FAQ - Frequently Asked
Questions
You've got questions.
We've got the answers! Here are some of the most frequently asked
questions about home security systems, monitoring services, safety,
theft prevention, home invasion and more. This FAQ list is in no
way complete but it should give you a good start in your efforts
to gain knowledge.
Questions
How much do home security
systems cost?
Can I have my existing security
system monitored?
Is a Home Security System
Necessary?
What if the power is cut to my house?
Won't my dog set off the alarm?
If I am a renter, can I still
get a security system?
What happens when the alarm goes
off?
Can't a burglar just break a window
to get in?
Answers
How much do
home security systems cost?
The costs can vary by quite a bit. You can buy a fairly cheap home
security system and install it yourself for under $100 or you can
opt for a fully monitored system from one of the monitoring
companies. The initial costs from the home security monitoring
companies can range from free to several hundred dollars, depending
on the sophistication of the system that you choose as well as the
level of monitoring. Monthly monitoring rates usually cost between
$20 and $40. In order to offset these monthly fees, you can usually
get up to a 20% discount on your homeowners insurance premium, depending
on the policies of the insurance carrier that you use.
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Can I have
my existing security system monitored?
Yes you can. Many people
move into a home that already has a security system in place and
they would like to take advantage of that fact without having to
get a whole new system. In fact, we have a special section that
covers that very topic. Just take a look at our page about monitoring
an existing home security system in order to get all of the
details.
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Is a Home
Security System Necessary?
The biggest and most obvious
reason for having a home security system is that it can help make
your dwelling more safe for you as well as your family. Research
shows that around 90% of burglars have stated that they would try
avoid a house that is protected by a home security system. Monitored
security systems can also add value to your home and save you money
on your homeowners insurance premiums. Keep in mind that no security
system available that is entirely burglar proof. However, having
a monitored home security system can give you better odds and make
your house a 300% decrease in the chance that it will be invaded
or burglarized.
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What if the
power is cut to my house?
Most home security systems include a battery backup. These batteries
should be checked on a regular basis. As long as the battery backup
is functioning properly, your home security system will continue
to provide protection and alarm functionality for several hours
after the power is cut.
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Won't my dog
set off the alarm?
Most professionally monitored home security systems include pet
friendly motion detectors. These motion detectors can usually be
set to 40lbs or 80lbs, depending on the size of your pet. Your installer
can usually help you test the effectiveness of the motion detecting
devices in order to make sure that they are properly calibrated
for your pet.
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If I am a
renter, can I still get a security system?
Most home security monitoring companies are not setup for renters.
However, you don't need to go without home security just because
you rent. ProtectAmerica
is one company that offers their services to renters. Another option
is to simply buy a wireless home security system and install it
yourself (see the products and devices
section). More info for
renters...
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What happens
when the alarm goes off?
With a typical home security monitoring setup, when the alarm goes
off, a signal is sent to the Central Monitoring Station. Then the
monitoring technicians will call your house in order to verify that
there is an actual emergency. If appropriate verification is not
received, emergency personnel are then dispatched to your home.
If your system comes with a panic button and the panic button has
been activated, emergency personnel will be dispatched first and
then contacts will be attempted secondly.
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Can't a burglar
just break a window to get in?
In general, yes. However, most burglars don't want to deal with
the noise that is caused by breaking glass. They also don't want
to risk being injured by the shards. Some home security systems
do come with glass breaking detectors. Some systems come with motion
detectors so that it doesn't really matter how the burglar got into
the house. Burglars usually enter through doors.
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