The Truth About Home Security Systems

Have you ever considered buying a home security system and thought, “But my home has never been broken into before. Why spend a couple of hundred bucks on this?”

Gotcha!

This and many other misconceptions about home security systems keep millions of people from making informed decisions about the safety of their homes and loved ones.

We’ve had enough. So, today, we’ll debunk the most common myths so you can discover the truth about home security systems.

Myth 1: Home Security Systems Are Too Expensive

In the last five years, the cost of owning home security systems has reduced drastically. With advances in security technology, you can now set up security systems in your home for less than $200 with recurring monthly costs below $10.

Compare that with how much it’d cost you if you had a burglar break into your home. According to the latest FBI data, burglaries cost an average loss of $2,661 in the United States. In 2019, burglary victims lost about $3 billion.
Besides, depending on your system type, you can get discounts of up to 15% from your insurance company if you own a home security system.

So, next time someone tells you home security systems are expensive, think about how much you can lose to a break-in or theft compared to the cost of setting up and running your home security system.

Myth 2: Home Security Systems Are Only Necessary for High-Crime Areas  

One of the most dangerous beliefs you can nurture is that you can’t be a target for crime, irrespective of how “safe” your neighborhood is or seems to be. This belief makes you less security conscious, making you the perfect prey for criminals.

From the data in this report, you can see that many burglaries occur in all US states, irrespective of their crime rate. The National Council for Home Safety and Security states that your home is four times more likely to suffer a break-in if you don’t have a home security system. Better safe than sorry.

"Hope for the best, plan for the worst."
- Lee Child

Burglars avoid your home once they know you have a home security system. So, investing in a home security system is an excellent choice whether you reside in a high-crime area or not.

Myth 3: Pets Will Set off False Alarms

This should no longer be a myth as modern technology has fixed this annoying issue. Current home security systems have pet-friendly motion sensors that distinguish humans from pets.
These advanced motion sensors use: 

• Weight thresholds and infrared technology to tell pets and humans apart. You can configure your home security system to ignore pets' heat signature and movement within a certain weight while still detecting intruders.
• Size and shape detection to further minimize false positives. So, if a cat or pigeon triggers the sensor, since their shape and size don’t match that of a human intruder, it won’t sound the alarm.
• Other complex algorithms understand movement patterns to differentiate between pet and animal movement.

With advanced tech, you can rest assured that your pets won’t be setting off false alarms and nearly causing you a heart attack.

Myth 4: Security Cameras Are an Invasion of Privacy

If used responsibly, security cameras will not constitute an invasion of privacy. Instead, they’ll be invaluable in keeping your home and family safe. 

You enjoy various benefits with home security cams:

• They discourage potential intruders from breaking into your home.
• They are a reliable source of video evidence in cases of a break-in
• You can watch your family and pets when you’re not around. 

To ensure you’re not invading anyone’s privacy, use security cameras only for security purposes, not for spying on your neighbors and guests.

• Inform your neighbors and guests that you’ve installed security cameras. This shows transparency and makes them more likely to report suspicious activity.
• Place security cameras in appropriate locations. Avoid putting them in areas where people expect privacy, such as in bathrooms, closets, and bedrooms.
• Check local laws: There are no specific federal laws concerning using security cameras. So, if you’re ever in doubt, consult your local regulations.

Myth 5: DIY Security Systems Are Just as Effective as Professional Systems

DIY home security systems may be less expensive than professionally-installed systems, but they are less effective. Professionally installed systems offer greater functionality.

• DIY home security systems often do not have access to the same features or connections as professionally installed systems, such as cloud storage or two-way communication with police dispatch services. These are key components of a comprehensive security system.
• Professionally-installed alarm systems use central station monitoring and response teams trained to respond quickly when an alarm is triggered. You’d need to act manually on alerts from a DIY security system.
• Professional installation ensures all home security system components work together properly for maximum protection coverage. As a DIY system user, you’ll have to figure out how each component interacts with the other. If done incorrectly with a DIY system setup, this could cause potential weak spots in coverage.

Myth 6: Security Systems Are Complicated and Difficult to Use

Modern home security systems have become more user-friendly with advanced technology. Gone are the days of complicated systems requiring professional installation and training.

Nowadays, most smart home security devices can be self-installed with only a few clicks or taps on an app. So you don’t need to have any technical skills.

Many companies even provide a step-by-step guide for setting up your device from start to finish. They also provide detailed tutorials and customer support if needed.

Most importantly, users can easily manage essential settings like recording via automated menus using voice commands or a touch interface like phones/tablets.

Some systems come with pre-configured options, allowing users to set their preferences quickly at initial setup and tweak those selections after the system works.

Myth 7: Security Systems Are Only Necessary for Homeowners

Renters are also at risk of break-ins. The US Bureau of Justice Statistics says burglars retarget more renters than homeowners—and it’s been this way for years.

Thankfully, security systems reduce the chances of break-ins, burglaries, and vandalism while providing alarm detection and 24/7 monitoring.

Modern technology solutions today provide camera surveillance that help you stay aware of what goes on in or outside your rented property the day or night. This adds an extra layer of safety and protection. 

Investing in an up-to-date home security system is always worth it, regardless of whether the property you occupy belongs to you.

Myth 8: Security Systems Can’t Prevent All Types of Crime

While home security systems can’t prevent all types of crime, the presence of one is highly effective in deterring criminals from targeting a property.

Home security systems provide valuable features like window and door sensors, motion detectors, alarms, and cameras. These features alert homeowners when a breach has occurred or prospective thieves have been detected outside their properties. 

They serve as a deterrent for burglars and allow police departments to respond quickly upon receiving alarm notifications.

Smart locks linked to your system can control remote access entry at strategic points in your home. This system can give legitimate visitors easy access through temporary codes sent through email or text messages.

With these features in place, burglars would think twice before breaking into your house once they notice you have a security system.

Secure Your Home Today

Now that you’ve learned the truth about home security systems, it’s time to decide how best to protect your home and family.

We’ve done the hard work for you—we’ve researched security companies and providers near you that deliver expert safety solutions tailored to your needs.

One more thing: If your friends or loved ones are still holding on to any of these age-long myths debunked in this post, educate them so they can see home security systems for what they indeed are.