hooks up to the phone line and doesn’t require heavy-duty installation (such as drilling and wiring through walls) is the best option. This way you don’t fall into the trap of paying a relocation fee in case your plan doesn’t include that for free, and you won’t incur any charges for damages to your landlord’s walls.
Homeowners, whether residing in a townhouse, condo, or duplex, may want to consider purchasing a hardwired system, and those in detached houses may want to further think about purchasing a hybrid system that can be activated at different portals throughout the house as well as perimeter protection for your property. If you have an older house with thick plaster walls, a wireless system may be your only option, as drilling through the walls will be almost impossible.
Ideally, new home security system users should align with a long-running, reputable company. A home alarm will do what it can to scare off intruders and alert those in the house to danger, but without having quick security dispatch to aid in the situation, your security system is only doing half of the work. Bring up the topic of home security with friends and neighbors to see what their experiences have been.
Think about if you want to have a 24-hour monitoring service that will contact the home phone from a central call center in case the alarm sounds and verify the situation based on a password code. For those living out in the country, with few nearby neighbors, this may be an important feature. Oftentimes the offer of carbon monoxide and fire monitoring is available, as well, which will connect your home fire alarm directly with local fire department dispatchers, who will respond in case of a sounded alarm.
Strong home security plans ought to offer product and service warranties in case of defective equipment or less than adequate service. Another indication of a good company is the offer of helping set up the security system in a new home should you relocate.
Setting up the ideal home security system for your particular living situation is just one way to ensure the protection of your family and home, and becoming familiar with the various types of systems before choosing is essential. Be sure to consult with friends and neighbors that are security system users to find out more about the ins and outs of home security.