Is it time to get a home security system? Let’s say there were some burglaries in your neighborhood, or you’ve assessed your home and realized it isn’t as intruder-proof as it should be. Or maybe you just want to make sure your home and your loved ones are safe.
No matter your reason for wanting a home security system, it’s always a good idea to have one. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, there were an estimated 2.2 million burglaries in 2010. Of those burglaries, 60.5 percent involved forcible entry.
You don’t want to be the next victim. But now, you need to decide whether you want to go with a home security company, or learn how to install a home security system yourself.
Not sure which is the best route to take? Read on for some secrets on how to install a home security system, and why it is easier than you may think. We’ll also go over the pluses of doing your own installation, while also letting you know why leaving it to the professionals could be the option for you.
Doing It Yourself
Good news! You don’t have to be a budding Bob Villa in order to figure out how to install a home security system. In fact, there are no holes to drill or major construction to take on, and very few (if any) tools are typically required.
Home security base stations can connect to a landline telephone, but most systems these days are wireless. The sensors and cameras you install will communicate with the base station over your home’s Wi-Fi, or can utilize cell towers in the area.
The main components of a home security system include:
- Base station
- Key pad
- Room motion sensors
- Door and window motion sensors
- Surveillance cameras
The pluses of DIY installation
There are three great reasons to learn how to install a home security system.
- It’s easy. There is minimal work involved in home security system installation. You’ll need to plug in the base station. Most door and window sensors come with a self-adhesive back or magnets for installation. The key pad also has a self-adhesive back. Room sensors? Simply place them in the rooms you don’t use often.
- It’s convenient. With a professional installer, you’ll need to schedule a time for them to come to your house for the set up. Which could mean taking time off work or from your daily activities. If you install the system yourself, you can do it when it’s convenient for you.
- It’s free. The best part of installing your own home security system is that doing so is free. And if you run into any problems, you can always call the company whose products you’re using and ask them to walk you through any hang-ups.
The benefits of a home security company
While doing your own home security system can be a great option, for some people, having a professional home security company take care of the details is more advantageous.
Here are some reasons to go with a professional home security company:
- Peace of mind. Even though DIY installation can be easy, if you leave it to a professional, rest assured, it’ll get done right. An installer will come to your house and set everything up, then program the system and show you how it works.
- Equipment can be cheaper. If you work with a home security company, the equipment may be cheaper than buying it all on your own. Though, you may have to pay installation, activation, and monitoring fees. It all depends on which company you choose.
- Failure is not an option. If any equipment malfunctions, or something goes wrong with the system, a phone call to your home security company can solve the problem. They can talk with you to troubleshoot any problems, or provide you with new equipment. You won’t be left to puzzle through the problem on your own.
No matter which route you take for home security, whether doing it yourself or hiring a home security company, give yourself a pat on the back. Keeping your home and your family safe are of the utmost importance, and you’ve taken the steps to do just that.
Source: FBI.gov
