So many people come to me and ask for a security system. What I hear is a loaded question. First of all, what makes you feel safe? Do you want to be able to peak in and see what is going on? Or, do you want to be able and go back in time and view video clips? Is the option of having the system monitored for police, fire, and medical important to you? What is it that you mean by a security system?
Sometimes when we talk to professionals we forget that maybe we do not really understand what all is involved. An example may be that your air conditioner is not pushing as much cold air as you think it should. So, you call an HVAC pro and ask them to send a tech to make it cooler. However, it is usually not that simple. Maybe he can administer a quick fix and you will be happy. But it may only be a temporary fix. Then you are calling back to have him come out again. This gets costly. Plus, you are not very happy with that company since it appears that they are not solving the problem.
Is a security system intrusion detection or peaking in?
Typically, here is the way I see it when I am asked about a security system. I immediately go to the type of system that includes door/window contacts, glass breaks, etc. In essence, that is intrusion detection that will notify the authorities in the case of an event. While that is what comes to mind when I hear security system, I find that in a lot of cases what people are really looking for is camera system. Most people want to be able to peak in and see what is going on when they are not home. There is a plethora of options in either case, but now we have to delve deeper into the expectation.
Surveillance and property awareness systems
In many cases a stand-alone surveillance system comes with some (any number of) cameras and a recorder. Rarely are there monthly recurring contracts with these. But there are times when monthly payments are required. Property awareness is a service that has a monthly fee. Not only do you view your cameras with this system, you control lighting, garage doors, door locks, water valves, and the list goes on. Plus, it is possible to get notifications on your phone and email based on parameters that you set.
On the front end, property awareness systems are a little less expensive, but they come with a monthly fee. A stand-alone surveillance (camera) system usually costs more on the front end. However, typically there are no monthly fees unless there is a service contract included with the purchase of the system. I generally do not offer service contracts as I do not believe there is much value to them in these cases. But what do you get for the extra cost up front?
More about surveillance systems
For one, you have a much wider variety of cameras to choose from with a stand-alone surveillance system. You get cameras with very high resolutions and recorders that have the option. of extra hard drive space added to them. For the most part, it is a much more robust camera system. In the case of property awareness, your options are somewhat limited to the devices supported by the service providers. They are high quality cameras with great pictures, but there are fewer to choose from, with fewer options to maximize the point of view of the camera.
Whether you decide on a stand-alone surveillance system or a property awareness system depends on what you understand and want as your security system. The choice is yours. But before you make that choice, make sure you understand the different options – and the pros and cons of each.
Contact me today to learn more about how to improve the safety, security, and comfort of your home with a wireless security system.
Mike