Physical security and peace-of-mind are important for everyone from older adults to new families with small children. Implementing a home security system can be a great way to help people feel safe at home and lead their preferred lifestyle without the fear of a break-in.
Home security is way more than a simple list of features that companies can offer you. Trust is absolutely essential with any home security company, as is above-and-beyond customer service.
Reviews.com recently released a guide to finding the best home security system to suit the unique needs of different individuals. It outlines what to look for when selecting a provider, and hand-tested a number of systems to see how customer service and selling experience was from several different perspectives. After this process was completed, Reviews.com determined what is most important in a search for yourself or a loved one.
Key Features
There are four key features that a home security system should address so keep an eye out with any company you’re looking at. These may seem like basic functions but some companies may not offer fully comprehensive plans.
- Intrusion via door and window may include sensors that detect glass breakage as well.
- Environmental hazards like carbon monoxide, fires and flood sensors. These are very commonly included in security packages but you may be surprised that they aren’t always standard.
- Surveillance, both indoor and outdoor with doorbell cameras. Older adults may find it far easier to be able to view who is at the door before they open it.
- Life Safety including panic buttons and life alert systems. These are incredibly important in the event of an emergency.
Contacting the company
The research team called each company in their analysis to understand the process of purchasing from start-to-finish. Surprisingly, each tester was given a discount over the phone, even without asking for one. Keep in mind that sales reps have a lot of control over the final price of the package so it may be worthwhile to negotiate here. Interestingly enough, the team found that the sales reps were very positive and friendly across the board.
Installation
Of the many companies tested, only two of them actually required testers to use professional installation, while the others opted for DIY. DIY security systems are created to be easy to install (about 15 minutes). However, this self-installation process assumes a decent level of familiarity with the components that are sent, such as cameras and other technology. Older adults may therefore appreciate assistance with installation, especially considering that the positioning of this hardware must be fairly accurate. Self-installation is definitely the least expensive option, however professional installation could be a better option for those who would like assistance. This option also gives experts time to evaluate the unique needs of the home and individual. During both installation appointments that the testers experienced, techs found that some of the equipment was unnecessary. They issued a refund for this hardware, which was a happy surprise.
To read through the full article and see which companies Reviews.com found to be the best, head to https://www.reviews.com/home-security-systems/
