Whether it is because you live alone, because several burglaries have taken place recently in your neighborhood, or because you have some valuable assets, if you are considering installing a home alarm system, there are certain factors to consider.
Rent or Buy?
You can either buy or lease an alarm system and also opt for a lease with option to purchase (you pay a certain sum each month, and then became the owner of the system). These options have their advantages and disadvantages.
In regard to price, if you want to keep it only for a short time, then rent is cheaper buying. But if you wish to keep the system a few years, it is cheaper to buy.
Costs
A wireless base fitted with magnetic contacts on doors three (including the garage) and two motion sensors costs about $700 (installation included). The maintenance and liaison with the central station cost about $20 per month.
It takes $50 more per additional contact and $75 to $100 more for a motion detector or glass break which will add up to $2000. With such a system, maintenance and liaison with the central station can, in turn, cost up to $30 per month.
Note: hybrid systems and wireless cost 20 to 25% more to buy.
You Prefer to Opt for the Rental?
Virtually every company has its own unique formula. For example, the installation of the same basic system could result in a bill of about $225. As for the maintenance and liaison with the monitoring station, they could represent an expenditure of about $30 per month, if the lease is 60 months (slightly more if the lease is shorter).
Note: the rent is not recommended in the case of very sophisticated and very expensive.
To choose
You do not know exactly what you will get or what are the alternatives? Businesses with alarm systems that you request will send you an advisor, taking into account your tolerance for intrusion; you can try to determine which system is best for you. Each time, listen to what offers are, but also ask questions. And do not forget what your real needs are.
You have chosen a Company?
Before signing anything, make sure it has not been the subject of complaints. The company should hold a contractor’s license and should be a member of the Association of the alarm and security (CANASA) or other similar body (depending on your country). Members must abide by a code of ethics and participate in a program to reduce false alarms. Finally, find out about warranties and service available to you.
Do not forget that it is important to have an alarm system installed by specialists and connected to a central station giving excellent service. Only under these conditions can we be sure that it will work in a timely manner while remaining silent at other times. Thus, guaranteeing your safety.
Additions and False Alarms
Here are some additions one can make to guard one’s house against possible theft:
- A smoke detector – for a quick response in case of fire.
- A carbon monoxide detector – for homes heated with natural gas, equipped with a gas fireplace, or with attached garages.
- A low temperature sensor – helps prevent pipes gels.
- Service “TELEGARD” – to see at a distance when each person enters and leaves the house.
- A service of remote programming.
False alarms are expensive. Each year, the police move thousands of times for false alarms. Often, 95% of alarm calls are unfounded.
To counter this phenomenon, many municipalities impose fines. It first gives a warning call, and then imposes fines ranging from $62.73 to $125.48 between the second and the fourth call. After the fourth false alarm, the police do not intervene for a period of one year.