What's in an Alarm Bill
The Hidden Costs of Home Alarm Systems
A popular credit card commercial uses the tagline, “What’s in your wallet?” When it comes to assessing home security systems, the question could be tweaked a little: “What’s in your alarm bill?” Peter Rogers, FrontPoint's COO explains how to find true value for your home security dollars.
Plenty of companies out there offer home security for roughly $35 a month, but those are typically for a basic level of service. Some of the newer technological features such as motion detector cameras will push the actual monthly bill higher. Smart consumers should do their research, evaluate their options and beware of the potential increase in monthly cost as they add additional services.
There are traditional wired security systems and the newer wireless security systems. Some of the large wired providers provide wireless as well, but sometimes as an added cost – more as a backup to their wired systems in case the landline gets cut or goes down.
One of the largest providers that you’re familiar with offers a package for $33.99 a month. But if you want detection for carbon monoxide and potentially frozen pipes, the monthly price goes to $38.99. Add wireless features like keychain remote and wireless motion sensors, and the rate goes to $42.99 a month. And add the cellular security as backup, and the monthly rate climbs to $46.99. Plus installation, the cost goes up to $609. The price to add video surveillance features isn’t even specified on the provider’s website. You have to contact a sales representative first.
Another major provider offers alarm system monitoring for prices that “start at just $31.99 a month,*” its website advertises. But don’t overlook the asterisk. As it says in the fine print, in certain states the monitoring fee may vary. Installation of fire detection devices or carbon monoxide detectors are extra, and local codes may require the installation of additional smoke or heat detectors at an additional cost. Monitoring of carbon monoxide detector is an additional $1 per month, and fire detection devices are an additional $2 per month. So $31.99 isn’t looking like $31.99 anymore.
There are traditional wired security systems and the newer wireless security systems. Some of the large wired providers provide wireless as well, but sometimes as an added cost – more as a backup to their wired systems in case the landline gets cut or goes down.
One of the largest providers that you’re familiar with offers a package for $33.99 a month. But if you want detection for carbon monoxide and potentially frozen pipes, the monthly price goes to $38.99. Add wireless features like keychain remote and wireless motion sensors, and the rate goes to $42.99 a month. And add the cellular security as backup, and the monthly rate climbs to $46.99. Plus installation, the cost goes up to $609. The price to add video surveillance features isn’t even specified on the provider’s website. You have to contact a sales representative first.
Another major provider offers alarm system monitoring for prices that “start at just $31.99 a month,*” its website advertises. But don’t overlook the asterisk. As it says in the fine print, in certain states the monitoring fee may vary. Installation of fire detection devices or carbon monoxide detectors are extra, and local codes may require the installation of additional smoke or heat detectors at an additional cost. Monitoring of carbon monoxide detector is an additional $1 per month, and fire detection devices are an additional $2 per month. So $31.99 isn’t looking like $31.99 anymore.