Home Security in Washington, DC
Nothing is as valuable as you and your family's safety. A home security system is a great way to ensure that your family and your home are protected as best as possible. Thanks to today's technology, you can get a home security system that can connect to a smart home system, giving you a sense of peace of mind and safety while also offering you convenience and efficiency.
In 2017, the FBI reported 1,401,840 burglaries with 57.5% of all burglaries involving forcible entry. While burglaries in the US have since decreased by approximately 11%, it is still important to note that home property crimes are still occurring across the country.
It is important to note that nationwide statistics are not always accurately representative of the happenings in your city, especially when you live in a metro area. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, there were 11,183 burglaries in Washington D.C. in 2018. That's a decrease of about 13% from the previous year. However, it is still important to be aware of the potential for break-ins and take steps to protect your home accordingly.
No matter where you live, it's always a good idea to be proactive about home security. There are a few simple things you can do to help deter burglars and make your home a less attractive target. One of the best ways to make sure that you are keeping you and your family safe is a home security system.
In this guide, we will discuss the following key benefits of owning a home security system in Washington D.C.:
1. Theft Deterrent
2. Peace of Mind
3. Remote Monitoring
4. Convenience and Efficiency
5. Energy Savings
6. Home Insurance Discounts
Benefits of Home Security in Washington
Theft Deterrent
In Washington D.C., as in any metro area, home security is a top priority for residents. There are many ways to deter thieves, but one of the most effective is to install a home security system.
This type of system includes sensors that detect intruders and trigger an alarm, often accompanied by a loud siren. In some cases, the alarm will also notify the police or security company.
Many thieves are opportunists who will target homes that look easy to break into. By making your home more difficult to enter, you can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of theft. In addition, having a home security system can give you peace of mind and help you sleep better at night.
Peace of Mind
A home security system is a great way to give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe. In addition to deterring burglars, a security system can also alert you to other dangers:
• Fire: Some home security systems include sensors, smoke detectors, and fire alarms that can detect heat which can be helpful in preventing a fire from spreading or getting out of control.
• Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Home security systems with carbon monoxide detectors can help keep your family safe by sounding an alarm if this dangerous gas is detected.
• Water Leaks: Water leaks can cause a lot of damage to your home, and they can be hard to detect. A home security system with water sensors can help alert you to a leak before it causes major damage.
• Medical Emergencies: If you or a family member has a medical condition that requires monitoring, a home security system can be equipped with sensors to help you keep track of their health and well-being.
A home security system can give you the peace of mind knowing that your home and family are safe with many benefits such as live monitoring and fire protection. With so many benefits, it is easy to see why a home security system is a great investment for any Washington D.C. home.
Remote Monitoring
A home security system is not just for when you're at home. Many systems now offer remote monitoring, which allows you to stay connected to your home even when you're away by sending notifications to an app or to your phone number to alert you of any dangers.
With remote monitoring, you can use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to check in on your home camera systems. You can see who is at the front door, whether the kids are home from school, get notifications if something sets off your motion detectors, and even if the oven is turned off.
Remote access can also be used to control your home's security system. You can arm or disarm the system, turn on the lights, or even set up alerts to let you know when someone enters your home.
Popular home security service providers such as ADT allow their customers to control their home security systems from anywhere using the ADT Pulse app. This enables you to leave your home knowing that it is safe wherever you go.
Convenience and Efficiency
A home security system can also be a great way to make your home more convenient and efficient. Many systems now offer features such as:
• Lighting Control: With some home security systems, you can control the lights in your home from your smartphone or tablet. This can be helpful when you're coming home at night and want to turn on the lights before you enter.
• Climate Control: Many home security systems now offer thermostats that can be controlled remotely. This means you can adjust the temperature of your home no matter where you are.
A home security system can offer a lot of features that can make your life more convenient and efficient and help meet your security needs.
Energy Savings
A home security system can also help you save money on your energy bill. Many of the features that allow you more convenience also enable you to conserve energy.
Many modern home security systems offer smart thermostats. These are a type of thermostat that can be controlled remotely. They can learn your habits and adjust the temperature of your home accordingly. This can help you save money on your energy bill by making sure your home is only heated or cooled when you need it.
Another common feature offered is lighting control. With some home security systems, you can control the lights in your home from your smartphone or tablet, or sometimes enable you to set motion sensors for your lights. This can help you save money on your energy bill by turning off the lights when you're not home.
As mentioned before, home automation is a feature that allows you to control various aspects of your home using your smartphone or tablet. With home automation, you can do things like turn off the AC when you're not home, or even turn off the TV.
A home security system can offer a lot of features that can help you save money on your Washington D.C. home energy bill.
Home Insurance Discounts
Not only can a good home security system keep you safe and provide you peace of mind, it can also save you money on your home insurance.
Most insurance companies offer some type of discount for homes that are equipped with security systems, and the amount of the discount may vary depending on the company and the type of system. Reputable home security providers such as ADT often work with insurance companies to provide their customers with the best possible discounts.
A home security system is a great way to keep your home and family safe, and it can also save you money on your Washington D.C. home insurance.
