If you are wondering if installing a security camera system in your home is worth the investment, the answer is yes. Studies conducted on the effect of the presence of a home security showed that 60 percent of burglars would indeed be deterred by an alarm system when choosing a potential home to target. Out of 127.59 million households in the United States, only 36 million have security systems. That is slightly less than 30 percent, which is a pretty concerning ratio considering that one in every 36 homes has a chance of getting robbed. With a home burglary occurring every 15 seconds in the U.S., it is important to do everything you can to stay protected in case your residence falls victim to theft.
A home security system offers protection for your loved ones and property, as well as peace of mind. Thanks to technology and innovative security measures, homeowners have many options to make their home a safer place. Today’s CCTV systems also act as a hub for home automation systems, adding convenience and energy savings, which among other things makes the cost more attractive.
Getting your home hooked up with a security system can be a tedious process, from choosing the right system for your needs to finding a trusted security camera installation company in Los Angeles to ensure that the system is properly set up. Like most things, home security systems have its advantages and disadvantages. It is important to look at both the pros and cons before making a decision. In this article, we will discuss all the factors you need to consider before deciding to invest in a home security system.
Home burglaries happen more often than you may think. Here are some statistics on home burglaries in the United States:
An Investment in Your Safety
A home security system can prevent crime before it happens. A survey done by the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of North Carolina interviewed more than 400 convicted burglars regarding their home invasion strategies. They discovered that 80% of the burglars surveys would check to see if their target home possessed an alarm system before attempting to break in. They will check for yard signs, outdoor cameras, alarms, and dogs before attempting to enter a home. Having visible security system components on your home can get rid of potential threats.
Most burglars are less interested in invading a house if there is an existence of an alarm. Alarm systems have become increasingly sophisticated, using smart wiring technology that includes real-time notifications to your cellphone if an unauthorized person enters your home. Choosing the right combination of motion sensors, video monitoring, alarms, and 24/7 support can give you a greater sense of security at home. Whether you are considering a simple front-door camera or a fully integrated and monitored system, anything you can do to protect your home from intruders is a smart investment.
Besides burglaries, a home security system can also protect your property from a number of threats, including smoke, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, water damage, and other environmental disasters such as burst pipes. Whether your system is self-monitored or professionally monitored, you can have the peace of mind knowing that you have a security system to rely on.
Discounts on Home Insurance
Many homeowners insurance companies offer a premium discount of up to 20% if you have a professionally monitored CCTV security system installed. While this won’t cover the full cost of a professional system, it will help make it more affordable in the long run. Additionally, hidden surveillance cameras can record footage that you can use if you ever need to file insurance claims.
Convenience and Energy Savings
Many modern home security systems feature home automation capabilities that offer convenience and energy savings. For example, internet-connected lights and thermostats paid with a security system can adjust themselves to save energy when the system is running. Smart door locks and connected garage openers allow you to securely let friends and family into your home.
Cost of Equipment
Security systems are undoubtedly expensive, coming with an average price tag of about $400 for just the equipment alone. Although this seems like a hefty investment, you must consider that the average loss during a burglary can be more than $2,000. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your home.
Monthly or Yearly Costs
If you are considering a 24/7 professional monitored system, you may be spending about $9 to $60 a month. Some companies require users to sign multi-year contracts, while others offer flexible, month-to-month contracts. For those who are living on a budget, the extra costs of home security may not be financially beneficial.
False Alarms
No home security system will be 100 percent accurate, and they can sometimes detect a false threat due to the system sensitivity. While we always prefer a false alarm to a real alarm, dealing with a false alarm can be an inconvenience. Not only do they wake you up (sometimes in the middle of the night) and cause unnecessary panic, but they can also annoy the police who will charge for false alarms if they become too frequent.
If you are still wondering if a home security system is worth the investment, you should consider where your priorities lie. If you prioritize your safety above anything else, then getting a home security system is highly recommended. After evaluating the burglary statistics, pros, and cons of having a home security system, we can see that they can be effective for every home, regardless of size, type, demographic, or location.
