the Price of Home Security Systems

For $199 we received the equipment. The equipment included the main switchboard, 10 entry point monitors, a motion detector and a portable one touch keypad. The monthly service fee is $35.00 per month. We had our shipping charges waived and there was no installation charges because we installed it ourselves. The $619.00 is for up to date charges so far. The cost will keep rising because of the monthly service fee.

The system we purchased is adequate. It does cover most entry points in our house. The main keypad is not high tech, but it does cover our needs. For the price we paid for it, I do believe we did get a good deal. This system does have a few flaws though. It seems a bit outdated and not high tech for anyone living in a very high crime area. The entry points stick on the windows and doors. If there is too much heat, they start to come undone. They system does, though, alert you when they are tampered with. Also, I am concerned with the delay the system has. If you come in through the front door it gives you 60 seconds to turn it off before it sounds the alarm. For a burglar, they could easily find the one touch keypad and disarm it without the code. For this reason, that pad should be hidden. The main keypad also has an easier chance of being hacked in since the numbers are 2 to a button. There are less combinations of buttons to try before getting the right code.

I would suggest comparing all the different types around. Even if the unit is cheaper, it doesn't mean it can work for your needs. The one we purchased did work because we are in a very low crime area. I would not suggest the one we received for anyone living in a city or high crime area.