What to Look for in a Home Monitoring System in Washington
Now that you've read about why you should install a home security system in your Washington D.C. home, it's time to start looking for a system that best fits your needs. Many popular home security companies such as ADT offer several different packages and services to make sure you are getting the most out of your home monitoring experience.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when you're shopping for a home security system:
Ease of Installation: DIY vs. Professional
When it comes to installation, you have two main options: DIY or professional.
If you opt for a DIY installation, you'll need to make sure the system you choose is easy to install. This is a popular choice for many Washington D.C. residents, as it is generally quicker and cheaper than going the professional installation route.
However, you may prefer that a professional installs the system for you. Specially trained technicians will come to your home and install the system according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is a good option if you're not confident in your ability to properly install the system, or if you want the peace of mind of knowing that it has been installed correctly.
Before making your choice, make sure to take the following into consideration:
• Your budget: If you're working with a limited budget, you may want to opt for a DIY installation. Professional installations can be expensive, and the cost will vary depending on the company you choose.
• The size of your home: If you have a large home, it may be more difficult to install a DIY system. In this case, it may be worth the extra money to have a professional do it for you.
• Your level of expertise: If you're not confident in your ability to properly install a home security system, it's probably best to leave it to the professionals.
• The features you want in your system: Some home security solutions offer features that are only available with a professional installation. If you're interested in these features, you'll need to factor the cost of professional installation into your budget.
Once you've considered these factors, you'll be able to decide whether a DIY or professional installation is right for you.
Smart Home Automation
As mentioned before, smart home automation is a feature that is offered by many reputable home security companies, and is a top choice for residents of Washington, D.C.
Smart home automation allows you to control your home security system and other connected devices such as access control from your smartphone or other mobile device. Products such as ADT Pulse allow you to arm and disarm your system, see live camera footage, control your door locks, and control your smart home gadgets.
Another great feature of many smart home security systems is their ability to connect to popular smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This allows you to use voice commands to control your system, which is very convenient if you're busy, whether you're cooking dinner or you have your hands full with laundry.
If you're interested in a home security system with smart home automation capabilities, make sure to ask about it when you're shopping around.
Local vs. National Home Security
One of the major decisions that Washington D.C. homeowners face is whether to opt for a local or national security system. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice ultimately depends on the individual needs of the homeowner.
Local security systems are typically set at a more affordable price than national ones, and they can be customized to better meet the specific needs of the home and neighborhood. However, local systems may not offer as comprehensive of coverage as national ones, and they may not be backed by the same level of customer service.
National security solutions are usually more expensive, but they often come with a wider range of features and more comprehensive coverage. In addition, national companies usually have 24/7 customer support in case of any problems.
Homeowners should carefully weigh their options before making a decision about which type of security system is right for them.
Upfront Costs vs. Monthly Fees
Another important consideration is whether you prefer to pay upfront costs or monthly fees. Each pricing option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Many different specific services, such as live video surveillance, come at additional fee.
With an upfront-cost security system, you pay for the equipment all at once. This can save you money in the long run, since you won’t have to pay monthly fees. However, it also means that you’ll have to come up with the full cost of the equipment upfront, which may not be possible for everyone.
Monthly-fee security services, on the other hand, typically require a lower upfront investment. You’ll pay for the equipment over time, through monthly fees. This can make it more affordable in the short term, but it can also end up costing more in the long run.
Another good cost aspect to look at when shopping for home security systems is the matter of warranty. Many home security service providers offer different warranties based on the system you choose.
Ultimately, the decision between upfront costs and monthly fees should be based on your unique needs and situation.
Professional Monitoring
One final factor to consider is whether you want professional monitoring for your alarm systems. Professional monitoring means that there will always be someone keeping an eye on your system and security cameras, even when you’re not home.
If you opt for professional monitoring, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that someone with years of experience is always looking out for your safety. However, it generally also means that you’ll have to pay an additional monthly fee.
Especially if you're often on the go, professional monitoring is a great choice to make sure that your home is protected while you're away.
Customer Reviews
Before making any decisions, be sure to do your research and read customer reviews. Checking out what your Washington D.C. neighbors have to say can give you a good idea of what to expect from different security system providers.
Don’t just read the positive reviews—read the negative ones too. This will help you get a more well-rounded view of each company.
In the end, the best home or business security system is the one that meets your specific needs. By taking the time to consider all of your options, whether they are in the Washington DC or Maryland area, you can be sure to find a system that will give you the protection and peace of mind you deserve.
ADT in Washington
If you’re looking for a comprehensive home security system in the DC area, ADT is a great option. With 24/07 monitoring, professional installation, and a wide range of features, ADT can give you the peace of mind you’re looking for.
ADT is also now offering an option for energy conscious customers- ADTSolar. This new system allows you to utilize solar power to help offset the cost of your monthly monitoring fees.
ADT's professional monitoring services start as low as $28.99 a month, making it a good option for budget-conscious homeowners.
If you’re ready to take your home security to the next level, ADT is a great choice.