How to Compare Home Security Systems

How to Compare Home Security Systems

• 1

  Read customer reviews of each system that is of interest. You can find these customer reviews on the product's Web site or the home security company's Web site. When reading customer reviews, pay attention to whether or not these customers widely thought the system was easy to operate and effective.

• 2

  Find professional reviews of home security systems and find out how experts rate and compare them. Expert review websites and expert review magazines are the best places to look. One example is Consumer's Digest, a magazine devoted to reviewing consumer products like home security systems.

• 3

  Sort the list of home security systems by how many sensors would cover your house if you were to purchase that particular system. Some home security alarms and systems only cover the front and back entrance ways, but there are others that place sensors near windows and other locations around the home. Opt for a home security alarm system that will actually cover every entrance of your home.

• 4

  Sort your list of security systems even further by the number of motion sensors, if any, are included. Write this number down to refer to later.

• 5

  Review and look at the keypad of each home security system. Determine if it would be easy to operate and handle.

• 6

  Compare "other features" and make a list. For example, does the home security system include a carbon monoxide or smoke detector?

• 7

  Investigate the company that is installing the home security alarm system. One question to consider is: "Will the security company repair my system for me, if needed?" Other issues with the company to consider include how long the company has been around and how many consumers they service.

• 8

  Make your final decision about the home security system you'll purchase by matching your needs and wants with the criteria set forth above.