Is a home security system absolutely necessary for my situation?

Whether you want around the clock protection or not, it’s important to judge the importance of installing a home security system according to the pertinent statistics—after all, numbers don’t lie.  Minneapolis is only ranked 76 on the list of the safest cities in Minnesota, and the property crime statistics are even more damning. That kind of crime happens 111% more than the state average, and 96% more than the national average, meaning that a home security system is probably a good idea if you live in Minneapolis, MN.

What are some advanced home security system features I should consider?

These days, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of features available for home security systems. However, some are better than others. Among this list are motion sensors (which detect any kind of movement and trigger alarms accordingly), infrared cameras (which are able to detect heat emitted by any given body, and are great for noticing intruders in low-light conditions) and wireless capability, which—given the fact that these systems tend to be battery-powered—can be relied upon to work even in scenarios wen the main source of power has been cut.

Are there any disadvantages to installing the system on my own?

Professional installation is included as standard with many packages, but at a significantly higher price tag. The fact of the matter is that many systems can be installed perfectly well on your own. In most cases, as long as you can use a drill proficiently, there is no disadvantage to installing your own home security system, and you could wind up saving yourself hundreds of dollars in the long run.

Do I really need motion sensors?

Motion sensors are included in some extensive home security system packages, and although they come at a significant cost, they’re definitely worthy of consideration. One of the main benefits motion sensors bring to the table is the fact that they make it easy to cycle through useless footage. Given that their footage is based around perceiving movement, it’s child’s play to jump right to the action, saving you a lot of time in the long run.

How does home automation affect the cost of a home security system?

Home automation is one of the more advanced features currently available in the home security system market. Given that the relevant technology is recent, you can expect to pay a significant amount more for the feature—but that doesn’t mean you should rule it out. Home automation can offer you a wealth of benefits, including the peace of mind granted by never needing to worry about whether the kitchen door is locked. 

I’m worried about the cost of a home security system. Is it too much for me?

Often, the prices of home security systems include advanced features, like motion sensors, infrared cameras, and wireless capabilities, as well as professional installation. All of the above are proven to drive the price of the overall system up by hundreds of dollars each, meaning that it can be difficult to judge the true cost of a system with those included in the features list. In reality, you shouldn’t need to pay much more than around $20/month for a system—although any equipment you get for that price will be pretty basic in comparison to some of the more advanced systems out there.