In 2022, the number of incidents of breaking and entering in Canada increased by 5.6 per cent to 132,897 when compared to the previous year, according to the Statista Research Department.
With these stats, it raises the question of whether it’s worth investing in a home security system. The Good Hands Advice team, along with our partners at Liberty Home Security, have put together a guide for consideration.
Do Home Security Systems Deter Thieves?
Does a Security System Add Value to a Home?
How to Choose the Right Home Security System for your Home?
When Should I Upgrade My Home Security System?
What Should I Consider For My Next Home Security System
Do Home Security Systems Deter Thieves?
Many criminals look for an easy target. When faced with a home equipped with surveillance cameras and a modern burglar alarm system, the thieves may choose to move on to find another option.
What Are The Biggest Deterrents For Burglars?
According to an investigative report with KTVB – a local news station in Boise, Idaho – they interviewed 86 burglars about how they broke into homes and shared their biggest deterrents.
What stood out to the Good Hands team were the following:
- Most inmates broke in through an unlocked door or window.
- They typically go after jewelry, electronics, cash and credit cards.
- Most burglars started by searching the master bedroom for valuables, then moved throughout the rest of the house.
- Burglars prefer breaking in early morning or afternoon.
- Most intruders said they would leave immediately if a security alarm went off.
- They looked for homes with big fences and overgrown trees or bushes.
Does a Security System Add Value to a Home?
Installing a modern security system can greatly increase the value of a home. According to Liberty Home Security, these systems improve safety and make properties more attractive to buyers who prioritize safety, potentially raising market value.
With technology designed to prevent emergencies such as fires, floods, freezing pipes and carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as features for 24/7 surveillance and remote control via smartphones, these systems not only provide immediate safety benefits and peace of mind but also enhance a property’s position in competitive markets.
As technology advances, homes equipped with integrated security systems are in line with smart home trends, increasing their appeal and market value.
How to Choose the Right Home Security System for your Home?
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right home security system for your home. These include:
Equipment
Consider what you’re looking to get out of your home security system. Do you want video surveillance or just an alarm system? Some offer motion-activated LED lights, water leak detection, and more. You should choose a system that offers the equipment you need to protect your home.
Monitoring Options
How do you want to monitor your home? Many systems offer mobile apps to watch your home while you’re away. Some even offer motion detection sensors. Whatever your needs, go with a security system that offers the monitoring style that suits you.
Cost
When considering a security system for your home, it’s important to set a realistic budget and explore various price points, as many systems are scalable.
While DIY options can save money, professional installation ensures your system functions optimally, adding value and reliability.
Remember, a quality security system not only enhances safety but also increases your property value, makes your home more appealing to buyers, and may reduce insurance premiums, offering long-term financial benefits that can offset the initial investment.
User Experience
Consider the ease of the product. You want to find a system that you and your family can operate – even a child if they’ll have access to the technology.
When Should I Upgrade My Home Security System?
Speak to your home security specialist to know the recommended time to upgrade your current system. However, there are also other clues to indicate when your current systems should be updated:
Low-Resolution Cameras
If your home security system was installed more than 10 years ago, there’s a chance the technology is outdated.
Cameras have drastically improved in quality (and become more affordable) since they were first integrated into home security systems. If you find that your current camera isn’t providing an optimal resolution, it may be time for an upgrade.
Only Accessible From Home
Nowadays, many home security systems can be accessed remotely through an app. These upgrades make it a lot easier to have peace of mind while you’re away from home to know that it is protected.
Only Reliable on Landlines
While a landline telephone is becoming less common, there are still people who prefer to have one. And while that is a personal choice, if your security system is connected to your landline, you may encounter some issues.
As a matter of fact, burglars can identify where landlines are located to deactivate your system’s connection to authorities and may leave your home vulnerable.
Your System Lacks Automation Features
As technology becomes more sophisticated, you’ll find that your home security system can do a lot more. Examples of automation smart thermostats, lights, door locks, and plugs. These devices can also communicate with each other and can connect to your system to provide the most effective protection.
Only have an Alarm System
As you’ll see later in the article, your home security system can be far more than just a simple alarm system. While we mentioned that alarms may act as a deterrent for burglars, it’s not a guarantee. Some features – like a mobile app and 24/7 monitoring – can provide you with more value for the purchase.
What Should I Consider For My Next Home Security System
Which Features Are Ideal for a Home Security System?
Liberty Home Security offers the following recommendations:
24/7 Monitoring
Find a security provider that will monitor your system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That way, if an emergency is detected by one of the security devices, the monitoring station will be alerted. Depending on the situation, authorities, emergency services, or security staff will be contacted and dispatched immediately.
Mobile App
Self-monitor your home at your fingertips from your mobile device. With a mobile app, you can control your security equipment and get notifications on potential situations, such as when temperatures in your home drop dramatically or if carbon monoxide is detected.
Fire Detection
One of the most crucial fire precautions is having a working smoke detector. Connect a smoke detector to your security system to detect rising temperatures and smoke.
Flood and Water Damage Mitigation
Water damage can be a messy and expensive issue for a homeowner. You can use your security system to detect early signs of water infiltration caused by a variety of reasons, such as a leaking washing machine, seasonal flooding or a sewer backup, with the help of a flood sensor. Flood sensors can be placed in areas where water is likely to collect to help detect water in the home and alert you before it causes more damage.
Extreme Temperature Alerts
Place freeze sensors around your home and be alerted when the temperature approaches an extreme low. This can help you react quickly to chimney or furnace malfunctions and help prevent freezing pipes. On the other end of the spectrum, you can install heat sensors to detect extreme rising temperatures for emergencies such as flash fires, which create little smoke.
Carbon Monoxide Detection
Carbon monoxide is an odourless, tasteless and colourless gas that can quickly become deadly if it goes undetected and the right precautions are not taken. Get notified if carbon monoxide is detected and prevent any potential emergencies or accidents.
While cameras, motion sensors and smart door locks can help protect your family and home from break-ins, you can add other layers of protection by investing in additional security equipment, monitoring services and phone apps. Take matters into your own hands and prevent property damage and accidents from occurring in your home.
If you plan on installing a home security system, you may qualify for homeowners’ insurance discounts if you install certain safety devices to help protect your property and loved ones.
Speak to your Allstate agent to learn more.
Disclaimer: This information and the websites referenced are provided for your convenience only and should not be construed as providing legal or insurance advice. Allstate does not control or guarantee the accuracy of any content on any third-party site. Allstate is not responsible for the privacy practices of any third-party site.