security camera

How Much Should I Pay for Home Security?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    The safety of your family and possessions inside the house is greatly enhanced by installing a security system. Can the cost really be justified? Let's get down to brass tacks and see what it takes for home security costs to become worthwhile.

    Estimating the cost of installing a security system at home can be difficult. How much will this cost me? is a valid question regardless of whether or not the provider lists prices on their website. As a matter of fact, the security business is not exactly known for its openness. Knowing what fees to look for can go a long way towards seeing through the smoke and mirrors of those advertised deals.

    Let's separate the wheat from the chaff to see what you can expect to pay and how the advertised deals work.

    Home security systems can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,500 or more initially. These are one-time, up-front expenses that cover everything from equipment to set-up to activation.

    Investing in security tools is only the first step. In order to keep your home safe, we advise investing in a monitored security system. Typically, a home security monitoring service will cost you around $30 per month ($360 per year). Basic monitoring can cost as little as $9.99 a month ($120 a year), while high-end services can cost as much as $100 a month ($1,200 a year).

    security camera

    Substantial home security costs to consider

    There is nothing more frustrating than opening up your first bill only to discover hidden fees you had no idea about. The excitement you felt when signing up for home security quickly turns into a burning rage that spoils your entire experience. By foreseeing potential expenses, you can avoid a frustrating repeat performance. Learn the difference between these four costs so you can save money.

    Security Systems provides expert home alarm system installation for your residential or commercial infrastructure.

    What you need to know before getting a home security system

    Compatibility

    You can get more out of your home security system if it is compatible with devices and gear made by other manufacturers. If you're currently a renter, you probably don't have any use for anything beyond the most basic package. But what about the day you buy a house and have to move? If your home security system can be expanded with optional accessories, you may not need to replace it as soon as you thought you would.

    Contracts and commitments

    Search for a home security provider that offers no annual or monthly fees. You would rather not have to pay any cancellation fees or penalties in the event that your plans change or you have to relocate.

    Activation Fees

    In the case of an activation fee, you won't find out about it until after you've already committed to the service. Even though it's only a one-time fee, it can still be a financial burden. It's important to note that activation fees are in addition to the installation fee and can be anywhere from zero dollars to one hundred and ninety nine dollars.

    Read the contract, not just the fine print, to find out if there is an activation fee before you sign. Many dissatisfied customers have complained that the company has not lived up to verbal promises that were not included in the contract.

    Installation fees

    There may be an additional cost to have the company's equipment installed in your home. In reality, however, expert installation is not always unnecessary. Technology advancements in the field of home security have made it simple for homeowners to set up their own systems.

    Monitoring costs per month

    If you want your home to be monitored around the clock by a third-party service, expect to pay a monthly fee for the privilege. The price will vary depending on the type of monitoring package and hardware you select when you sign up.

    The costs of monitoring packages are typically presented in a transparent manner by most businesses. However, there are businesses that charge a flat fee for monitoring and then add on to that fee based on the devices you want to keep track of.

    Say your monthly monitoring cost is $42.99; if you also want to have your security cameras monitored, that can add another $15 to your bill. Monitored smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors cost an extra $2 and $6, respectively. That brings the cost of your monthly monitoring to $65.99.

    Before signing, be sure to READ the contract and find out if there are any additional monthly fees for monitoring the equipment you've chosen.

    Check out Security Systems’ range of high-end security access control systems installation for your home or office protection needs.

    Unmonitored Home Security System

    There is no security service keeping an eye on these. They are typically easy-to-install do-it-yourself projects that utilise push notifications sent to a homeowner's smartphone. As there is no supervision, no subscription fee is required.

    The main drawback is that you will have to report any suspicious activity or break-ins to the authorities yourself because they aren't being watched. Even though these systems aren't as effective as a monitored one, they're still preferable to having none at all.

    door

    Is that a deal?

    Home security companies, like any other industry, try to sell their cheapest services to potential customers. We'd like to help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of potential business partnerships. Even if the price is lower at first, you may wind up spending more overall.

    Is it better for you or the company if businesses reduce spending on pricey security equipment? Several methods exist for home security companies to reduce the cost of their systems.

