A home security system protects your family, home and valuables from burglars, intruders, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning even when you are away. Most systems consist of a central control panel, and an entryway keypad with numerous sensors 1 and motion detectors 1 installed around the house. If any of the doors or windows are opened while the system is armed, a sensor 1 will send a signal to the control panel, which will sound an alarm. If you have a monitored home security system, it will also simultaneously use your phone line to call an off-site monitoring unit. An employee will then immediately call the house and ask for a password. If no one picks up or the person who picks up is unable to give the correct password, the police will be informed.
According to an FBI crime statistics report, a total of 1,579,527 houses were burgled in the U.S. with the victims suffering over $3.5 billion in property losses. Installing a home security system makes it harder for a burglar to break in and chances are greater that a burglar will bypass a house if it is too tough or requires a greater effort to get past the security measures. If in case a burglar does break in, the alarm may scare him away. Additionally, a home security system may also save you some money on your home insurance premiums.
On an average, you can expect to pay around $99 for activation, $600 for equipment (if bought separately), $35 per month for monitoring (basic monitored system with three-year contract) for a total cost of $735. This would be for standard home security system system that consists of one control unit, two or three door/window sensors 1, one motion detector 1, one video camera, one key fob, and siren.
Home security systems can be monitored or unmonitored. Unmonitored security systems are comparatively inexpensive because homeowners do not have to pay for 24/7 professional monitoring. Moreover, they are easy to install. At the same time, an unmonitored home security system means that you are on your own. If an intruder breaks in and you are not at home, there is no one to call emergency services. You have to hope that someone will hear the alarm and call the police. A self-monitoring security system, which sends a notification to a specified list of people if a sensor 1 is triggered and allows you to monitor your home remotely using a cellphone, is usually considered to be a type of unmonitored home security system.
In the case of monitored home security systems, an alarm will be sounded when a sensor 1 is triggered and the monitoring center will notify emergency services after evaluating the situation. It provides peace of mind about the safety of your family and gives you the added assurance that someone will call the police in case of an emergency. Since a monitored home security system includes the cost of monitoring in addition to the equipment, costs are significantly higher. Monthly fees can range from $15 to $60, depending on what you have signed up for. Some companies offer a discount on the equipment if you sign a three-year contract ($600 to $2,160). The alarm system will work even if you don’t sign up for professional monitoring.
While you can install some monitored systems yourself, others have to be installed by professionals and can cost you anywhere between $99 and $399. Unmonitored systems are mostly DIY, which means you don’t have to pay for professional installation.
While a monitored home security system is definitely more secure than an unmonitored one, you may choose to buy either option depending on how safe you think your neighborhood is and how much you can trust your friends and neighbors to look out for you.
Home security systems can be of two types: wired or wireless. In a fully wireless system, the different sensors 1 installed around the house communicate wirelessly with the control panel, usually via radio frequency and the control panel uses your broadband or is equipped with a cellular uplink, which enables it to communicate with the monitoring station. In a fully wired system, the sensors 1 are connected to the central panel with wires in the walls and floors and the unit communicates with the monitoring station via the landline. Some systems may be a combination of both, for example, the sensors 1 and the control panel communicate wirelessly but use the landline for external communication.
One disadvantage of fully wired systems is that they fail to work if the phone lines are cut. This is why some new models use the landline as their primary mode of connection with a cellular backup. Though hardwired security system components are typically less expensive than wireless system components, they have to be professionally installed, which increases the total cost. If you are planning to install a hardwired system in a finished home, you may also have to do some drywall 2 repair ($60-$90 per hour) after installation.
Another advantage of wireless systems is that they are easy to upgrade. You can buy a new component or add-on in the market and simply swap the existing one. However, some wireless systems can be prone to various types of interference emitted by other devices such as microwaves, baby monitors etc. and structural interference.
Wireless systems are usually easy to install and DIY. The equipment and setup instructions will be mailed to you when you buy a home monitoring package. Wired systems have to be installed by professionals ($99), which adds to the total cost. It will also involve drilling holes or making permanent modifications to your home. Most companies use their own installation staff or sublet it to approved contractors. While you can hire an electrician ($65-$85 per hour) to do the installation, check the company’s policies to know if it will affect the warranty.
