More and more people are turning to security systems to protect their homes. This is a smart decision, as security cameras will help you feel at ease whether you are in your home or on vacation. Unfortunately, when shopping for a security system, you may find that there are companies that seem genuine, but do not have the customer’s best interest at heart.
If you are thinking of investing in a home security system, here are some helpful tips to make sure you get the best deal on what you are looking for.
Consider your budget and what features are absolutely necessary and which you could live without. Credible businesses will work with you to build a home security system to suit your wants, needs and budget. You can ask for input or recommendations from friends, family, or even your home or renters insurance carrier.
Contact at least three companies before making a decision. This way you can compare prices and service, and ask important questions (ex. proper licensing, background checks for employees). This will also give you time to check reviews or do additional research before committing to a company.
If you have a budget, see what companies can offer for that price. Or you can compare prices from different businesses on a similar system. When getting quotes and prices, be sure ask about any other fees that may apply, for example, monthly monitoring fees or installation charges. It is also wise to consult with your insurance agent since home security systems may qualify you for a discount on homeowner’s premiums.
As with any contract, be sure that you fully understand it before signing. Know how long it will last, what it covers, terminations fees, etc. If your system is going to be monitored, those contracts typically last 2-5 years. Before you sign on to a long term contract, be sure to ask the major, important questions. For example, what happens if you are dissatisfied with the services provided? Is it possible to cancel the contract? As the consumer, what are your rights if the company is acquired by another company?
When shopping around, keep an eye out for these red flags:
Often times, trustworthy companies will give you time to think through the deal and make your decision. But if a seller is trying to pressure you into going with their company, don’t give in until you have done the proper research.
While some companies offer competitive prices, others may offer unbelievable deals that seem too good to be true. Most of the time, they are. In this case, “you get what you pay for” rings true. Whether it is defective equipment or a poor installation job, this is something to keep in mind when making your final decision.
If you cannot get a positive identification for your salesperson or the company, you may want to question using their services. Also, beware of sellers with no ties to their community. This could mean they might pull a disappearing act after mediocre services have been rendered and payments have been made.
It is always wise to check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints or reviews about the company. If there have been complaints, you can see how the company handled the situation, giving you a better idea of the customer service you can expect.
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Smart homes or home automation is being more commonly used as the ability to control various aspects remotely proves convenient for most. This enables us to manage home alarms, lighting and such from our smart devices through the internet. This convenience can come at a cost – with access being provided through the internet, home automation systems become vulnerable to hackers.
Home automation can prove to be very beneficial, allowing you to monitor your home while you’re away and even let people into your home without having to disperse copies of keys. You can control your energy consumption to cut costs on bills, or you can make it appear as if someone is home while you’re on vacation. These provide easier means to protect you from physical threats, but utilizing the internet for controls opens your system up to potential security breaches. One wrong move and strangers can gain access to your home security.
However, there are ways to carefully and wisely implement a home automation system. A complex encryption and strong passwords can decrease your system’s weaknesses. Work with your vendor to find out specific details about their encryption and security measures to protect your systems.
If you’re controlling different aspects of home automation, it might be wise to use different user ids and passwords so that if one control is compromised, the rest of your system remains intact. The complexity and strength of your passwords will help a great deal as well.
One last caution is downloading apps on your smart devices. These may require access to networks or make you susceptible to malicious content. Always review the permissions the app requires and be wary of those that need access to your network.
Overall, smart use of home automation can provide endless benefits. When dealing with sensitive information relating to security and safety, always proceed with caution. Know the risks and how you can protect yourself before diving in. As our technology continues to advance, so, too, does the knowledge of hackers.
If you have any questions regarding home security system or surveillance camera needs, please feel free to call us at 1-800-203-6294. You can also visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com – we carry wireless home alarm units, security cameras, CCTV camera packages and more.