In this article we dive into The Truth About Home Security Systems. Debunking 10 Myths and Truths.
According to reliable reports, there are more than one million reported burglaries in the US each year. And more than half of these burglaries are taking place in homes.
With such numbers, it is clear that home security is a necessity. The good thing is that most homeowners understand the risks associated with exposed homes, such as electric fires and burglaries.
Unfortunately, there are several myths that might deter some homeowners from securing their homes with the right home security systems.
Some of them will only invest in a new security system after an unfortunate event has occurred. In this article, we will tell you the truth about home security systems by debunking some of the common myths that people have been made to believe.
Debunking The Myths and Truths About Home Security Systems
1. Installing a Home Security System is Too Complex
With several reliable home security companies offering DIY home security systems, installing and managing a home security system shouldn’t be as hard as you might think.
In any case, most systems come with installation manuals and all the components that you need to set up your system.
Plus, you can watch videos online showing all the installation steps. In short, information is available to you, unless you only get scared to start.
There is also the option of involving a professional technician. If you are too afraid or don’t have time to install it yourself, you can always engage a technician to install your home security system for you.
In fact, some companies will offer installation service after purchasing the security package from them.
2. Dogs Offer Sufficient Protection Against Burglaries
The presence of a dog can prevent some forms of burglary, but it is far from a foolproof security solution. As you know, not all dogs can be watchdogs.
And for your dog to be alert and evade tricks from invaders, it requires extensive training. Moreover, many dogs are not the best candidates for watchdogs based on their age and health status.
In the event that an invader is armed, there is little that your dog can do to prevent forceful break-ins. So, if you are relying on a dog to provide sufficient home security, then you are putting the safety of your household at risk.
You don’t have to leave anything to chance.
3. Having a Home Security System Will Have No Impact on My Home Insurance
This is another myth that some people believe is true. The fact is that home insurance firms offer a substantial discount to homeowners who have installed home security systems on their properties.
Home insurance companies usually offer between 2 and 15 percent off your premium. This could be even higher in some cases.
According to SafeWise, some insurance companies offer an average discount of 20 percent. But you can’t just lie to them and say that you have a home security system in your house.
You have to provide a certificate of installation from a reliable security service provider. From the eyes of an insurance company, you are less risky than customers who don’t have a security system on their property.
4. Invaders Can Easily Circumvent Home Security Systems
The truth about home security systems, especially modern systems, is that they have backup systems that kick in if someone tampers with your security system.
In most cases, they have wireless backups, which are hard to interfere with by burglars. An illegal intruder won’t get to your house by just cutting a phone or electric line.
A simple interference with the system will alert the monitoring center, leading to a faster response from those concerned.
Another truth about home security systems is that the sound of an alarm can alert people within the vicinity and security personnel about the impending danger.
The only caveat is that you should have a cheat-proof system that has stood the test of time. If there are weaknesses in your system, then you will have to worry.
5. Pets Can Cause False Alarms
Contrary to popular belief, possibly informed by traditional security systems, smart home security systems have a built-in pet-immune motion detection system.
With the help of artificial intelligence, today’s home security systems are able to differentiate between a normal day’s activity and an unusual activity.
Some of them use glass breaks rather than motion detection to sound the alarm. Security firms can also configure the trigger weight for your system at more than certain measures, for instance, 80 pounds.
This will preclude false-positive triggers from your ten-pound pet or a thirsty preschooler in the wee hours of the night.
6. Home Security Systems Are Not Affordable to Average Homeowners
Each passing day, home security systems are becoming more and more affordable for average folks. The truth about home security systems is that their costs keep decreasing because they are becoming more wireless.
As software continues to replace hardware, the cost of home security systems will drop gradually. Also, there are more players in the industry now, encouraging fair competition, which leads to better pricing.
There is also potential savings in terms of home insurance, as we learned above. Furthermore, today’s system is easy to install. Each installation will only cover what the client requires.
While the installation cost could go as high as $1000, most companies offer installation for free for standard systems.
The potential cost of damage can be higher for a home without a home security system. For instance, in case of a fire, your home security system will be able to alert you and relevant authorities early enough so that rescue efforts arrive on time.
Early state detection and timely response can help mitigate costly repairs and damages. In short, it could be more expensive not to have reliable home security on your property.
7. You Need a Landline Phone to Have A Home Security System
As technology evolves to become more wireless, home security systems have evolved. Modern security systems are largely wireless.
You can now use your smartphone or WiFi network to connect to a monitoring center. With such systems, homeowners can configure their security systems using their device of choice.
So, if you think that you need a landline, the truth is that today’s systems are more versatile in terms of functionality and control.
Of course, you can still use your landline to connect to the system, but it will likely have fewer features when compared to cellular and WiFi connectivity.
8. Burlgaris Always Happen at Night
This is another myth that aligns with common sense. But research shows that break-ins and burglaries occur mostly during the day on weekdays.
This is the time when most homes are unoccupied. So, when you have an active professional surveillance system, your property will always remain safe during the day.
Even for the burglaries that happen at night, more robust security systems are required because they tend to be more violent.
So, the absence of cameras equipped with night vision will make your property even more exposed at night. A good security system will be able to protect your home at all times of the day.
9. You Need to Sign a Contract or Have a Subscription to Have A Reliable Home Security System
Unfortunately, this popular belief originated with professional home security companies. It could be true in some cases.
But the truth about home security systems is that you don’t have to be tied down by a contract in order to install a reliable home security system.
Some forward-looking security providers, like Xfinity and SimpliSafe, do not require their customers to sign a contract or pay a monthly subscription.
So, do not let a contract prevent you from installing a home security system because there are options that require no contact.
In fact, most of the DIY home security systems from Ring, Arlo, Wyze, Abode, and others are contract-free.
10. I Rent My Home, So I Can’t Get a Home Security System
Your valuables and safety are important, regardless of the ownership of the property. In any case, there are several home security solutions targeted at renters.
You are probably wrong about interfering with someone else’s property. But the good news is that most security systems for renters are generally noninvasive, meaning there is no need for permanent wiring, punching holes, or mounts.
You will still get the most important home security features, such as live camera feeds, push notifications, emergency response, and professional monitoring.
The Bottom Line
The reality is that modern home security systems help protect your home and family from illegal intrusion.
Homes without any security system will not deter any potential burglar from attempting their illegal acts. In fact, some statistics show that homes without a proper home security system are more likely to be burglarized than those with home security systems.
Now that you know the truth about home security systems, you shouldn’t leave your home to chance. More importantly, don’t fall victim to unfounded and outdated home security notions.
Ultimately, when it comes to securing your home against disasters and illegal intrusion, there is nothing that beats a reliable and well-monitored home security system.
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