What you Need to Know About Home Security Systems

Choosing the best home security system is a big commitment that should not be underestimated. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2/3 of fire-related deaths in homes occur when there's no working smoke detector on the premises. Below is some information about what security systems can do (and cost!):

Price. Professionally monitored systems come with an equipment and installation cost ($250-$700) and a monthly monitoring fee ($35-$75), plus the cost of adding additional detectors ($150-$250 each). You can save money by purchasing a DIY system for as low as ten dollars and as much as several hundred dollars. While smoke, carbon dioxide, and motion sensors can be bought on your own, they may be installed incorrectly and do not monitor your home 24/7 the way professional systems do. That is, they may alert you that a fire has started, but they won't tell the police and fire department.

Features. Professionally monitored systems all have a control unit with a battery pack, keypad, and siren. You can also choose additional features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, motion detectors, temperature gauges that can detect a broken furnace and freezing pipes, and water sensors that gauge when your basement leaks. Make sure everyone living in the home is present when the installer explains how the system works, including how to arm and disarm the system. Also, be sure to place a sign in your yard advertising your new system--this is a powerful deterrent to burglars.

Construction. You should allow three hours for a professional to install your new security system, unless you are building a new house, in which case the wires can be run through open walls. Another option is to go wirelessly by installing a battery-powered monitoring device in touch with a remote cellular network. However, wireless systems are easier to disable than wired ones.

Benefits. After installation, tell your insurance company about your new alarm system. Some insurance companies, such as Liberty Mutual Insurance,  offer discounts on homeowners insurance for customers with home security systems. Some companies will shave up to 20% off of your yearly premium if you have an electronic alarm system. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a basic security system can pay for itself in three years with an average national premium of $800.

Looking for more? Full home automation complexes can monitor just about everything. In addition to the features listed above, an automation complex can adjust your home's temperature,  turn lights on and off based on room occupancy, and water your plants when soil becomes dry. The elderly can get a wearable "panic button" should the person ever fall or need assistance. These amenities come with a cost: expect to pay around $5,000 more for a complete automation system.

Going out of town? Check out my previous post on how to secure your home while you're away. If you want to be as safe as possible, you could hire a professional house sitter. They charge $15-$50 per visit, and will often look after pets as well. If you don't have a neighbor you can trust to water your plants, bring in the mail, or take out your garbage, a professional house sitter can do these tasks instead. Also, they can act on emergencies. Be cautious when hiring house sitters: ensure they have clean backgrounds, good references, and insurance.

For a list of top home security systems, click here.