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Benefits of a Home Security System

Thursday, January 23rd

Benefits of a Home Security System

If you've been struggling with whether to purchase and install a home security system, your struggle may be because you have not realized all of the benefits it could provide to you and your family.

There are many benefits to installing a home security system in your home. Some of these include:

  • Studies have proven that home security systems deter crime. In studies that track crime statistics as reported by police departments, a steady decrease in crime coincides with the number of registered home security systems. These studies found that not only do home security systems benefit the individual homeowners but that the neighborhoods in which there were more burglar alarms had fewer reported crime incidents than those neighborhoods in which there were fewer installed alarm systems. Home security systems benefitted not only the homeowner but the neighborhood and community as well.
  • While it is not unheard of for burglars to enter a home with a security system installed, usually they take very little because they know it won't be long until the police arrive. However, if a thief knows a home is equipped with an alarm they are more likely to move on to the next home without a security system.
  • Homeowners with home security systems many times receive lower insurance rates. Since homes with security systems are less likely to be robbed, their homeowners are less likely to have to file an insurance claim. Furthermore, home security systems with an added smoke detector can help prevent the entire loss of a home due to fire. This means the insurance claim filed is greatly reduced. Insurance companies recognize these benefits to them and are willing to give discounts to homeowners who have home security systems. Be sure to shop insurance companies to find out which one will provide the best discount. Some may offer a discount which helps offset the cost of installation and monthly monitoring fees.
  • Another benefit is the added value a home security system provides to your home. Having a home security system can be an added amenity to be considered when putting your home on the market.
  • Older individuals, that still enjoy living on their own, benefit from a home security system and the quick response available should an emergency occur and they need help.
  • Also, with a home security system installed in your home, emergency medical help can be accessed with just a press of a button on your system's keypad. Help will be dispatched directly to you without you having to call 911.

Home security systems offer a wide variety of benefits to the homeowner, one of the most gratifying is the peace of mind from knowing one's home, family, and belongings are protected.

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Canadian Home Security FAQ

There are more than 2 million break-ins every year in the United States alone. Home security systems are the most logical way to give yourself the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you, your loved ones and your property are being watched over.
The most important feature is 24/7 monitoring, which most services offer as part of your monthly fees. At a minimum, you'll want to have sensors for all of the exterior doors in your residence.
There are many add-ons that can offer additional security and protection. Your home security system could have smoke and CO2 detectors, flooding sensors, motion detectors, night vision cameras, and much more.
You'll find plans both with and without required service contracts. The tradeoff is usually in the price of the equipment vs. the monthly service fees. (See the next question for more on that.)
That depends. You should expect two costs: equipment and monthly service charges. Some providers of home security systems give you the equipment "for free", as long as you sign a contract (usually 2-5 years). Others have you pay for the equipment upfront as a one-time charge, but their monthly fees tend to be lower. And, with most services, you'll pay more for monthly monitoring if your system has all of the bells and whistles.
One of the most customer-friendly aspects of today's home security systems is DIY installation. While there are still a handful of companies that require you to sit down with a sales rep and then wait for a professional to come and set up your system, the vast majority are designed to be easy and fast for you to install yourself. You'll have ample support via phone or online chat if you need extra guidance during the process.
Yes, most of the time. You'll typically have a 30-day window to use your home security system and decide if it provides the protection and service you need. Terms vary, however: you may get a full refund for all fees paid, or you may only be allowed to break your contract without getting any money back. Be sure to understand the details of any plan you select, before you sign up.
Usually, yes. Because of the do-it-yourself nature of most of today's systems, you can uninstall and move your equipment just as easily as you set it up the first time. You'll just need to update the company with your current address, so that emergency responders have the right location in the event of an alarm.
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