    • Minimum starting costs. The advertised price usually corresponds to the company's cheapest service. Example: They advertise a $19.99 monthly plan as their entry-level offering. However, there is a major caveat to the low price. Copper is a landline-only plan. Landline security systems are easily breached, and as a result, more and more people are forgoing landlines entirely. Isn't the whole point that a cellular monitoring system is more secure than a landline? Mobile monitoring, which can add to the price but is well worth it, should be factored into your pricing structure.
    • Customers who commit to a monthly monitoring plan will see a reduction in their initial investment. People who want to protect their homes but can't afford the high costs of setup, activation, and initial equipment investment will benefit greatly from this. You will be saving money on the one-time payment of the upfront costs thanks to the way they are spread out over the term of the contract, which will result in a slightly higher monthly payment.
    • You advertised home alarm systems that customers could instal themselves. If you set up and instal the system yourself, you can avoid these installation fees and, in most cases, pay a lower monitoring fee, resulting in a lower overall monthly cost.

    What do I get for my money?

    While there is some variety among home security providers, they should all be able to give you some measure of comfort. You can get an itemised list of equipment and service prices by visiting

    Value over cost

    We have been discussing the monetary expense of installing a home security system, but this ignores the fact that there are other considerations that increase the system's worth. It's not uncommon for a marginal increase in price to result in a marked improvement in quality. Considering the cost of a home security system? Here are some things to think about:

    How often it breaks down or how well it functions is a key indicator of how reliable the machinery is. Just how secure do you feel using it? Try to find things like home automation, geofencing, etc.

    Is it fair that you pay so much for so little in terms of sensors and cameras?

    How helpful and friendly are they to their customers? Do you ask them to perform regular maintenance on your system?

    What fancy extras and state-of-the-art features does it offer?

    What if I Want Smart Home Security?

    These days, everyone wants a smart home security system because of the benefits it provides the homeowner. Arming and disarming your alarm panel is a breeze with the help of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee, which are all commonplace in today's smart home security systems. Furthermore, this technology can be used to enable remote door locking and unlocking. Furthermore, the instantaneous alerts sent to smartphones and other smart devices is a major selling point for intelligent home security systems, attracting many families. Because of this, they are always aware of what's going on in their neighbourhood.

    The cost of high-tech home security systems varies widely between providers. How advanced of an integration you want for your smart home will also have a big impact on the final cost. Inquire about pricing from your prefered intelligent home security provider.

    The Takeaway

    If you want to know how much it will cost to have a home security system installed, your best bet is to consult with a professional who specialises in the field. How much you spend depends on factors like the square footage of your home, the type of system you want, and whether you opt for professional or do-it-yourself installation.

    Is professional monitoring worth it?

    The monitoring service is where the real value of your security system lies. While any system, even one that isn't constantly monitored, is better than none at all, we advise going with a monitored system.

    The cost of a monitored security system includes the services of a human being who will respond to any alarms. You expect protection for your home around the clock, but humans simply aren't capable of maintaining that level of vigilance. Regular meetings are something we do. So, we decide to check out a movie. We go to bed and dream. That is to say, we can't keep checking for new alerts all the time.

    The consequences for your home could be catastrophic if you ignored an alert. A monitored system will keep you protected at all times and will contact authorities on your behalf if an alarm is set off. In this way, you can rest easy knowing that your home is being monitored by professionals while you go about your day.

    Other common features

    • If you are in danger and need to send a signal, a "duress code" can be entered into your device. This notifies the central station that you are in urgent need of assistance but are currently out of reach (armed burglary in progress, etc.).
    • Pendants worn around the neck or wrist send signals to a monitoring centre, who then sends an ambulance to the location of the emergency.
    • Guidance: Agents in the monitoring centre have been educated to provide assistance in times of crisis. Only when a sensor goes off will self-monitoring systems send you an alert.
    • You can tailor your emergency response plan to include either notifying the authorities or a predetermined contact person and/or contact information in the event of an emergency.

    Service calls/maintenance fees

    Most companies will charge you between $25 and $50 to come take a look if you don't have a premium monitoring plan or supplemental equipment insurance.

    GSM Chip Monitored Service

    Now, for around $10 to $65 monthly, most monitoring services also provide wireless monitoring over cellular networks via a GSM chip in the central control panel. Costs associated with wireless monitoring are higher than those associated with wired monitoring due to the higher component prices. Over the past few years, cellular systems have rapidly replaced all others. You won't have to go on a frantic hunt for a wall outlet to connect them. However, signal interference and hacking are two dangers they face.

    Other Services and Fees

    This cannot be stressed enough: study the fine print of your agreement. In accordance with accepted advertising practises, the cheapest security plans typically receive priority when reaching out to potential customers. However, the default installation isn't necessarily the best system for your house. You need to think about the extras and upgrades and how much they will add on top of the base model, and how important that extra safety is to you. Costs can quickly add up when you add on extra features and services.

    Taxes and permits

    The cost of the equipment and the monitoring likely includes sales or service taxes levied by your state and possibly others. Check this section of your statement to see the exact tax amount you owe, as it varies by jurisdiction.

