What is free or zero down security system for you? For me, there is no such thing as free lunch. In terms of alarm system in your house, free means more expensive. You pay more money for maintenance, your total cost of ownership is higher, upgrades come at high price and the level of protection is low.
I will start with the most important - the level of security. Free security systems come with one to two door contacts and one motion detector. Such security system is designed to cover the most common points of entry in an average house. Most common break in points are front door, rear door and main floor windows. The rate of entry through these points constitutes 79%. That is exactly what zero down security systems intend to cover. That means that 21% of homes with "free" security systems stay unprotected. Burglars are smart. They enter where the chance of having a security system coverage is lowest - second floor, garage doors, side doors, basement, etc. That means, with a zero down security system, your house is almost completely unprotected. Here you can find burglary entry point statistics.
What if you want to upgrade your security system to provide you with complete coverage? Complete coverage for me is protecting all points of entry, protecting rooms with the most valuables in and having cellular backup communication. The price of such upgrade with an average $0 down alarm company will be relatively high. Providing you with such upgrade, the alarm company will cover their free security system installation costs. They will also make profit on an installation. Yet, your monthly monitoring rate will stay the same.
The total cost of ownership - the cost of having and maintaining your security system - also comes in expensive with $0 down. When you think of a security system, do you also think about maintenance? One hour of a technician on residential site could cost you $120? Do you also consider that you pay at least 8% interest rate on your "free alarm system"?
According to statistics, the rate of false alarms is almost 50% of all registered alarms. One false alarm with police dispatch costs from $100 to $150. Around 30% of residences will get a false alarm in a given year. To simplify, your total cost of having a free alarm system will equal to: (monitoring rate per month x 36 months) + $150 false alarm charge + $100 technician on site fee.
Now does Alfa Security install "free security systems"? We can but we do not - nobody buys free lunch from us. Are you still interested in a $0 down security system? Consider the following:
• your house stays unprotected for just $25 a month for consecutive 36 months
• your total cost of having free security system will be higher than having a custom designed security system from us
• you pay high 8% to 12% interest on a free security system
If you really want to protect your house, do not buy a "free alarm system". Make a wise investment - protect your home with a custom designed solution from Alfa Security.
See more detailed burglary statistics from an FBI website. Also see tips on enhancing your house security apart from having a security system at home.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Keep Your Home Secure From Burglars
- Why No $0 Down Security System?
- Add security and feel secure, opt for the best, when it concerns your home
- Toronto Emergency Locksmith Services and Canadian National Security
- Toronto Local Locksmith Services – Because Life is Scary as Hell
- Bob is a Dedicated Provider of Toronto Locksmith Services
- Technical Support in Toronto for Setting Up and Troubleshooting Your Pc Problem
- Investing in Toronto Real Estate
Choosing a Trust Worthy Locksmith Service
By: Kathy Breneman | 25/12/2009The common pitfall of most consumers is dealing with service providers that do not render the kind if service that is worth their money. There are some who take advantage over the certain needs of some consumers just to earn money. If you need a locksmith, for instance, you need to make sure that you are going to deal with a trust worthy one.
Motion Detectors, Second Line of Defense
By: Oswald Melman | 25/12/2009For a good home security system to be effective it has be versatile. Too many people are still relying on simple, outdated systems to protect what they treasure most: their families and personal possessions. Alarms are an excellent first step in protecting your home, but they are only one step. No one knows this better than burglars.
The Five Questions to Ask Before Going Live with a Home Security System
By: Oswald Melman | 25/12/2009After much planning and deliberation, you will come to the point where you can decide on the type of home alarm system you want for your house and the other key factors of a security plan. There is never any way to think too long about this issue, as the safety and peace of mind of your family depends on it. However, remember that it’s not all about the alarm or any other device you think ends the discussion. To be sure, sometimes it’s the little things which make all the difference.
Home Security Basics
By: Oswald Melman | 25/12/2009During these insecure times with the overseas conflicts and failing economy, Americans are feeling more vulnerable than ever and this feeling of instability is present even in the places where we supposedly are meant to feel most safe, our homes. The occurrence of break-ins is even on the rise as criminals are more desperate than ever; these days it seems that everyone is feeling the pinch of the tightening budget.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods 2009
By: Bryan J Buckner | 25/12/2009Why list the most dangerous neighborhoods in America rather than just sticking with the traditional city and state breakdown. Well the answer is relatively simple and makes all the sense in the world. Let’s take for example my home town and 2008’s most dangerous city! Even in New Orleans, last years most dangerous city in America, many areas or neighborhoods are very, very safe, while others average multiple murders nightly.
The history of police siren
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009The sirens we hear today have more than two centuries of history behind it. The police siren that we see in emergency vehicles today started as two simple disks that were placed coaxially at an air outlet. Though the basic sound emitting principle is incorporated to a large extent in today's sirens also, most sirens are today electronic ones that can produce a wide variety of sounds.
The colors of cop lights
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009Though modern technology offers plenty of colors for use, police vehicles all over the world use mainly blue and red only. Amber is also used in parked vehicles and also for traffic guidance. In handheld cop lights white is the predominant color though blue and ultraviolet lights are used to examine markings of blood, urine, saliva etc.
Fire lights that help to douse fires
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009Fire is something that can be destructive or benevolent based upon how it works and how it is used. Though the fire lights that firefighters use are not actually fire, we can see in them the benevolent face of fire.
Monitored Alarm System Vs. Insurance Coverage
By: Alfa Security | 10/03/2009 | Home SecurityA monitored alarm system and an insurance policy should work together as one. The goal of alarm system is to prevent or send early alert of an incident. Insurance policies are designed to cover losses that could not be prevented. Combining the two, brings you piece of mind that you deserve.