Up to the point it actually goes off, most homeowners usually do not appreciate their residential security system or burglar alarm. That's the scenario I got from my next door neighbor at four in the morning a week ago this past Friday. The wake-the-dead noise of his home intruder alarm had ripped me from sleep about 30 minutes earlier and after the authorities had left, Johnny - Johnny lives next door to my house - explained to me how grateful he was to have a security system. Although the authorities had not made an arrest, Johnny's home security system did the job, scaring away the burglar just before he had went into the house.
If Johnny's experience is just not enough to convince you that home alarm systems can pay for themselves many times over, you might want to consider the fact that insurance providers will considerably discount insurance fees for a home outfitted with a security system or burglar alarm. My own insurer discounts my home owner's policy by twenty percent because I have a home security system installed and maintained by a nationally certified corporation. The savings go a long way towards paying for the expense of my security system.
Home alarm systems are available a number of variants and can easily detect events ranging from forced entry to smoke, fire and even hazardous levels of carbon monoxide. A basic installation features a keypad, motion detectors and a connection to a security center that sends the police or fire brigade in the event of an alarm. Costs for a basic system usually run around one hundred dollars for set up and after that a monthly monitoring fee that usually ranges between thirty and forty dollars.
It doesn't have to be a chore to choose the very best company to install your home security system. You'll usually have a number of friends and relatives who already have security systems installed and they'll be happy to make a personal recommendation. If you do not have a friend who already has a system, take time to visit the website of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFFA). They'll be happy to supply information regarding home security systems and recommend companies in your area that install home security systems and provide monitoring services.
Based on where you live, your list of vendors will most likely feature such nationally known names as ADT and Brink's Home Security, in addition to many local businesses. Make an attempt to shorten your list to three to five vendors located in your neighborhood. Use criteria like membership in the NBFAA, as well as participation in the industry's Installation Quality (IQ) Certification Program. The IQ program gives consumers a yardstick for identifying alarm companies that are active in quality and false alarm problems.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a company to provide your home security system:
- Has the company been in business long enough to establish a track record that allows you to judge its performance and competency? Longer is better!
- Will it keep track of your home security system's operation twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year? Make certain they're working 24/7/365!
- Does the unit use a back-up power supply so it can safeguard your house even if the power fails? A good company will continue to function, even when the lights go out.
- Does the company have an in-house training curriculum and are personnel well-trained so they have the ability to adequately install, control and support your burglar alarm in the event that repairs are necessary? Be sure the answer to this question is yes!
Finally, have the representative perform a walk-through of your house and thoroughly explain your security needs and options. Be sure you get a written listing of suggestions and a written quote for the price of the security system and tracking services.
Once you've met with the companies on your list, compare and contrast equipment, support and rates. Next, make the phone call and have your burglar alarm set up. And don't forget to cut your premiums by advising your insurer that you're the proud owner of a new home security system.
Is an alarm system worth it? In a word: yes, but this is most likely the case for those of us who put a high value on peace of mind and a good night's sleep. You'll probably never need your home security system, but you'll rest easier if you have it, much like me and my neighbor Johnny.
Johnny's next door neighbor and security system geek has published hundreds of on-line articles during the last five years on subjects as varied as cat nutrition, tonsil stones and natural relief of persistent pain using a tens electrode. Read through more of his material by clicking on the above hyperlinks.
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