Why should I consider investing in a home security system?

No matter how safe you feel, it’s important to look at the facts – and for residents of Tucson, the facts are unambiguous. Ranked as the 39th safest city in the state of Arizona, property crime is more than double the national average, and 80% higher than the state average. A home security system won’t just protect your family, it’ll allow you to rest easy in the knowledge that you’re doing everything you can to keep your loved ones safe.

I want to get a home security system, but I don’t know where to start. What’s best for me?

Home security systems may initially seem very technical, which is why it’s easy to get overwhelmed when comparing features between models. Each system has various advantages and disadvantages, which is why it’s almost always better to design a custom system that’ll meet your particular needs. In fact, in most instances, custom-built systems are more effective since they provide additional layers of security than a basic, standard system.

How well do home security systems work as crime deterrents?

Numerous studies have found that home security systems work very well when it comes to keeping burglars away. On top of allowing the user to keep watch over their home at all times, Besides giving you the ability to monitor your home at all times, their mere presence can often be enough to dissuade a would-be criminal, because they’ll know that it isn’t worth the risk. 

Do I need a home security system if I live in a condo?

Regardless of whether you live in a condo, an apartment, a townhouse, or a single-family house, you need to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Many home security companies offer systems specifically designed to protect homeowners who live in condominiums, which means you can take safety into your own hands, without needing to rely on your condo association. Nobody ever thinks their place of residence is going to be robbed, and unfortunately, condos are just as easy of a target as a standard house, so a home security system is definitely a good idea.

I’ve heard that wireless alarms can be unreliable. Is this true?

New technology is often met with skepticism, but in the case of wireless alarms, their reliability is beyond doubt. Not only does a wireless system make it impossible for a burglar to cut the wires, which is a favorite technique amongst criminals, they can also be monitored 24/7 through smartphones or other tablets. What’s more, some models run on battery power, which guarantees that they’ll keep working, even in the case of a power outage.

Is DIY installation too technical for a regular person to perform correctly?

Professional installation can be one of the costliest parts of any home security system. Fortunately, installing it yourself can be a walk in the park, as long as you pay attention to detail and take your time. It’s often just a matter of drilling a few holes in your wall for the control panel and cameras, installing the hardware throughout your home, and running the system through a series of tests to ensure it’s all set up correctly. 

How much should I allot to a security system into my overall budget?

The home security market has grown in recent years, which is good news for you, since the more competition there is, the lower average prices become. There are a number of factors that will affect how much a system will cost, including things like if it’s hardwired or wireless, as well as the types of sensors that are included in the package. Basic systems start around $15-20/month, but more sophisticated hardware will increase that price significantly, so be sure to leave room in your budget if you’re interested in the most advanced technology.