| When comparing one home security system with | | | | All home alarm systems will have a sounder of some |
| another, the best approach to take is to know what | | | | sort, whether that's a siren or a bell. You'll want to |
| questions to ask. In other words, you want to compare | | | | know how many of these sirens there are and where |
| apples and apples, not apples and oranges. So you | | | | they're located. |
| want to know what is in each of the systems so that | | | | Ask your home security system dealer whether your |
| you can gauge the value of each system compared | | | | system will come with any remote controls such as a |
| to each other. | | | | wireless keychain remote. If the system does not |
| Now let me say this, right up front... | | | | come with it included, how much will each of these |
| I do not represent a home alarm company. I do not | | | | units cost? You'll also want to know what features |
| make any money buying or selling home security | | | | come with these wireless remotes. For example, most |
| system products. I'm a property owner -- probably just | | | | units allow you to arm and disarm the system through |
| like you -- who wants to know how to make an | | | | the remote. But what other features are available and |
| informed decision about the best solution for me and | | | | how much will you pay for them? For example, some |
| my family. In so doing, I will be happy to pass that | | | | remotes allow you to press a "panic button" and |
| information along to you. | | | | summon the police or fire department (via your |
| So here are some of the questions that you'll want to | | | | monitoring company). |
| ask any potential home security system suppliers: | | | | If you are purchasing a monitored home security |
| Of course, all the systems will have a control panel | | | | system, is there a telephone connection fee? |
| and at least one keypad. What you'll want to know is | | | | Not only that--what is the minimum contract length |
| whether these units are hardwired or wireless. | | | | being offered by the monitoring company? Some |
| You'll also want to know what sort of display is on the | | | | companies require 36 month contract, while others only |
| keypad. In other words, does the keypad have simple | | | | require a 12 month contract. Is there a penalty if you |
| lights to inform you of the status of the system, or | | | | terminate the contract early? And of course, find out |
| does the keypad have an alphanumeric display that | | | | how much the monthly monitoring cost is. These costs |
| actually spells it out for you? Some keypads even talk | | | | can vary widely, anywhere from $12 a month up to |
| to you. Which one of these are you getting -- and how | | | | $30 or more per month. |
| many of each? | | | | Lastly, what kind of warranty does the system and |
| You'll also want to know how many door and window | | | | come with? Some systems come with a lifetime |
| contacts the system includes. If you want to add | | | | warranty included, while others charge you a monthly |
| additional contacts, how much will each additional unit | | | | fee for that warranty. |
| cost you? In addition, find out if any or all of these | | | | Conclusion |
| contacts are wireless or hardwired. This has a bearing | | | | Again, I am not a representative for any home security |
| on the cost, as wireless units are generally more | | | | system company, nor do I make any money by |
| expensive. | | | | recommending their products. I just want to help you |
| If you're having a motion detector installed find out how | | | | ask the right questions so you can make an informed |
| many these will be included for the price. As before, | | | | decision when it comes to the safety and security of |
| you'll also want to know whether the motion detectors | | | | your family and business. |
| are hard wired or wireless. | | | | |