Things to Know Before Buying Your First Home Security System | MessHall

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Having a home security system is one of the best ways you can safeguard your biggest investment- your home. However, with tons of systems and devices to choose from, picking the right one is no easy task, particularly if it’s your first time.

Without the right understanding, it’s possible for you to end up with a system that won’t only compromise your security but can also burn holes in your wallet. To make sure those things don’t happen to you, here are some of the things you should know first.

1.   Old versus new players

When it comes to shopping for alarm systems for home, you need to weigh your options, particularly when it comes to the name or brand you’re going to rely your security on.

Time-tested brands can give you reliability, but you have to make sure that they can provide up-to-date services before you sign up. As burglars are getting smarter, you need a system that can catch up with their dirty tricks and tactics. Newer brands, on the other hand, can offer you advanced technology but their lack of experience can be a weak point. Some of these brands can still be in their beta stage which can make them prone to glitches.

Prior to making a deal, keep in mind to do your homework first. You should read and study reviews from past and existing customers to get an idea of what type of service a company can give. You can ask some of your neighbors who are under the same security provider to know how well the company responds to their security needs. Aside from these things, you should also check if there are any pending and unresolved complaints against them.

2. Study packages

Most of the time, security systems come in bundled packages and discounted plans to attract customers. Although they can promise to help you cut the cost, they are not that effective all the time. Some of them can even make you pay higher than you’re supposed to, through hidden costs and charges.

Before you buy a security system, you should be clear about what you are going to get and the exact amount you need to pay upfront and every month. Some representatives can intentionally omit these details due to personal interests.

To protect yourself, you should thoroughly examine every contract before you sign. Aside from payment, you also need to understand the cancellation and termination processes and their required fees. If you frequently transfer places, it’s also a good idea to clarify if it’s possible to take the system with you or transfer its ownership.

3. Consider getting a security camera

Today, getting a security camera is no longer just an option but a necessity. It can help you keep an eye at your home and even save evidence in case an intrusion or burglary does happen at home.

You have a lot of options when it comes to surveillance cameras. You can choose to have a single camera to cover a specific area of your home or invest in a system that offers multiple cameras for a comprehensive security. You can also get an outdoor camera for your front yard or a camera with night vision. Despite the long list of options, the best home security camera system is the one particularly tailored to your home’s needs.

It’s a good idea to ask your service provider if its system comes with its own camera or if you need to buy from a third party vendor. In case you need to buy from another company, make sure to verify its compatibility with your system first.

4. On customer service

While most systems offer almost the same type of technology, they don’t actually perform or operate the same way. Some systems can respond faster to emergencies than others while some systems can directly call the police for you.

In deciding which system is right for you, another important thing to consider is the availability of its customer support. Because burglary can strike at any time, you should go with a system that offers 24/7 customer service and not one that only operates during business hours. Aside from response time, you should also be clear about how fast a company can attend to repairs and troubleshoot your system.

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