As the DIY trend grows, many homeowners are considering switching to self-monitoring their homes rather than professional, monitored home security. The reasons look good on paper; no monthly fees, simple and flexible equipment installation, a direct connection to their smart phone when alarms occur, etc. But self-monitored systems have their shortcomings. Consumers should know the reasons monitored home security is a sound investment to protect their home and belongings so they can make an educated decision:
- Equipment is installed by a security professional who knows the best practices for placing surveillance cameras, door/window sensors, motion detectors and more. This placement can make a huge difference in the effectiveness and operation of the security device.
- Professional alarm dealers often offer free installation when services are contracted, which saves consumers both money and time. Some companies even offer security devices at no charge with a contract for monitoring.
- The property is monitored 24/7 by trained professionals who can send emergency response. Self-monitored alarm systems, such as DIY devices which send a text message when triggered, can go unobserved if the receiver is in a meeting, on a plane, or somewhere away from their phone.
- Professionally monitored properties are given more leverage by emergency personnel for immediate response. False alarms have been an ongoing problem for home security; alarms triggered by wind, animals, and other non-threatening activities keep emergency responders from handling true crises. Because the monitoring station can verify the alarm by checking cameras and sensors, their alarm report will be given higher priority over a non-monitored one.
- Monitored security is considered favorable by home insurance companies, who may offer a policy discount on properties with a monitored home security system.
- Monitored home security offers another layer of deterrent to criminals. Sometimes just seeing a security company sign on the lawn or porch is enough to make a would-be thief look elsewhere. An unprotected home is an easier target.
For hands-on homeowners who want to be actively involved in their home security, Bold developed our newest app, Bold NotifyMe. This app offers consumers the best of both self-monitored and professionally monitored home security. If an alarm occurs, they are notified by the app first. They can communicate through the app with other individuals on their account to determine if the alarm is legitimate, then confirm or cancel it. However, if no one is available to respond to the app alert, the alarm is sent through to the central station. The app keeps homeowners in the loop regarding their home security and benefits alarm dealers by reducing false alarms. Learn more about Bold NotifyMe here.
This article has taught me a lot about monitored home security services. It was interesting to learn that these services can help you to ensure that your property is monitored 24/7. I hope this article can help us to avoid having our newly bought Ipads from being stolen.
According to the article, a monitored security system is favorable to insurance companies who may offer discounts on your insurance. My wife and I have been contemplating getting a security system for our home, but the initial installation price seemed a little steep for our budget. Knowing that we could qualify for a discount on our homeowner’s insurance makes me feel a little bit better about making the investment on a security system.
Obviously, it depends on the insurance company, but it’s definitely worth checking with your agent!
That’s neat that insurance companies will sometimes offer a discount if you have a security system installed. I never thought I’d need a security system, but two robberies have occurred on my street in the past month. It has me worried and convinced that home security would be a good investment.
24/7 monitored is probably one of the strongest benefit – agreed, love it! (:
I’m a big DIY person, but I agree that home security isn’t the kind of thing that you want to take into your own hands. It’s a good idea to have a professional install things like cameras, sensors, and motion detectors. If I tried to install them myself I might do it wrong and not realize it. Nothing is worse than a false sense of security!
Excellent technological features. Home security monitoring really offers a full advantage, it brings optimum peace of mind as everything is not just well taken cared by machine but by security professionals.
Thanks for your information.It has really helped me to change my perception about my home security.I never thought of these positive points of professional monitoring.After going through with all of your mentioned points the most important points which create my attention more is home insurance.It has really knocked my thinking pattern without thinking of spending money.
We appreciate the feedback, June! Glad you found the article useful!
I really love your article about alarm systems. Since I don’t know much about it, it’s good to know that by having a professional alarm, we’ll have better leverage to have emergency personnel for immediate response. It makes sense that if the police was told exactly what was going on in our home, that they would trust that there is an actual emergency and get out there fast. That is comforting and makes me realize how valuable it would be to get one in my new home.
Thank you Sandra! False alarms are a huge problem in the home security industry, so verification is becoming more and more important!
Thanks for helping me learn more about monitored security for a home. It was interesting to read that there are trained professionals who can watch the property. I’m a bit interested to learn more about the training that they would have to go through, or how they could practice and improve their skills.
I like that you talked about how professional monitoring stations can help you to verify if there’s a real crisis in your house should an alarm get triggered. My husband and I are going to a different country for a month. It’s important for us to make sure that our house is going to be monitored professionally. It will give us peace of mind if we can make sure that false alarms are not going to be an issue for our home while we are out of the country. I will make sure to consider all your tips.
Home security is different for everyone’s needs but this monitored home security will definitely boosts your security level.
I like how the article explains that with a monitored home security system, they can send an emergency response if needed. My husband and I have had our home catch on fire when we weren’t home before and we weren’t able to get the fire department there very quickly because we didn’t know. Maybe having a security system monitor our home, will help to protect our home from burning down.