Did you know that several studies indicate that houses without any home security systems are 300% more likely to be broken into? On top of that, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a house in the U.S. is targeted by burglars every 23 seconds.
These are some very alarming facts that highlight the importance of a solid home security system.
Besides deterring burglars from breaking into your house, a home security system also offers invaluable peace of mind.
Fortunately, various home security service providers promise to take extensive security measures to protect your house from all types of threats. However, choosing the right one that doesn’t break your bank, and at the same time, fulfills your security needs, might be difficult for first-timers.
Nonetheless, fret not, because I will share five questions that you must ask yourself before choosing any home security provider. Not only will these questions bring clarity, but also help you choose the company that fits your home security needs.
So, let’s start:
How Well-Reputed is the Service Provider?
A company’s reputation among customers can tell you a lot about its services. Naturally, if a company delivers its promises, then its customers also give it a positive rating.
Now, there are several ways to know how well-reputed a company is. Firstly, you can read their reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews. If you’re a Reddit user, then you can also ask questions in a local subreddit. It’s likely that someone has availed themselves of their services and offered honest feedback.
Other than this, it’s also a good idea to find someone in your circle who has installed a home security system. They might offer valuable insights or highlight important factors about a particular home security provider you’re interested in.
What Equipment Does the Service Provider Offer?
Choosing the right home security equipment is incredibly important. And, needless to say, it can directly influence your house’s security.
Now, most people might not know what type of security equipment is extremely important to safeguard their house. Well, below are some security gadgets you must not compromise on:
- Sensors: Typically include motion, door, window, and glass break sensors
- Cameras: Watch out for night vision, field of view, and resolution for better recording quality
- Alarm System: Must be loud enough to ward off intruders and alert neighbors
- Electric Fence or Wiring: First line of defense to successfully repel burglars and intruders
Having said that, there’s one more thing you must watch out for: internet connection. These gadgets require a reliable internet connection so that you can monitor them remotely via their dedicated app.
Personally, I felt no need to switch to another internet service provider (ISP), since I was already subscribed to Spectrum internet. I knew my security gadgets would consume bandwidth, and to be on the safe side, I upgraded my internet plan by calling the Spectrum customer service.
Anyway, I recommend not compromising on the above-mentioned gadgets as they are essential for smooth home security monitoring.
Does the Service Provider Offer Customizability?
Your home security requirements will likely change with time. You might need to add more security cameras or remove some. Or, you might want to install more motion sensors around your house or opt for a smart lock and video doorbell.
Anyway, it is extremely important to opt for a security provider that lets you customize your home security like you want. Otherwise, upgrading your home security might become a hassle.
It’s because a home security provider might bind you in a contract, potentially for years. And, you might need to pay a hefty fine for terminating that contract prematurely.
So, it’s ideal to opt for a provider that is flexible and lets you customize your home security needs over time.
What is Their Monitoring and Response Time?
Home security providers can offer professional monitoring for a certain fee. Or, they also allow their customers to self-monitor their house’s surroundings. However, in any case, the response time of your home security provider must be as low as possible.
The chances of burglaries or intrusions drop drastically, but it’s still possible that someone might break into your house. And if that happens, you will want to alert the local law enforcement agencies without wasting a second.
So, do watch out for the monitoring and response time of the home security provider you opt for.
Do They Offer a Reliable Customer Support?
Most people often forget that home security equipment are electronic devices. And, just like most electronic devices, they also glitch or malfunction without any warning.
In such cases, where your security gadgets don’t work as intended, a reliable customer support provided by your home security company will come in handy.
They can help you troubleshoot common issues or fix them themselves. Not just this, a responsive customer support might also be invaluable in adverse situations such as break-ins and swiftly provide the necessary details to the law enforcement agencies.
So make sure to research on their support services before you sign up with a home security service providing company.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Do home security companies also offer water leakage, fire, and smoke sensors?
Not all, but most home security providers offer water leakage, fire, and smoke sensors.
Is it important to verify if a home security provider has the required license and accreditation?
Yes, you must verify if a home security provider has the required license and accreditation. Otherwise, it might be illegal to opt for their services.
