Obviously, if you’ve decided to join the legions of homeowners who’ve made the smart decision to invest in a home security system, you want to make sure that you’re getting the most for your money. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve put together a summary of things you need to know before buying a home security system.
One of the first things you’ll need to decide is whether to have a hard-wired or a wireless home security system installed. As with any decision, the place to start is by taking a look at the pros and cons of each:
Hard-Wired Pros
- Hard-wired systems can incorporate more sensors than wireless systems, though most homes are adequately protected with 15-20 sensors.
- Hard-wired systems have been around for a long time, so they’re time-tested.
- Hard-wired systems allow for deeper integration with your home with things like audio/visual equipment, and other home automation devices not yet offered by wireless systems.
- Monthly cost is typically lower than a wireless system.
Hard-Wired Cons
- Installation is more intensive and requires drilling.
- Because it’s more complex, installation of a hard-wired system is more expensive.
Wireless Pros
- Wireless systems are easier and faster to install simply by virtue of the fact that they have no wiring. That makes installation cheaper.
- Wireless systems are easier to upgrade down the road.
- Replaceable batteries and sensors that are easier to replace and longer life span.
- You can take your wireless system with you if you move.
- Wireless means no threat of wire cutting or corrosion.
Wireless Cons
- Wireless systems have distance limitations (usually 500 feet open-air range)
- Some wireless systems have sensor limitations. They’re usually not the best choice for a large home that needs 40-50 sensors.
- You’ll need to monitor the lithium batteries to make sure they’re at full power.
Should You Go With a Cellular or a Land-Line Connection?
Some people don’t have landlines in their homes anymore. If you’re one of them, and you decide a land-line connection is your preference, you’ll obviously have to re-install a landline as your first order of business!
Land-Lines have a more stable connection, but cellular signals are more secure since no wires mean no threat of wires being cut.
Installation
This one’s easy. Whether you decide on a hard-wired or a wireless system, it’s always best to spring for professional installation since you’ll be making a lot of educated “guesses” if you decide to go the DIY route. A professional, for example, will know where best to place sensors to avoid making them vulnerable to the risk of alarms being triggered by the movement of pets inside your home while you’re off at work.
Should Your Supplier be Local or National?
Most local suppliers work as partners with national alarm manufacturers. ProTec Security Systems, for example, partners with Alarm.com, which makes one of the best systems on the market today with guaranteed reliability, even if the power goes out, phone lines and the internet are down, or your panel is smashed. Protec’s 24-hour, on-watch security team guarantees that your home and everything in it is safe and protected around the clock.
Contact us today at Protec Security Systems, serving Greenville, Spartanburg, Greer and Laurens, South Carolina. Or, if you prefer, give us a call at (800)942-3141 and find the perfect solution for your home and your budget!