Break-ins aren’t limited the wealthy — in fact, data from a 2011 study shows that homes with a median income of $35K or less are the most frequently burglarized. Investing in a home security system that is effective is crucial to keeping your home safe. That’s why the team at Reviews.com conducted a six-week study evaluating the most popular options to determine which ones are worth the investment.
Why Home Security Systems Are Worth It
According to a study conducted by Rutgers University, a good home security system is not only an effective deterrent for burglaries, but can also stop crimes that are in progress before any irreparable damage is done. On top of that, many home insurance providers grant discounts to homeowners that install home security systems, leading to even further savings! There’s also the added benefit of home automation. Worried you left the door open? A home security system can offer you peace of mind by allowing you to lock the house from your phone!
How Reviews.com Found the Best Systems
- Surveyed homeowners with active security systems to understand what they were looking for
- Consulted experts and existing scientific research to understand different types of home security systems
- Evaluated each contender based on specific services and features available
- Collaborated with law enforcement
- Called individual providers and went through the entire quote process
What You Need to Know About Home Security
Anyone living under a roof is a potential target. Homeowners feel like their homes are invincible — and this false sense of security can often lead to reduced safety precautions, and higher susceptibility to break-ins.
When it comes to a home security system, brand reputability is key. Home security is a notoriously unstandardized industry, making the shopping process far from ideal. Unexpected costs (especially for renters), cryptic contractual stipulations, limited transparency, and inconsistent service packages make it hard for shoppers to gauge and compare prices.
There are varying levels of protection. Advertising differs greatly from brand to brand, but when it all boils down, there are four fundamental levels of protection: intrusion, environmental, surveillance, and life safety. Being familiar with these terms will help you understand your needs and expedite the shopping process.
The Bottom Line
Home security systems used to be a luxury but thanks to mobile technology, they’re becoming increasingly affordable and accessible. Investing in a quality home security system is an effective way to prevent break-ins, limit damage, and create peace of mind for your most valuable investment. Not all home security systems are created equal, however, so doing the research and finding a company that has easy-to-start service, competitive pricing, and package bundles that deliver what your home needs is key.
