Why Invest in a Home Security System?

What to Know About Home Security Systems

There are many reasons people look into getting a security system for their home. They may travel frequently, have guests and visitors often, have children or pets they want to keep an eye on, or have valuable items they want to keep secure. No matter the reason, choosing to install a home security system can give you peace of mind, and can potentially add to the safety of your family, property, and possessions. Homes with professionally monitored security systems are also 60% less likely to be burglarized

Why Invest in a Home Security System

Before beginning the process of selecting a home security system, ask yourself why you want a system and what’s important to you. The following are a few things to consider when investing in a home security system:

24/7 Professional Monitoring

Most home security companies have a monitoring center that looks out for alerts from your security system, 24/7/365. Many families rely on professional monitoring because it simplifies home security and takes the pressure off you to help ensure your home and family stay safe.

Professionally monitored systems can do more than simply deter burglaries or provide smart home products; they can also help you to minimize the number of false alarms. A monitored system ensures that a professional is always between your system and a call to first responders.

When choosing a home security company, the quality of its alarm monitoring center should be a top consideration in your decision-making process. Questions you may want to ask include:

• Is the alarm monitoring center Five Diamond rated by The Monitoring Association® trade group? The Monitoring Association® is the industry’s highest mark of quality.

• Where is the alarm monitoring team located? Are the company’s agents located solely in the United States?

• Does the company have agents monitoring systems 24/7? Does the company stand behind their alarm response times?

Fast Alarm Response Times

When an alarm goes off from your home, every second counts. Having a fast response time is crucial to helping keep you and your home safe and dispatching local authorities if you need assistance.

Award-Winning Customer Service

Home security is one area worth investing in with customer service at the forefront. You want to know the company you selected will have your back when you need technical support or when your alarm is going off.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Home security technology has expanded exponentially over the years, advancing from phone line systems to Wi-Fi and cellular-enabled automation. Much of this technology can be controlled remotely through an app, which can notify you with real-time alerts. In a well-engineered system, individual products can interact with each other. For example, a camera could alert your system to the presence of a person and trigger a smart light to turn on. A sensor could also tell your camera to start recording. The best systems on the market have integration capabilities that combine your smart home automation with your home security system.

Benefits of a Security System

The benefits of having a home security system far outweigh any potential drawbacks. If you’re having second thoughts, consider that a home security system:

Can Potentially Deter and Hinder Criminal Activity

A quality home security system can potentially alert you and your monitoring station to burglars before any major damage is done to your home or possessions. And if you have 24/7 monitoring available, you’ll always have someone on hand to help and potentially dispatch the police if there’s a disturbance or break-in.

The technology you use can also make a difference. Someone who sees a camera outside your home may be less likely to commit criminal activity. And motion or glass break sensors can immediately set off an alarm if someone breaks in. Plus, video-monitored systems record images that can be used to help police identify criminals and can help prosecute them.

Could Save Money on Home Insurance

Because burglaries and break-ins can cost a pretty penny, many home insurance companies will often offer you a discount if you have a security system. All you have to do is show your insurance your Home Alarm Certificate to potentially start saving.

Could Save Money on Utility Bills

Motion sensors and cameras, when combined with smart lights and smart plugs, can reduce your energy usage, thus saving you money on your electric bill.

Provides Peace of Mind

The number one benefit of buying a professionally installed and monitored home security system is the peace of mind it provides. This is often the reason most homeowners make the investment.

A modern security system will allow you to see what’s going on in and around your home while you’re home or away, any time of day or night.

This is especially the case with many modern surveillance systems with video cameras that allow you to see and hear what is going on inside and around your home. Most professionally monitored systems also work even when the power is out, so you’re secure in the case of a natural disaster or other emergency.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Security System

While there are numerous advantages to a home security system, you may be curious about potential downsides. Here are some common negative myths about home security debunked:

It Costs a Lot

For most people, the most significant consideration when it comes to home security systems is the cost. While peace of mind is priceless, the ability to pay for it is not always the highest priority in a budget.

However, most professional home security companies offer reasonable monitoring fees. And while equipment can be expensive, many companies will allow you to pay monthly for your new security products instead of requiring you to pay for all the equipment up front. Some may also offer payment plans and financing options.

I’ll Have to Replace or Repair My Equipment

Damage to your home security equipment can happen, along with general wear and tear over time. Some security companies may offer a warranty program that will cover these events for a monthly fee. Brinks Home™, for example, offers the Brinks Home Plus warranty program, which provides repair, replacement, or credit of covered devices that are deemed inoperable due to normal wear and tear or malfunction. The warranty also provides discounted service appointments in case a technician is needed, saving money in the long run.

It’s an Invasion of Privacy

Some people may choose to forgo a security system because they believe someone is always watching. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Each state has its own laws when it comes to recording with security cameras, along with federal laws. There are also specific instances when it’s legal to record audio, though that also depends on the state.

While you may have concerns about your home security system being hacked, most professional companies encrypt their technology. And if you’re worried about someone seeing your stored video footage, know that if your equipment is professionally encrypted, only you have access to your video and audio feed.

The Brinks Home Difference

At Brinks Home, we believe home security should be simple and comprehensive. We’re here to help take the complexity out of the process by providing you with the best system for your needs.

We pride ourselves in having the best people and leading products in the industry, featuring:

• Professional system design and automation. We believe home security is best when it is monitored by professionals who can take the hassle out of home security.

• A Five Diamond-awarded monitoring center. We continue to invest in our monitoring center to ensure our customers are receiving the utmost care.

• State-of-the-art products to help protect you and your home. Whether you want a simple system to cover the basics or a fully automated home, we have multiple options for you.

Brinks Home has more than 15 years of experience in smart home security solutions. We are a proven leader in smart home technology and security, promoting a hassle-free experience. We’re committed to providing reliable, monitored home security to more than 1 million people across North America. We would be honored to protect your home.

Get started designing your first Brinks Home security system by calling us today.