How to Select a Home Security System

So you have decided to invest in a security system to keep your home safe. What's the next step? The next step is to find the right home security system for your needs--one that can send an alert when a window in your home has been broken. Read on to learn how to select a home security system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Talk with your family, friends and neighbors to get their advice and recommendations. Recommendations can guide you when it comes to choosing the right home security system for you.
   

2. If you want more advice, call your insurance agent or even the local police station for their recommendations. You can also call the better business bureau to get its list of systems that are not recommended or look at consumer reports.
   

3. Choose from highly recommended monitoring companies and the best alarm systems. Get quotes on pricing.
   

4. Determine what window sensors the system uses. Choose a system that offers window shock sensors or a glass break audio sensor. Eliminate those that do not offer these sensors from your list.
   

5. Before making a commitment to one company and system, ask other questions. Should the system have a battery backup? What is the response when an alarm goes off? Is a contact required?
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the best security devices are often tied to a security monitoring company. Choosing the right device for your home involves choosing the right monitoring options.
• Don't allow yourself to be talked into buying a system that does not have the options that you want.