Home Monitoring vs. Home Security Cameras

If you are a homeowner, there are two kinds of systems that you can use to protect your home from intruders. You can either install a home monitoring system or a system of outdoor security cameras. Both are very different and have their pros and cons, but security cameras are generally just as effective without the monthly costs incurred by a monitoring system.

You’ve probably seen ads for one of the many home monitoring services offered today. ADT and Brinks are two of the biggest competitors in this market. Home alarm monitoring services essentially wire your home with an alarm that arm when you leave or when you go to bed and will alert the local police is anyone trips it, causing the burglar to either flee or be caught red handed.

Unfortunately, there are many local police dispatches that don’t even respond to alarm calls from private residences. Some do, but make sure that you check with your local police force first. In addition to this, there’s nothing that prevents a burglar from doing a simple smash and grab. They can get through a window, grab any jewels or family heirlooms that happen to be in the room and leave without being caught by the cops before they have time to respond. This means that the main benefit of a home monitoring service is in the deterrent it gives criminals.

As a deterrent, outdoor wireless security camera systems work just as well, if not better than any alarm monitoring service. Both systems cost about the same to setup, but an security camera system doesn’t come with the steep monthly fees most monitoring services charge. The setup and maintenance of the systems should be completely do it yourself as well. This makes the a much better option for most homes.