Questions to ask a home security company
What to know before you buy
Installing a home security system helps protect your family, but it only works if you’re confident in the company you’ve chosen and the products and services it provides. By doing your homework and asking questions, you can rest easy knowing your home is secure. Here are some questions we recommend asking the home security company when you speak with them.
Installation and monitoring
- How is the system monitored?
- What is the company’s average response time to an alarm?
- If you’re paying for professional monitoring, you’re counting on a team of responders who are available 24/7. When a sensor goes off, you want to know how long the company will take to send you a notification or alert emergency services. Ideally, this is done in less than a minute — in times like this, every second counts. If the company can’t guarantee this response time, you may want to look elsewhere.
- How is the system installed?
- Many basic home security systems offer the option of self-installation, but others need to be professionally installed. If you’re installing the system yourself, ask about any resources and support the company may offer.
Even though these systems are designed to be simple for the average person to install, it’s nice to know you can ask questions if you have any problems. Check with the company to see if they offer free technical support. If you need or want professional installation, ask about the cost — it may or may not be included in the sticker price of the system.
Wireless home security systems are typically designed for DIY installation, while most hardwired systems require a professional. For more, compare professional versus DIY installation.
Contracts and pricing
- What are the terms of my contract?
- How much does the system cost?
- This question may seem like a no-brainer, but you need an idea of all costs associated with your system. Many systems are customized for your specific space, and the more sensors, security cameras and monitors you install, the larger your bill will be. Furthermore, there may be additional charges for installation, maintenance and monitoring that you should factor in when budgeting. For more, read about home security system costs.
Equipment
- How many sensors do I need?
- What warranties do you offer?
- Even the best equipment needs maintenance at some point, and you need to know whose responsibility that is when it happens. Make sure you ask what kind of warranty the equipment is under and what your costs will be after the warranty period is over.
Note that there might be different warranties given by the equipment manufacturer and the company you buy the equipment from. It’s also worth asking how long you’ll have to wait before a technician addresses a warranty concern. This should typically be done within a day or two of the malfunction.
- How often do you test your equipment?
- Most home security companies recommend you test your equipment at least once a month to ensure the sensors, cameras and alarms are working as they should. You can typically do this yourself, but you’ll want to have the equipment tested by a trained technician periodically.
- What happens if I lose power?
- The best alarm system is worthless if it doesn’t work when you need it. That means it needs to have backup power and a reliable method of communicating with the monitoring center.
Nearly all alarm systems today have battery backups that let them work even during a power failure. It’s important to know how long the system will run on battery power and how often the batteries need to be replaced. Most systems issue an alert when the battery is nearing the end of its life.
- Do you offer home automation?
- Home automation, or the ability to control your system through Wi-Fi with an app, is becoming more popular, and many security companies are offering this feature. These apps let you turn lights on and off, lock doors and monitor your security system. Because this relies on Wi-Fi, especially for video monitoring, you need a good internet connection for optimal performance.
With this service, you’ll also have to consider your online security and how to best protect yourself. The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) recommends checking “whether the alarm company provides firmware, an encrypted network, or a strong firewall to prevent hackers from obtaining access to your video feed.” If these provisions are not in place, you run the risk of your video feed being hacked.
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Bottom line
Burglaries are one of the most invasive property crimes. According to the FBI, the majority of burglaries involve forcible entry. Most of the time, the intruder will enter through a first-floor door or window. A security system is one way to deter burglars and keep your home safe, and knowing the right questions to ask helps you find the right system for you. For more, read our guide to find the best home security companies.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team believes everyone deserves to make smart decisions. We aim to provide readers with the most up-to-date information available about today's consumer products and services.
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