Hi everyone! Does anyone here have home security, and has it been worth the cost? I’m considering getting it for my family in Southern Ontario, where there have been frequent break-ins. We’re leaning toward Security ONE, but I’d love to hear your experiences with them or other services.
The contract we’re looking at is three years, and it’s not cheap. We initially thought of a DIY system but decided outsourcing might be better, as my family isn’t tech-savvy. If you’ve gone the DIY route, how well has it worked for you? Any insights into monitored systems or alternatives would be greatly appreciated!
Home security is about peace of mind rather than ROI. How much is uninterrupted sleep and safety worth to you? I’ve found that visible deterrents, like cameras, are as important as the system itself.
Richard said:
Home security is about peace of mind rather than ROI. How much is uninterrupted sleep and safety worth to you? I’ve found that visible deterrents, like cameras, are as important as the system itself.
Agreed. After dealing with break-ins, I installed Nest cameras. They’re obvious, and it’s reassuring to know who’s at the door or on the property. Reporting incidents also helped reduce neighborhood crime over time.
A DIY system can work well if you’re tech-savvy. I use Wyze cameras, which are inexpensive but not perfect—they occasionally push subscriptions now. Make sure to set strong passwords and decide if you need a system that alerts emergency services or just monitors activity.
@Gordon
Thanks! I’ve used Wyze as a baby monitor and liked it. My concern is downtime—my family might not know how to reconnect it if something goes wrong. Do you find your cameras lose connection often?
Sometimes the simplest measures work best. Motion-detecting lights, security stickers, and bars on basement windows can deter intruders. Criminals often choose easier targets.
Traditional monitored systems are often overpriced. I use a DIY Ring alarm for about $150. It’s affordable, effective, and my insurance offers a discount for self-monitoring. Consider these systems if you’re on a budget.
My retired police father-in-law always said, ‘Good insurance is your best security.’ I had a monitored system once, but issues with false alarms made me switch to an unmonitored camera system with notifications. It’s simpler and avoids insurance complications.
I pay $12/month for basic monitoring with The Monitoring Center. It’s simple, connects to emergency services, and gives peace of mind. Anything more expensive feels excessive for what it offers.
I work in the security industry, so here’s a breakdown: Monitored systems offer quick response, integration with other devices like cameras and thermostats, and often reduce insurance costs. DIY systems are cheaper but lack direct monitoring. It depends on your family’s needs and comfort level with tech.
Cameras like Eufy or Wyze are great, but a trained dog can also be a strong deterrent. Just keep in mind the costs and responsibilities of owning a dog.
If insurance discounts offset the cost, monitored systems like DSC or Honeywell might be worth it. They also integrate well with home automation systems for added convenience.