    Do I need to pay for an alarm permit?

    Permits to instal an alarm system are like tax rates: they vary widely across jurisdictions. The annual fee for non-residents is $17, but licences are not required. Permits aim to kerb false alarms that waste police and fire department time and money.

    If your security system triggers too many false alarms, you could be liable for fines regardless of whether or not you have a permit. Depending on the city and the number of false alarms in a given year, the fine for each incident can be anywhere from $50 to $500.

    It's possible to spend hundreds of pounds on a home security system, but that investment could end up saving you thousands of dollars in stolen goods and mental anguish. When making such a significant choice about your safety, it's encouraging to know that you have a wide range of affordable options to consider.

    If you invest in the right intelligent tools, you'll be able to safeguard the people and belongings you care about most, giving you peace of mind.

    Searching for a home alarm system in Melbourne? Check out Security Systems’ extensive list of system control services.

    Conclusion

    The monthly fee for a home security monitoring service averages $30. The going rate for premium services is around $100 monthly ($1,200 annually). You may not have to replace your current home security system as soon as you thought you would if it is upgradable with add-on components. The price of the company's equipment may not include the cost of installation. There may be no activation fee charged at all, or the fee may be as much as $199.

    Find out if there is an activation charge by reading the whole contract, not just the fine print. Companies offering home security systems typically present their most affordable plans to potential customers. The most significant disadvantage is that you will be responsible for reporting any suspicious behaviour or break-ins. If you're going to charge more, you might as well charge more for mobile monitoring, which is a worthwhile investment. High-tech home security systems can range greatly in price from one vendor to the next.

    Your smart home's final price tag will also be heavily influenced by the level of integration you desire. Do it yourself installers and professionals in the field should be consulted. When you have a monitored security system, a real person is on call to handle any alerts. When a person wears a pendant around their neck or wrist, the signal is sent to a central station, which then dispatches an ambulance to the victim's location. Most monitoring companies also offer GSM-chip-enabled wireless monitoring over cellular networks.

    You shouldn't assume that your home is safest with the factory-default security setup. When you factor in the cost of additional options and upgrades, the total can rise quickly. Even if you have a licence, you could still be fined if your security system causes too many false alarms.

    Content Summary

    • Estimating the cost of installing a security system at home can be difficult.
    • Investing in security tools is only the first step.
    • In order to keep your home safe, we advise investing in a monitored security system.
    • Search for a home security provider that offers no annual or monthly fees.
    • Read the contract, not just the fine print, to find out if there is an activation fee before you sign.
    • That brings the cost of your monthly monitoring to $65.99.Before signing, be sure to READ the contract and find out if there are any additional monthly fees for monitoring the equipment you've chosen.
    • Is it better for you or the company if businesses reduce spending on pricey security equipment?
    • Several methods exist for home security companies to reduce the cost of their systems.
    • Inquire about pricing from your prefered intelligent home security provider.
    • The TakeawayIf you want to know how much it will cost to have a home security system installed, your best bet is to consult with a professional who specialises in the field.
    • The cost of a monitored security system includes the services of a human being who will respond to any alarms.
    • A monitored system will keep you protected at all times and will contact authorities on your behalf if an alarm is set off.
    • You can tailor your emergency response plan to include either notifying the authorities or a predetermined contact person and/or contact information in the event of an emergency.
    • This cannot be stressed enough: study the fine print of your agreement.
    • Taxes and permitsThe cost of the equipment and the monitoring likely includes sales or service taxes levied by your state and possibly others.
    • Permits to instal an alarm system are like tax rates: they vary widely across jurisdictions.
    • If your security system triggers too many false alarms, you could be liable for fines regardless of whether or not you have a permit.

    FAQs About Home Security

    Home security is both the security hardware in place on a property and personal security practices. Security hardware includes doors, locks, alarm systems, lighting, motion detectors, security camera systems, etc.

    Home security systems work on the simple concept of securing entry points into a home with sensors that communicate with a control panel or command centre installed in a convenient location somewhere in the house.

    Security alarms used in residential, commercial, industrial, and military properties protect against burglary (theft) or property damage and personal protection against intruders. Security alerts in neighbourhoods show a connection with a diminished robbery.

    Every complete home security system package typically includes sensors, control panels, door or window sensors, floodlights, doorbells and cameras. Together, these elements will keep a home as safe as possible.

    While home security systems are sometimes a deterrent for criminals, they're largely a placebo for the homeowner. You may feel safer because you have the little sign in your front yard (which they also charge you for, by the way), but whether or not you're safer may be another matter altogether.

    Scroll to Top