Choosing Between Monitored and Unmonitored Home Security

You have decided to install a home security system, and have found one that meets your needs. You still have another choice to make. Once the decision to invest in a home security system has been made you have to decide whether you want a monitored or unmonitored system. While each system type has advantages and disadvantages the amount that is available to spend on the system will have to taken into consideration as well.

A monitored home security system isn’t necessarily more expensive than an unmonitored system. A professional installer should be used to put the system in your home regardless of the one chosen to ensure that it is done both correctly, and safely. Improper installation of your security system will cause it to be virtually useless to you when it comes to protecting your home. You also want to be sure that you are aware of what steps the security company will take in the event the alarm goes off, and what your responsibilities are as a homeowner in the event of a false alarm.

Burglars are aware of the type of alarm they have tripped as soon as it goes off. When the alarm just needs deactivation they can usually do this in a matter of seconds, but if the alarm triggers an entire system that causes someone to respond they will generally leave. When alarms are deactivated people assume the situation has been resolved leaving burglars free to continue robbing your home.

Unmonitored home security systems don’t notify the authorities that are qualified to deal with these situations. Instead your neighbors could be the ones to respond. This simply puts their lives in danger. You also have to be on good terms with the neighbors if you want them to call the police when they hear your alarm going off.

Monitored home security systems however send a signal to the security company themselves. The companies then take the action that was specified in the agreement for service that was entered into. Homeowners must take steps to show that the alarm sounding was a false alarm to prevent action from being taken. You must take action immediately to indicate that a false alarm has been sounded; some companies will charge you for coming out when the alarm sounds so you want to make sure there is a reason for them to send someone to your home. The alarm company treats situations where no false alarm has been indicated as an emergency. They will then take the appropriate action in the situation.

With a monitored home security system on your home you don’t have to worry about whether or not your neighbors will be home in the event that you alarm goes off when you aren’t home.

Burglars are aware of the difference in a monitored or unmonitored home security system; they will react accordingly. The situation is still under a burglars control when the security system isn’t monitored but is out of their control when the system is monitored. Having a monitored security system will give your home additional protection when you are away from it.