Do I really need a home security system in my quiet little neighborhood?

If you live in a quiet neighborhood, the kind where you know all your neighbors and feel completely safe walking the streets in the evening, it can be hard to imagine that your home might ever be the target of a crime. However, in Kansas City, the threat is very real. Property crimes in Kansas City are 60% higher than what’s seen as the average for the state of Missouri, and a whopping 92% higher than the national average. The answer to the question of whether you need a home security system is a loud and clear “yes”.

Which type of home security system is the most reliable?

This is one of those questions that you’ll get different answers to once you start asking around. Old school professionals in the home security industry will almost always steer you toward hard-wired systems. However, technology has improved wireless systems tremendously, and they have become the new preferred favorite among the industry and homeowners alike. Wireless systems offer protection in all the areas that hardwired systems are vulnerable, and in that sense keep you and your home much safer. 

Are there other advantages to choosing a wireless home security system?

The advantages of wireless systems, aside from reliability, are many. Wireless systems have automated security capabilities, are easier to install, can move with you, and generally have lower start up costs. When looking at wireless and wired systems side by side, the advantages of a wireless system make them a clear winner. 

I rent an apartment in Kansas City. Can I still consider a security system to protect my home?

Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to feel secure in your environment. Apartment security often leaves something to be desired, making it important to take matters into your own hands. Traditional hard-wired systems aren’t suitable for apartment dwellings due to the invasiveness of the installation. As someone who lives in an apartment, you’ll want to choose a wireless system that can be easily installed on your own, without damaging the walls, flooring, or any other areas of your apartment. Plus, wireless systems are easy to take with you when you move. 

I’d like to learn more about automated home security. What are the basics?

Home automation enables you to control your home security system from a remote, mobile device from practically anywhere in the world. Smart home technology, which lets you control things like lighting, temperature, sprinkler systems, and heating or cooling systems, is becoming more mainstream. It only makes sense that automated home security follow suit. An automated home security system enables you to control your alarm system, including all the surveillance cameras, door and window alarms, smoke detectors, and any other sensors that might be connected to it, from a remote location. 

Do I also need an alarm monitoring services?

There are some home security systems you can purchase that don’t require an alarm monitoring service, but these are basically nothing more than a system that alerts you, or anyone who may be on or near the premises, that something is amiss. If you’re not home to hear or engage your alarm system, it doesn’t do you much good. In this sense, alarm monitoring is what makes the difference between a system that’s just for show, and one that actually protects your home. Alarm monitoring involves working with a company that’s a provider of monitoring services. They’re on call 24/7 to keep an eye on your security and respond immediately should any suspicious activity take place. 

How much should I budget for a new home security system?

Once you start shopping around, you’ll find that home security systems are available in a range of price options. On the low end, you should expect to pay at least $200 for a home security system. This would be for a baseline model without all the bells and whistles. The average system costs somewhere in the $300-$400 range, with more sophisticated systems with additional features costing more. Installation on hardwired systems can cost in the range of $200. You’ll also want to factor in the monthly cost of an alarm monitoring service, which can range from $20-$50 a month.