Choosing A Home Monitoring Company

One of the most stressful things about home-ownership is the fear that someone may invade your home or take your property. One way to prevent this from happening is to install a monitored home security system. However, not all monitoring companies may be right for you. I want to lay out the important factors to consider when picking a monitoring company.

1. Brand Quality: Obviously you want a company that is going to do as it advertises. Be sure that you research the brands and seek advice from others about their companies and experiences. There are many companies on both the national and local level that you could consider. One example of a national brand was Brinks alarm systems which was bought out in 2010. Local companies can also suit your needs just as well and provide a personal touch and often a lower price.

2. Cost: Obviously one of the biggest considerations is the cost of the product. You want a product that will be there to protect you but not cost an arm or leg to have. Be sure to examine the many package options offered by monitoring companies. Also, locking into a contract can often provide a lower price.

3. Their equipment: Select a company that uses good quality equipment and will be serviceable for a long time. Systems that look cheap are usually cheap. Many monitoring companies will install free or discounted equipment for locking into a contract.

4. Will they protect you for everything: Make sure your company will monitor your home for burglaries, fires, medical issues and carbon monoxide at the very least. Protecting yourself and your family is not a time to be cheap so be sure to keep yourself covered. I have heard people say they do not need carbon monoxide monitoring but the truth is, you never know when it will be an issue and it is not easily detectable.

Be sure to find the best company to suit your needs. The factors above should help you narrow down what to look for at a minimum in a monitoring company.

Wireless or Wired Home Security

Wired vs. Wireless: The Final Showdown

Over the years, home security has advanced but so have burglars. You need to stay on top of your game to ensure that your home is always protected against property theft. To stay on top, you are looking at a new home security system. You see that there are two types of systems, wired and wireless. Now you need to decide what works best for your home and if you can do it yourself. The good news is that you now have help to figure out the best security system for you. I am here to breakdown the two types of systems into an easy-to-understand format.



There is no system that is completely above the rest. Your optimal system will depend on a few factors like the size of your home, your budget, and how risk averse you are. If you are looking to save a few bucks and do a quick installation, you may be better off with a wireless system. If your looking for something that is difficult to bypass and you do want to change batteries often, you may be better off with a wired system.

Wireless Security System:

There are some great advantages to a wireless system. They can be great for older homes that may have a difficult time wiring for a home security system. They are also great for power outages or if a burglar cuts your power because it will not be affected by any outages. While some wired systems have a battery backup, those can only last so long before the battery is drained. You can also extend a wireless system to as many areas as you need to and you can install some wireless systems in about an hour. These systems can also cost less than most traditional systems.


There are a few negatives with a wireless system though. The first is that they mostly rely on batteries to run so they need to be checked and changed on a regular basis. The system also requires many components to be placed near the central control panel to be within the range to function properly.

Wired Security System:

Wired systems can be fantastic but as I mentioned earlier, they may not be good for every home or situation. These systems can often cost more and have a complicated installation process due to drilling and wiring issues.There are some benefits to a wired system though. The biggest of which is that they are not as sensitive to radio or electronic interference and they can run on a battery backup so you are always connected. They are also fantastic if you need to accommodate numerous zones to add additional protection to your home.

Wired systems to have some negatives though. As I mentioned, there are a lot of difficulties with installation because you need to run wire to to every entry point including doors and windows. They can also be extremely difficult to install without the help of an electrician or certified security engineer. Wired systems can also cause issues for homeowners when you are moving as well because it is extremely difficult to take the system with you and remove it from the home. You also have an additional challenge from the wiring because you need to hide it so that a potential burglar could not cut the wiring.

Be sure to find the best system for your need and your budget. Factor the cost and difficulty of installation into your equipment selection. Also, ensure that your monitoring company will support your equipment. If you are looking to save on the hassle, many security companies will provide free equipment in exchange for a monitoring subscription.

Remember that installing a home security system is just the beginning of your home security profile. There are additional home security tips that can help you protect your family and your home.

Non-Lethal Home Security

Non-Lethal Home Security Techniques:

Some people think that the only way to protect their family is with a 12 gauge shotgun and a lot of ammunition, however, there are multiple methods to protect your family that do not use lethal force and can cost much less than a new hunting rifle. A few reports suggest that the answer is pepper spray, taser guns and batons but no one seems to suggest home security methods as an example.

There are literally hundreds of home security systems on the market that can be installed quickly and cheaply compared to a few years ago. In fact, many monitoring companies will now allow you to install your own equipment without paying their contract or installation fees. With a monitored system, you do not have to worry about calling for help or having a back-up plan. The moment a break-in is detected, a signal is sent to your monitoring company and the police that a home invasion is taking place. These systems can help save time and prevent injury to you and your loved ones.

While owning pepper spray, tasers, and even firearms can help protect your family in an emergency, they do not provide the best safety experience that a security system can offer. A home security system can prevent a home invasion before it even begins if you display outward signs of an active system.

As always, keep your doors and windows locked even when you are home and ensure your security system is activated if you have one installed. Also, be sure to check out some of my other posts for additional tips and tricks.

Dan Miller