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What Does a Home Security System Really Cost?

The actual price of your home security system will depend on what components you choose and how many components need to be installed. It will also be based on how many security sensors you will need to ensure that all of your exterior doors and windows are protected.

Author: John Cherry
Date: Dec 9, 2011 - 12:46:00 PM

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Believe it or not, purchasing, installing and maintaining a home security system is not as expensive as you would think. In fact, you can get one for your house for as little as a dollar a day. For this reason, there are very few excuses for not getting one installed. After all, how much is your family’s security worth?

The actual price of your home security system will depend on what components you choose and how many components need to be installed. It will also be based on how many security sensors you will need to ensure that all of your exterior doors and windows are protected. You can expect to have to lay out anywhere from $100 to $1,500 for security equipment and installation. If you add a fire system to your system, you will pay about $200 to $400 extra for setup.

Once your system is installed, you will need to pay a monthly monitoring fee to ensure that your house is watched 24 hours a day. This is what makes a home security system effective, since you can’t possibly watch over your house at every moment of the day or night. You can expect to pay between $25 and $40 for monthly monitoring. However, if you use a company that requires a backup capability like a cellular or radio, you will need to pay about $10 extra each month. If you install a fire alarm, you will pay about $5 extra per month, and if you need an optional remote control, you will pay an extra $85 to $200 per month.

Most monitoring companies require that you sign a contract that will last between three and five years. Some home security system company offer month-to-month contracts, but these are rare. Once you sign a contract, your monitoring fee will not increase for the term of that contract. Be aware, though, if you break your contract prior to the end of the term, you will be liable for at least 75% of the full amount.

You should also know that in some locations, local regulations require you get an annual permit for a monitored alarm system. The permits are for the installation and monitoring of the system. Typically, the fees range from $10 to $50 each year. Also, be sure to check with your local police department before installing your system so that you do not get fined for not getting the proper permits if they are required.

There might be other costs involved with your security system, such as extended maintenance programs, replacement parts and other incidentals. However, most of those are insignificant and do not increase the price substantially. Just be sure to inspect your contract carefully to ensure you are not being charged for something that should be included.

John is a shrewd consumer who writes about personal finance, home technology and home security topics like: Los Angeles security systems and home alarm systems.

View all articles by John Cherry

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