If your home is already wired for a security system, you can simply activate it by calling the provider or update the existing technology to switch to a different provider. Wireless systems are more suitable for people living in rental homes or historic homes, where you cannot make any structural modifications. If you live in a remote area with limited cellular network, a hardwired system may be more suitable for your needs. You may also want to explore security systems with home automation options that allow you to control lighting and thermostat 3 remotely or view live video using your smartphone.
Security system | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Protect America | Low initial investment | Three-year contract with high cancellation charges (100% of the remaining amount) |
Sky Link Alarm/Alert System | Easy to install | No professional 24/7 monitoring |
MONI smart security | Wireless system | Long term contracts (three to five years) |
Xfinity Home | Customizable | 2 year contract minimum |
FrontPoint | Offers a 30-day risk-free trial | Default 3-year contract |
Cox Homelife | Customizable packages | Available only in Cox service areas |
Brinks Home Security | Touchcontrol panel | Default package doesn’t have enough sensors 1 for an average-sized house, may have to buy additional sensors 1 separately |
LinkInteractive | Wireless/cellular system | Three-year contract with automatic renewal |
iSmartAlarm | Wireless system | No battery backup |
SimpliSafe Home Security | Low monthly fees | Higher upfront cost |
GetSafe | Easy to install | Monthly charges for self-monitoring |
Abode | Wireless system | 1 year warranty |
Vivint | Wireless system | 3-day cancellation period (30 days for seniors) |
AT&T digital life | Wireless system | Two-year contract |
A basic starter kit for a home security system will consist of a central control panel, 2-3 door/window sensors 1, siren, and a motion detector 1. Depending on your needs, you can buy additional door and window sensors 1 ($15-$60), keyfobs ($25-$50), motion detectors 1 ($30-$50), indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras ($99-$200), smoke/CO detectors 1 ($30-$100), etc. Remember that some providers may require you to switch to a higher plan if you add more components to your security system.
Most wireless systems are easy to install and can be set up by the homeowner in less than an hour. Wired systems require professional installation ($99-$399). Most home security providers sublet the installation to local contractors.
Home security monitoring plans vary widely from provider to provider. Though the industry standard has been a three-year contract for a long time, a few companies have started offering month-to-month and annual plans as of late. Early termination of the contract may require you to pay the balance amount in some cases.
Most starter plans include 24/7 monitoring and protection against home intrusion. Premium packages may include home automation capabilities, live video monitoring, and protection against fire, water leaks, and medical emergencies as well.
While reliable 24/7 monitoring and quick response time are essential features in any security system, some providers also offer other useful services such as duress signals (a secondary code that can be entered on the alarm keypad to notify the monitoring center if you are forced to disarm the system by an attacker), set-up guidance (instructions to set up and activate the security system), panic button 4 ($30 additional, to press in case of emergencies), emergency response plans (some systems use text messaging to verify emergencies before dispatching personnel and avoid false alarms). Some of these features may be included only in the premium packages.
We created this graphic using data from the Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics on Property crime, as well as looking at the FBI’s latest crime results by state. We mapped the two variables, the first being the percentage change in property crime over a five year period, and the second, the latest results on the number of crimes committed relating to property, per 100,000. The data did not consider other forms of crime in the country. Read full article here.
Smart locks ($99-$200) allow keyless door entry and generally use a smartphone app as the virtual “key”. Also, if you integrate a smart lock with a compatible home security system, you can easily set up rules that involve the lock.
Most review websites report Frontpoint as the best home security system with Vivint and LiveWatch Plug & Protect coming a close second.
ADT security system offers various monitoring packages ranging from $36.99 per month to $52.99 per month.
Vivint Smart Home is one of the leading providers of smart home security systems in the U.S.
Comcast security costs range from $24.99 per month to $49.95 per month. All customers also have to pay an installation fee of $99.
Cost to install a home security system varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.