What are the reasons I should invest in a home security system?

Your home should be your safe haven away from the world, and many of us tend to take the comfort and security of our homes for granted. If you live in Jacksonville, FL, you probably feel more than comfortable in your surroundings and might not think twice about becoming the victim of a crime. Unfortunately, the numbers tell a different story. The rate of crime in Jacksonville is 42% higher than the average for the state of Florida. The reasons you should invest in a home security system are many, and they all start with the fact that 31,551 property crimes were reported in just one year in Jacksonville. 

I rent my home in Jacksonville, is a home security system an option for me?

There’s a misconception that home security systems aren’t suitable for rental homes. It’s true that you’re not going to want to install a wired system into a property you don’t own, both because it’s an investment that you can’t take with you, and it’s hard to find a property owner who would agree to the installation. However, renters do have the option of installing a wireless system for their homes. Wireless systems don’t require an invasive installation, they’re reliable, and they can move with you in the future. 

What features are most important when considering a home security system?

The answer to this depends on your home security needs. If you live in an apartment, and just want the peace of mind that a home security system provides, you’re going to need less than someone who lives in larger property with multiple entrance points. In most cases, the best home security system is one that’s custom designed based on your needs. Top features that matter the most to a majority of home security system owners include things like high quality indoor and outdoor cameras, window and door alarm monitoring, doorbell monitoring, environmental alarms, and automated security capabilities. 

How important is automated home security for my protection?

Automated home security is extremely important if you spend a great deal of time away from home, or have outsiders coming and going from your home during the day. If you have caretakers or service people in your home, automated security can provide you with extra assurance that your home and belongings are well protected. Automated home security is also important if you spend a great deal of time in your home. 

With an automated system, you can receive notifications of what’s going on outside or inside your home while you’re in bed or in a remote part of the house. Automated systems can be managed from anywhere, allowing you to retreat to the safest spot possible in the event of a home intrusion. 

Do I also need alarm monitoring?

Your home security system is only as good as your ability to monitor and respond to it. Chances are you spend a decent segment of your day with your attention devoted to more important things. You might not be able to stop what you’re doing to tend to your security system alerts, but an alarm monitoring service can. An alarm monitoring service is there to provide assistance 24/7 and catch any issues at the earliest possible point. 

How long will it take to install my home security system?

A wireless system doesn’t take very long at all to install. Depending on the complexity of the system, you should plan on about an hour to read through the instructions, install the system and familiarize yourself with its functions. If you’ve opted for a wired system, plan on it taking several hours for the professional installation team to do their job. 

Is home security expensive in Jacksonville, FL?

The initial cost and installation of a home security system in Jacksonville, Florida will be about $500 at the low end, and can cost several hundred dollars more for more extensive systems. Choosing a wireless system can significantly reduce these costs because professional installation will be optional. In Jacksonville, the monthly fees for monitoring services average between $30-$50 but can be more or less depending on the service provider you choose.