Security Buyers Guide

Do I really need a security system?

Can I afford home security?

Does a free security system really exist?

How do I choose a security company?

What kind of alarm equipment should I look for?

Should I get a hardwired or a wireless security system?

Do I really need a security system?

The hardest thing you may have to overcome is the feeling that you live in a safe neighborhood. What does a safe neighborhood look like? Wouldn't an intruder want to target a "safe" neighborhood?

• Nearly one out of six homes is violated by a burglar.
• Three fourths of all crime is property related.
• In nearly 90% of all burglaries, the burglar gains entry into the house or other building.

There should be no reason that you allow yourself to become a statistic if you don’t want to be one.

Can I afford home security?

Alarm systems aren't just for the wealthy anymore. Ten to twenty years ago residential security systems were owned mostly by well to do professionals who could afford such a luxury.

These days most anyone can afford an alarm system by arming yourself with the knowledge of how to get the best deal and most protection for your money. At the rate crime is accelerating you can't afford not to have a security system, in fact most companies will only charge you for the installation and monitoring and give you the alarm system for free.

Does a free security system really exist?

“YES” there are such things as a free security system on the market these days and they can even be of the highest quality if you know what to ask for.

The largest security firms own their own monitoring stations and are looking for the monitoring revenues as their major source of income. The Corporation will usually run the commercial side of the security business and use “Authorized Dealers” to take care of the residential side of the business.

How do I choose a security company?

First and for most, don't hire the first company that comes along. Like any other purchase, you should shop around and see what a few different companies offer.

Getting quotes through homesecurity-alarmsystems.com ensures you the best pricing and service possible as the companies know they are competing for your business.

There are a few major questions you should yourself about any security company before hiring them.

1. How long have they been in Business? (preferably 3 years+)
2. Do they have appropriate certifications and licensing?
3. Are they insured against possible installation damages?

If the companies have met these main three requirements you have to decide what you personally want in a company. Some people prefer a national powerhouse, while others prefer the local guy around the corner.

Only hire a company you feel good about, after all, they will be your partner in protecting your home and family.

What kind of alarm equipment should I look for?

Although thousands of security companies across the country sell alarms, there are only a handful that manufacture the equipment. You will find that most alarm companies use the same five or six manufacturers. Make sure that your company uses one of the following systems;

Honeywell (Ademco)
GE (ITI)
DSC
Caddx
Napco

The overall concept of these systems is the same, while the cosmetics and minor functions differ. The main decision to be made on equipment is whether your system will be wireless or hardwired.

Should I get a hardwired or a wireless security system?

Whether you are building a home or buying a new one, this should be the first question on your mind. You want to see that your loved ones are protected as well as your valuables. Let’s narrow the field down so that it will not be such a confusing choice to pick the right home alarm security system. Let’s look at the features of a hard-wired system and those of the wireless system.

The hard-wired security system
A hard-wired alarm security system is usually best installed while your house is being built so that all of the necessary cables can be installed ahead of time. Many of the components that are used with this system are much cheaper which makes it an excellent choice for your pocketbook! However, you may be spending more money on maintenance costs down the road.

The wireless security system
The other option that you have for your home alarm security system is the wireless system. It has much to offer, and one of the reasons that it stands out as the best system is that it can be installed if you are building a new home or moving into an older home. Down the road the maintenance costs are rather cheap. You will probably only have to be concerned about maintaining the power sources for those cameras, motion detection devices and microphones that you set up in your home.