Which Home Security System Should You Choose? What to Know Before You Buy | By Jordan Frankel

Every home should have a home alarm system. But with so many options on the market, it is important to have a solid understanding of which home security system is best before you buy. Doing your homework beforehand can help you avoid making costly mistakes, such as spending more money than is necessary, or worse—buying a cheap home security system that fails to protect you from intruders.

Not every home alarm system is made the same. While some are designed by home security experts who truly have the safety and security of you and your family in mind, other alarm systems lack the same integrity. The same is true for alarm companies. Some businesses make it their mission to provide their customers with quality products and customer service, while others strive to make a quick buck at the cost of consumers.

Keep On the Lookout for Scams

Though every home security business has its sales goals, an honest company meets those goals by delivering superior home security products and service.

An example of this is evident in various home alarm teasers or giveaways. Some alarm companies offer what seems like a free or very cheap home security system but lacks important features. These deals often require customers to sign a long-term contract that they cannot cancel. The monthly monitoring fee customers pay over that time period often far exceeds the actual cost of the product.

Here’s a look at what the less reputable home security companies won’t tell you about those free or cheap home alarm systems:

• Most free or cheap home security systems have a single siren. For a home alarm system to be effective, it should have at least one indoor and one outdoor siren.

• Most free or cheap alarms only monitor the doors in the home. Because many intruders gain entry through a window, it is important to have an alarm system with motion or glass breakage sensors.

• Basic home security systems don’t come with an LCD monitor or keypad. This prevents residents from knowing which area of their home has been breached.

• Basic home alarm systems don’t have a backup battery. This means the alarm will not work when the power goes out.

• Most free or cheap home alarms lack a cellular dialer. Without this feature, the alarm system cannot notify the monitoring company about a breach if someone disrupts the phone service.

Tips for Selecting a Reputable Home Security Company

Before you invest your hard-earned money into a home security system, it’s important to find a reputable company that has your best interests in mind. This means doing a little leg work ahead of time. The following are some important tips to follow:

• Check the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This is an excellent resource when it comes to customer complaints and legal actions involving the company.

• Research the company and its key players. Find out how long it has been in business and how much experience the founders and managers have. A home security company that has been in business for over a decade and involved with the community is often a reputable company you can trust.

• Be careful when it comes to reviews published on the company’s website. Some companies post fake reviews as a way to make their products and services look better. Online reviews through Yelp and other outside sources are typically more reliable. The same is true for reviews of their home security systems.

• Verify the company’s credentials. If the business claims their technicians are certified, as for a copy. Also, verify that the company holds a valid license.

• Ask questions regarding the home security technicians they employ. What type of training do they have? How much experience do they have? How long have they been working for the company? Does the company perform background checks on them?

• Ask the business if they carry insurance and what type of coverage they provide. Although rare, occasional accidents can occur during the installation of a home alarm system. If an accident damages something of value, ensure you know upfront how their insurance policy will cover it.

Do Your Home Security System Research Before You Buy

A home alarm system is often times only as good as the company that sells it. That’s why finding a reputable home security company to do business with is so important. To ensure you place your trust and money in the right hands, follow the tips above to find a company that puts the safety and security of you and your family first.

Click here for more street-smart security tips by home security expert Jordan Frankel.