SELECTING HOME
SECURITY SYSTEMS
By Robert Hessel
option if you’re on a tight budget. Yet a
home security system can pay for itself
in the long run by boosting the value of
your home as it guards against intrusions.
The technology of home security
systems is continually improving. Before
choosing one, get to know the various
features that are currently available. You
might not be familiar with some of the
newer innovations. Thanks to advances
in home automation, a security system no
longer needs to consist of a few cameras
and an alarm. Through automation, it can
adjust to your schedule and preferences.
If you want to keep the lights on when
you’re not home to give potential intruders
the impression that someone is in the house
to deter them, an automated system can
turn the lights on when you’re not home,
so you don’t have to remember to do so
before stepping out the front door.
Some smart systems can also be selfmonitored
remotely. If the system identifies
a potential intrusion, you’ll receive an alert,
allowing you to check the cameras via
your cell phone.
114 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019
While some security
systems consist only of
alarms, others have hidden
cameras or cameras that
are set up to be obvious
to potential intruders.
Your choice depends on
your tastes. Some people
are concerned that the
presence of security
cameras will make their
home feel unwelcoming.
However, potential
intruders may avoid
targeting a house if they see it is protected
by a security system.
Other features you may want to look into
are motion sensors, broken glass sensors,
intercoms, spotlight cameras, doorbell
cameras and smart home integration. Some
systems also monitor the environment,
integrating with devices such as smoke
alarms.
When browsing these options, the costs
will vary widely. The more advanced
features that a home security system
boasts, the more it will cost. Just remember
to consider the value it will yield in the
long run.
You should feel safe in your home, and
you should never feel that you have to
worry about intrusions while you are away,
or while inside the home. A home should be
a place to relax and enjoy happy memories
with loved ones. A home security system
can make it so. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Robert Hessel at Source 1
Solutions can be contacted at (727) 538-4114
or visit source1solutions.com.
Your home is most
likely the largest
investment you
will ever make. It
is also the place where you
and your loved ones tend
to spend the most time.
Therefore, protecting it is
essential. A home security
system can help you do
this. However, finding the
right one takes a little work
as you consider several
different factors. Here are
some key items to keep in mind when you
are making such a decision.
Despite the need for a home security
system, some homeowners are reluctant
to purchase one because they feel it will be
too costly. No one wants to spend more for
something than they can afford. There are
many options to consider when choosing
a home security that can affect the price
of the system.
The most expensive home security
systems tend to be those that are installed
and monitored by professionals. Along
with the initial installation, which may
cost as much as $6,000, you will then have
to pay a monthly monitoring fee.
One way to save is to purchase a system
that you can install yourself. If you want the
system to be monitored by professionals
with either the company or the police (or
both) responding when the alarm goes
off, you’ll still need to pay a monthly fee.
But there are systems you can both install
and monitor by yourself. This means your
home won’t be as secure as it would be
with professional monitoring, but it’s an
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