How to choose a home security system

A good security system fits your home and the way you live. The right setup for a house with a detached garage may look different from the right one for a townhouse. This guide walks through what to decide, what to ask, and what to look for in the paperwork, so you can compare companies on your own terms.

Decide what you want it to do

Security systems can do more than sound an alarm. The Federal Trade Commission notes that they can notify authorities about a medical emergency, offer video, and monitor smoke, carbon monoxide, and water levels. Some connect to your lighting or heating, and you can control them from your phone or computer.¹

A few questions help narrow it down:

• When an alarm goes off, do you want a monitoring center to respond, or would you rather get an alert and decide yourself?
• Which doors and windows matter most to you?
• Do you want smoke, carbon monoxide, or water sensors in the same system?
• Do you want to arm it and check on things from your phone?

If you're weighing a monitored system against cameras, our guide on monitored security or cameras covers the difference.

Want someone watching when you can't?

A monitored system can send help while something is happening, which cameras alone can't do. Plans differ in what they watch and what the equipment costs, so compare a few before you sign.

See monitored plans

Compare a few companies

The FTC suggests asking friends, neighbors, and coworkers about the systems they use, and searching a company's name with a word like complaint to see what other customers say. It also suggests checking that the installer's contractor license is current and getting written estimates.¹

A reputable company won't try to sell you anything before it learns about your needs and the layout of your home, according to the FTC. So expect a company to ask about your home before it quotes a price.¹

When you talk with each company, the FTC suggests asking these questions. The answers are worth comparing side by side.¹

• Who installs and monitors the system? Some companies hand that work to other companies.
• How much does monitoring cost, and how often will you be billed?
• Does the company call you before or after it contacts the authorities? What happens if it can't reach you?
• What happens if the power goes out? Is there a backup battery?
• What does the warranty cover, and for how long? Who handles repairs and upgrades?
• How long is the monitoring contract? Is there a penalty for ending it early, and what happens if you move?

What the paperwork should include

Before you sign, make sure the contract package includes:¹

• The installation price
• The monitoring fee, and whether it's billed monthly, quarterly, or yearly
• The length of the contract
• Any discounts
• A written warranty and the owner's manual
• An explanation of your right to cancel, plus cancellation forms

If a salesperson comes to your door

Many security companies sell door to door, and the FTC says there's nothing wrong with that. It also notes that dishonest sellers use the same approach, so a few habits help:¹

• Slow down if someone pushes you to sign right away to get a deal.
• Be careful with equipment offered at no charge. It may come tied to a long, expensive monitoring contract.
• If someone says they work for your current security company, or that it went out of business, call your company yourself to check.
• You don't have to let anyone in. It's fine to say no thanks at the door.

If you do sign at home, the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule generally gives you three business days to cancel. The same goes for a contract you sign anywhere that isn't the seller's permanent place of business. You don't need a reason, and you can change your mind even if the equipment is already installed.¹

After you choose

Call your local police and fire departments. Ask whether you need to register the system, whether there's a fee to register, and whether there are fines for false alarms.¹

It's also worth calling your home insurer. The Texas Department of Insurance suggests that if you install a monitored security alarm or a smart home system, you tell your insurance company and ask about a discount.²