I don’t feel at risk in my neighborhood. Do I really need a home security system?

It’s great to feel safe where you live, but that should never take priority over the relevant facts and statistics when it comes to keeping your family safe. Coming in at only number 16 in the list of LA’s safest cities, New Orleans’ property crime stats are damning—it’s more than 25% more prevalent when compared to the rest of Louisiana, and happens almost 80% more often than the U.S.A.’s national average. While you may feel safe, the facts tell a different story, and nobody should take a chance when it comes to protecting their home.

What are the main benefits to DIY systems?

The biggest benefit to a system which you can install on your own is the cost—it’ll often come out to be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a professionally installed system. Other pluses include the fact that DIY systems are easy to install and simple to operate, and the fact that you’ll get to know the system protecting your home inside-out.

Do I need a system with motion sensors?

Motion sensors are one of the more advanced features offered by home security systems, but they offer you a lot of convenience in return for a higher cost. The main plus offered by motion sensors is the ability to scroll quickly through hours of meaningless footage, and skip right to the part where somebody actually made a movement that was picked up by the sensor. This can greatly reduce the amount of time you need to spend in order to keep your home safe, and the technology is reliable, allowing you to rest easy.

How exactly do home security systems work?

Home security systems are made up of two essential parts—the cameras / sensors, and the control panel. The control panel can often be accessed from your mobile phone, and allows you to view the feed from the rest of the equipment whenever you need to. Home security systems run 24/7, so you can always tell what’s going on with your property.

Do I really need a wireless system?

Wireless capability is one of the most hi-tech features home security systems can include, but it comes with a higher price tag. There are considerable benefits, however, such as the fact that burglars can’t cut the wires. Another plus is that most wireless systems run on battery power, which means that they’ll keep your home safe even during a power outage.

I want a home security system, but I’m worried I can’t afford one. How much do they cost?

With the recent explosion in the home security system market, companies have been fighting to offer customers the lowest prices, with the result that the cheapest plans only cost between $15 and $35/month. Those are for straightforward systems, though, and if you need advanced equipment—like motion sensors, infrared cameras, or wireless-capable gear—you can expect to pay another couple hundred a month. That figure will grow even more if the system you settle on needs to be installed professionally.