JUMP TO: Security Features to Consider” | Common Home Security Equipment | DIY vs. Professional Home Security System | Home Security Cost | Contact Lloyd Security for Home Security Systems in the Minneapolis Area
A home security system can help you keep an eye on your house, even when you’re away. With so much residential safety equipment available, you might not know where to start. Use this guide to find the best provider for protecting your living space.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Shopping for Residential Security
As you begin your research, ask yourself the following questions, so you know what to look for:
- What or who am I protecting?
- How much am I willing to spend?
- Do I want to install the equipment myself or hire a professional?
- What is the size of my house?
- What is my family’s routine?
Security Features to Consider
Browse through these characteristics and think about which ones you’d like to include in your residential safety plan.
- Smart home automation: Advanced security technology can connect your home to your phone. With home automation, you can control the lights, HVAC system or locks from any smart device, including your smartphone, TV or Google Home, even when you’re on the go.
- Environmental monitoring: If you have an older home, you should invest in environmental monitoring systems, such as smoke alarms, leak detectors and pipe freeze detectors. These devices tell you when your home’s atmosphere has unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, moisture and smoke.
- Security equipment: This equipment includes video surveillance, burglar alarms and glass break detectors. You can control these items with your smart device, so you’ll have 24/7 monitoring of your property. If an alarm goes off, your system alerts the local authorities or monitoring specialists.
- Wellness system: Keep your loved ones safe with an automated wellness system, which acts as a second pair of eyes for aging parents or relatives who may need emergency services. It can also help make daily tasks like turning on the light or adjusting the thermostats easier for seniors who live alone.
Common Home Security Equipment
Consider which of these devices you’d like to include in your home security system.
- Doorbell camera: This device records and monitors any activity by your front step, so you can talk to the mailman, turn away solicitors, invite guests inside or catch potential thieves.
- Professional monitoring: Connect your system to a professional call center that can reach out to emergency services for you.
- Nanny camera: This recording device monitors nurseries, caretakers and kids’ rooms, so you can talk to the babysitter or nanny, assist aging parents or watch pets while you’re on vacation.
- Fire and smoke alarm: Receive alerts when there’s smoke, severe heat or fire in your living space, so you can prevent destruction in your home.
- Spotlight camera: This recording system lights up the surrounding area when it detects motion around it to reveal intruders, scare away wandering wildlife and keep an eye on sneaky teenagers.
- Freeze sensor: If your home experiences a sudden drop in temperature, you’ll receive an alert to prevent plumbing issues from frozen pipes.
- Panic pendant: You or your loved ones can wear this device to communicate with emergency services without a phone or keypad.
- Flood sensor: This equipment alarms you if there are leaks and pooling water in your house to repair appliance and plumbing issues.
- Door/window sensor: With this device, you’ll receive an alert when a door or window opens to keep an eye on entrances and monitor your kids and teenagers.
- Carbon monoxide detector: This alarm detects carbon monoxide in your living space and alerts you if the atmosphere is unsafe.
- Glass break sensor: Receive alerts when your security device detects broken glass and loud noises, so you can deal with intruders who try to enter through your windows.
- Two-way talk: This device uses your smart technology as an intercom to check on the kids, get the dog off the couch, communicate with visitors and scare away intruders.
- Motion sensor: If your security system detects motion in a specific area, you’ll receive an alert.
DIY vs. Professional Home Security System
When installing your residential safety equipment, you can either do it yourself or hire a professional to set it up. Consider the advantages of professional installation.
- An expert technician does all the work for you, so you don’t have to take any time out of your schedule.
- You can have sensors for every door and window, especially if you have a large home.
- Professionals install both indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras.
- The upfront cost of your surveillance cameras is cheaper.
- A professional can handle all the problems that arise throughout the life of your system.
On the other hand, keep in mind that there are also drawbacks to hiring someone to install your devices for you.
- You’ll have to pay installation fees.
- You’ll also have to pay a monthly fee to maintain your contract.
- You’re not in full control of when the technician schedules your system’s installation.
- You might not be able to have your security devices installed if you’re renting your property.
Here are some of the benefits of installing your security system yourself.
- DIY systems are easy to install, so you can do it yourself and save money in installation fees.
- If you have a small house or an apartment, you can have a compact security system that fits within your budget.
- You can control the system yourself instead of having to rely on a professional company.
- If you rent your property, you don’t have to get permission from your landlord.
- You don’t have to drill any holes in your walls.
Consider the disadvantages of setting up your residential safety system.
- DIY home systems tend to have a higher upfront cost.
- If you install your system yourself, you might void your warranty.
- Installation can be a challenge unless you’ve had experience working with electricity.
- You can’t get help if you run into problems during installation.
Home Security Cost
You can find residential safety equipment within your budget. The cost of a full security system should be a few hundred dollars, but you may end up paying about $1,000 up front in some cases. These factors determine what you’ll pay to protect your home:
- Type of security: Depending on your security needs, you can invest in any devices as part of your home security system. Consult with your local security provider to discuss options that can accommodate your budget.
- Hardwired or wireless: Wireless tends to be more cost-effective because it doesn’t involve drilling holes into the walls and running wires through your property. Most of the time, you’ll need a professional to install a hardwired security system, so you’ll have to pay a labor fee.
- Activation and miscellaneous expenses: Monitored systems include a charge in their installation cost, depending on the service company and your choice of plan. Even if you don’t pay an upfront cost to install your security system, you might have a fee each month to maintain your contract with the provider.
No matter what you end up spending for your security system, you might end up paying less money on your home insurance because you’re taking extra measures to keep your property safe. Find out how much you’ll save on your premium by reaching out to your insurance company.
Contact Lloyd Security for Home Security Systems in the Minneapolis Area
If you live near Minneapolis, we offer plenty of devices for your residential security systems to keep you and your family safe. Browse through our inventory of security equipment to see which ones would be best for your property. For more information about the safety we provide for your living space, contact us online or call 612-999-1387.