Should I get a home security system for my home in Raleigh?

Although Raleigh’s crime rate is 9% lower than North Carolina’s and 3% lower than the US average, an estimated 31 incidents of property crime—including theft, vehicle theft, and burglaries—still occur in the city each day. While some people believe that a break-in will never happen to them, there’s always a chance it will. Homeowners in Raleigh can’t afford to relax when it comes to home security, which is why it’s important to protect your home with a reliable security system. 

What are the most critical features of a home security system in Raleigh?

With so many home security systems available in the market, choosing the best one can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. For starters, you’ll want security cameras you can set up inside and outside your home. This will give you a live feed of what’s happening on your property, including people approaching the front and back doors, vehicles parked on the street, and delivery personnel. Next, you’ll want alarm systems that let you know what’s happening at home when you’re not there. This often includes motion sensors, door and window alarms, and smoke alarms.  A monitoring system is just as important. After all, you’ll want the ability to remotely view your security footage on your computer, smartphone, or tablet device. Also, consider paying for alarm monitoring, which will give you a direct line to the authorities in the event of a break-in, a fire, or suspicious activity.

What are the pros and cons of wired and wireless home security systems?

One of the core benefits of hard-wired home security systems is reliability, especially when a large number of cameras and alarms are concerned. Physical connections between these devices also eliminate any issues concerning interference and poor signal quality. However, these systems usually require professional installation for laying down wire through walls, floors, and ceilings. Wireless security systems, on the other hand, are quick and easy to install, and require about as much work as installing multiple Wi-Fi access points in your home. The portability of each camera and alarm also makes the system more flexible in terms of mounting locations. This makes wireless systems ideal for renters who may not be allowed to drill holes inside their apartments for wires. 

What features does an “automated” home security system offer?

As the name suggests, automated home security systems are designed to perform certain functions automatically. For example, door locks can be configured using your smartphone to give you notifications when you forget to lock the front door or close the windows or garage door. Some systems even let you remotely secure doors and windows with the tap of an app button. You can also program your home security system to send you alerts when it detects movement on your porch—great for when you’re expecting a delivery or want to be alerted of suspicious activity. 

What is an alarm monitoring service?

While a visible security system is usually enough to discourage would-be burglars from breaking into your home, it’s always a good idea to anticipate the worst. An alarm monitoring service is the extra layer of security that gives you a direct line to a security service provider, who will immediately be alerted when your system detects a break-in or smoke. Upon receiving the alert, your provider will determine whether the authorities should be called in for your safety.

How much can I expect to spend on a home security system?

The most expensive part of installing a home security system is the initial cost of purchasing your equipment. Depending on your system, this can be anywhere between a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. The more advanced and larger the system, the more expensive it will be. If you’re getting a hard-wired system, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for wiring and professional installation. Monthly alarm monitoring will cost anywhere between $15 and $40 per month.