Have you wondered if a home security system would be a good investment? Perhaps you already have a home security system but are wondering, is it in need of an upgrade? There are many reasons why homeowners install or upgrade a security system in their home and plenty of options to choose from.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking to upgrade your current system, we’ll equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision.
Q: What are some reasons for having a monitored security system?
A: Jared Wright, owner of Rosie on the House certified Harmony Security, sees three key reasons why people rely on a security system as a layer of safety.
Property awareness: Homeowners want to know when someone is on their property who should not be there. Having a security system allows people to protect their homes from burglaries and alert the police if need be.
Fire and smoke detectors: Early detection of fire or smoke is the best way to ensure a quick escape from a fire. A monitored system alerts the homeowner and the authorities quickly. Note: some home insurance policies require monitored fire and smoke detectors.
Businesses: Because most businesses are empty a portion of each day and house expensive goods or equipment, businesses prefer a monitored system.
Other protection to consider:
Medical alert systems: Many elderly people live alone. These systems can discreetly monitor activity. One way they do this is by putting an alarm under the pad of a favorite chair. If the chair has not been occupied for a set amount of time, a call from the security company is triggered. Wellness cams are another option.
Video surveillance: Security cameras mounted outside the house are a significant layer of security. The video from Wi-Fi cameras is stored on the internet.
Harmony Security offers a camera that stores the videos captured on a drive in your home, not in the cloud, for an added layer of cybersecurity.
Q: Do security apps for smartphones make managing security easier?
A: Most security systems now come with apps for smartphone/tablet users. This is very convenient as people who sync their system with those apps can further personalize their system.
Security apps allow you to:
Monitor deliveries
Set codes and review times for service workers
Track coming and going of children
Change settings and monitor from afar
Q: What are some real-time examples of why homeowners are wanting security systems?
A: Wright sees a difference in homeowners’ perceived needs regarding a home automation system. In the past, a security system was a nice feature for a home. Some homeowners now see it as a need due to many factors, including population growth and increased crime rates. Recently, articles have identified an international theft ring that has targeted high-end homes during dinner time, allowing them to break in while people are out to eat. One concerning fact is that these criminals are clever and know how to jam internet service, effectively disabling Wi-Fi-based security systems. These events make a security system a valuable service for the homeowner.
Q: Are there new purchase options?
A: Historically, security companies own the equipment for the system, and the homeowner is renting it. When the relationship ends, the equipment is returned to the company.
Through Harmony Security, homeowners can now own their security equipment for a monthly fee. When the relationship ends, the customer will keep the equipment.
This way of purchasing a system is a popular choice since it gives homeowners more options. If you are considering upgrading your system or getting a new one, consider the advantages of cellular vs. Wi-Fi connectivity and the layered protection that a monitored system brings.
