The home security market is worth an estimated $72.4 billion right now. It is expected to grow to more than $109 billion by 2030. Clearly, American consumers are investing in home security systems and individual devices. Yet, there are still large numbers of consumers who have not yet made the leap. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you understand how complicated the home security landscape can be.
Have you been thinking about investing in home security? If so, have you found yourself overwhelmed by all the choices? You wouldn’t be the first person to feel that way. Home security used to be fairly simple back in the 1970s and ’80s. It is anything but simple today.
This post is intended to get you pointed in the right direction. To that end, here are the top five things to understand before investing in home security:
1. You Have Installation Options
Whether you purchase individual devices or a whole-home system, someone is going to have to install your equipment. You pretty much have two options: DIY and professional installation.
DIY installation requires a basic understanding of wireless technology, home networks, and the proper placement of security hardware. A lack of knowledge in any of these areas will make successful installation much harder.
Professional installation is offered by companies like Vivint Home Security. Vivint installs everything it sells. They also guarantee that everything is working and they take time to educate the homeowner before leaving.
2. Components Vary by System
Assuming you are going to purchase a prepackaged system, you are going to get some basic components. Exactly what those components are depends on the system you buy. There is plenty of variation among manufacturers.
A typical entry level system includes contact sensors for first floor windows and doors along with at least one video camera and a central hub. You might get lucky and find one with an extra camera or two. Regardless, it’s a good idea to learn the various components of a system before you spend your hard-earned money.
3. System Monitoring
You are left with the same two choices for monitoring: DIY and professional. DIY monitoring involves the system sending alerts to your phone, email, or both whenever an alarm is triggered. It is your responsibility to take things from there. Personnel handles professional monitoring at remote facilities. They take care of alerts on your behalf.
4. Smart Home Integration
You might want to think beyond security to consider smart home integration. Vivint is just one company that combines security and automation in whole-home packages. You could certainly invest in security now and leave home automation until later. But if you already know you will be using both, why not start with a system that supports both?
Combining home security and automation in a single package makes sense. You get more for every dollar spent on a system designed to guarantee all devices are fully integrated.
5. Your Budget
Finally, it’s very important to consider your budget. Why? Because many homeowners have found themselves spending a lot more than intended after not setting a budget and sticking with it.
Understand that home security and smart home devices are not cheap. It is easy to get extremely excited to the point of not paying attention to how much you are spending. Then you can get in way over your head.
Here’s hoping you now have a starting point for investigating home security. If you are planning to buy, take your time and be deliberate. Don’t spend money on something you will end up regretting.