Are Home Security Systems Worth the Cost?
Home Security Systems - Wise Investment or Waste of Money?
The FBI reported that, "in 2007, there were an estimated 2,179,140 burglaries" in the United States. Of those, 67.9% were burglaries of residential properties.
So, we know that a burglar is more likely to target a home than a business. How can a home security system protect a home owner from this crime?
Why Would a Home Owner Need a Home Security System?
A home security system protects your home and family whether you are there or not. By punching a keypad, you are able to secure your home against intruders and burglars.
Home security systems often include smoke detectors and programming that will call the Fire Department in the event of a fire.
What Is The True Cost of a Home Security System?
There is the initial investment to purchase the home security system equipment. You will also pay for the labor to install it.
There are many different options available to consumers. You can have an elaborate system with motion detecting cameras or a scaled down version with door and window contacts.
Home security systems can be monitored or un-monitored. Monitored systems will call the authorities if a break-in or fire occurs. Un-monitored systems will only sound a loud alarm if the security system is tripped.
Keep in mind that many insurance companies will lower your homeowner's premium if you present them with proof that you have a home security system installed. The company that installed the system can provide this certificate to you.
Are Home Security Systems Worth the Cost?
There is an easy way to figure out the true value of a home security system.
Take a look at what you own. How much is it worth? Would you be able to replace your computer, television, jewelry, or other valuables if they were stolen?
Add up the total installation cost of the home security system. Add to that the annual cost of having the security system monitored. Which cost is more? The amount of money you would spend on a home security system or the amount of money you would spend to replace your valuables?
Conclusion
If you don't have many valuables, it might not make sense to purchase a home security system. However, if the value of your items is significantly higher than the cost of a home security system, you should consider this a wise investment.
Sources
FBI, Burglary - Crime in the United States 2007, http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2007/offenses/property_crime/burglary.html
Personal Experience
Published by Kristy Martz
Kristy is a freelance article and short story writer who has lived in 13 different places. Her nomadic upbringing has given her a wide range of experiences. She managed to juggle a full-time job and two sma... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentI would consider a prevention to a burglary as an important step. If you play a CD with household sounds that will make your apartment or house look occupied to whoever listens in front of your front door, I am sure you have achieved a lot by warning a burglar. An interesting product is on the market. Downloadable MP3 file that you can burn on 5 CDs from www.SuperDeterrent.com.
nicely written
A good read.
And most people only do the first floor -- big mistake a cop told us. Robbers just put a ladder to the second floor!
Thanks for the comments, Barbara and Shawnatarium! Barbara - I just couldn't put a price on human life in my analysis. It's more likely that a home will just be robbed than anyone would be hurt anyway.
I hadn't considered what the decision maker would be with getting a security system. Your conclusion of using the value of the non-human items you want to protect against the price of the system to determine if you need one makes lots of sense. Interesting subject.