How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?
There are many home security system options on the market. Depending on the size of your home and options added, prices can range from $250 up. These costs include equipment, installation, and activation fees.
Below is a break-down of costs you can expect:
Equipment Costs
The equipment costs make up the bulk of your upfront charges. Depending on the system and the equipment you choose, the price can vary drastically. Some companies will advertise “new-customer equipment pricing” where you can get up to $1,500 worth of “free” equipment upfront. It sounds like a great deal, but make sure to read the fine print on these types of offers, because “free” is almost never free.
Monitoring Costs
Monthly monitoring costs vary widely as well. This monthly charge is for the service of having your home monitored 24/7 by an external monitoring center. Most companies start at a base price and adjust it as you add features or services, such as remote controls or cameras. According to the SDM Rankings, the national average monthly cost is $50.30. EMC Security has one of the lowest monitoring cost starting at $16.95 per month.
Companies, like the above example, hide equipment costs in the monthly fee so the consumer has no idea how much their system actually costs. Typically, the monthly rate is based on a package price and that is what you pay for the remainder of your patronage with that company. Other companies are up-front about their costs – like EMC Security. EMC Security offers a 24-month commitment option where the customer can pay for the equipment in 24 monthly installments. Once the equipment is paid for, that debt is satisfied and the monthly rate decreases to include just the monitoring costs. There is no other company in Atlanta that offers this type of agreement. This is great for people who want an affordable home security option but can’t afford the heavy upfront costs of equipment.
Options
Self-install options have entered the market and are a great alternative to professional installation. With this type of system, you can install it when it’s most convenient for you – without taking off work or scheduling appointments. It’s also typically more cost-effective since you are not paying for installation. It’s important to note that not all DIY security systems are the same. EMC Security cautions against systems from the “big box” stores. We believe no one should trust their home and family’s safety to anyone other than a professional security company. Check out our systems from just $179.
