There are many reasons why you may be in the market for a home security system right now. Maybe it’s a new family member or a new home in a new neighborhood. Maybe your existing system isn’t as secure as you would like it to be or you’ve just been thinking about getting one. Whatever the reason, there are a lot of options to choose from and with numerous advancements in the home security field, you may be wondering where to start. I’ll break down some key points to consider while making this important decision:

Where to Start When Considering a Home Security System

There are thousands of home security options, from big national brands with multiple monitoring centers to DIY systems you can watch from your smart device. Professional service providers can offer you a no-hassle install, upkeep, and monitoring situation. But all of that comes with a cost.

If budget is a concern or you prefer the DIY approach, consider a self-monitored system that puts the control in your hands. From installation to responding to alarms, it’s all up to you. But first a few questions to consider:

  1. What am I protecting?
  2. How big is my home?
  3. What is my family’s routine?
  4. What is my budget?

The answers will help you decide what kind of features you want, along with the best way to install and how big of a system you need.

Security System Features

First and foremost, what is it that you hope your home security system will do for your home? Do you want a nanny cam for the little ones or monitors to catch leaky pipes? Security systems do more than keep intruders out of your home. They can communicate with your kids when they’re home alone or even tell you when a package arrives! There are three main types of home security systems available in today’s market:

Smart Home Automation adjusts to your family’s schedule and preferences. Home automation can keep lights on while you’re out of town or let the dog walker in while you’re out of the house.

Home Security Equipment refers to traditional home security devices, like burglar alarms, glass break detectors, and outdoor cameras. These items are helpful if your concern is intrusion, theft, or vandalism.

Environmental Monitoring Systems—smoke alarms, pipe freeze and leak detectors fall into this category. Families with older homes may especially want to include these items in their home security system.

Should I Self-Monitor My Home Security?

A self monitoring system can be a great option for the tech savvy, budget-conscious household. Saving money by avoiding or significantly reducing the monthly fee is a big bonus if you are trying to keep costs down. You can also avoid extra charges and potential stress by leaving out a monitoring company.

Consider the ability to assess a situation yourself before you call in emergency crews. If your dog triggers the alarm or your kids come home early, you can simply turn it off and avoid the false alarm penalty that may come along with those situations. Self-monitored systems could also be considered a bonus if you plan to move shortly—you can save yourself on another install fee by installing it in your new home yourself. 

While it seems like a self-monitored system is great for saving the budget, there are of course some limitations to consider.  How will your system respond in a power outage or how will you monitor your system if you’re traveling in a dead zone where you lose cell coverage for any length of time. Consider too, the lack of tech support if you’re having issues with your equipment. 

Having a Home Security System Installed Professionally

Families need a home security system that complements their unique needs, including the consideration of the physical layout of your home, frequent power outages, and your lifestyle. It might be that when you’re away from home, you don’t want to have to worry about your alarm system and whether it’s functioning properly.

Consider that you’re on a family vacation and your alarm goes off. Will there be a company monitoring your home for you that will take care of alerting emergency responders or will that be left up to you?  

If the idea of worry-free installation, maintenance, and response is sounding better and better, consider Liberty Security YXE. They are locally-based in Saskatoon and offer 24/7 monitoring, not only for break and enters, but also offer flood and water, fire, carbon monoxide, and extreme temperatures, too! Their mission is to provide high-quality services to their clients, going above and beyond to cater to each project’s specific needs. They promise open communication and exceptional service, and I can say, from my experience, that they  really get the job done!

Posted by Kent Braaten on

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