The Internet is changing yet another industry; home security. Traditional alarm companies are notorious for locking people into three year monitoring contracts. Most also promote a 'free alarm' or $99 alarm system, only to upsell homeowners into several thousand dollar packages. In many ways, the industry operates like the old days of the car business. 

The New Home Security Model

Each family has its own security needs and many are finding the answer in low cost plug and play alarm system. You may have heard Rush Limbaugh and a number of other national talk show hosts promoting SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe is the most well known name in the plug and play alarm system niche. Amazon.com sells a wide array of these kind of do-it-yourself home security systems. The SimpliSafe basic set up is currently going for $249.

These lower cost systems use wireless sensors, so no hard wiring is required. With the ability to connect one of these systems to the Internet, you can monitor your home while you are away. You can even add a camera to have a live video feed. Some of these alarms work like their traditional counterparts and offer monitoring. Simplisafe offers a no contract monitoring service for $15 monthly (about half of what traditional security companies charge). Monitoring is one option, while others provide a way for you to receive a phone call or an alert on your smartphone if your alarm has been tripped.

If You Move, Just Unplug Your System And Take It With You 

Where the plug and play alarm system really offers a huge advantage is its portablity. If you move, just unplug it and take it to your new home. On that issue, these kinds of systems are likely the only option for someone that is renting. 

How To Decide What Alarm System Is Right For You?

There are so many variables here, the most important piece of advice I can offer is to take the time to think through what your security needs are. Some people want and need monitoring, while others may only want the loud burst of a siren in the middle of the night if a window or door is opened. Some families can get by with a couple of wireless cameras that they can monitor online. Others many want the whole deal, including traditional monitoring. The good news is that all of the above is now available without long term contracts or thousands of dollars in installation costs.

I don't think the traditional alarm companies will disappear any time soon, but this new competition should drive prices lower on equipment and monitoring.  

Helping you make the most of God's money! 

  James L. Paris 
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com
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