How Much Do Home Security Systems Cost?
Last Updated: January 31, 2022
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A home is burglarized every 15 minutes in the United States. Although money can't necessarily buy peace of mind, you'll certainly rest a bit easier knowing that that your house and the loved ones you share it with are protected by a home alarm system. Sixty percent of burglaries are thwarted by alarm systems. Criminals prey on easy targets. In the world of crime, it's all about making yourself a difficult target. Installing a home alarm system will help do just that.
Types of Home Alarm Systems #
There are two major choices to make when selecting a home alarm system.
- Hardwired vs. Wireless Systems: In hardwired home alarm systems, zone and entryway sensors are physically attached to the master control station, while wireless home alarm systems use wireless sensors. A hardwired home alarm system is a more difficult a DIY project, as it requires drilling through walls and ceilings and inconspicuously running wires. By comparison, a wireless home alarm system can be easily installed, expanded, and even relocated, but you must regularly replace batteries.
- Monitored vs. Unmonitored: When the alarm is tripped on a monitored home alarm system, a central notification center is alerted and help can be immediately dispatched to your residence. In unmonitored home alarm systems, an alarm sounds when a security breach occurs, but you have to rely on your neighbors to call the police. Monitored home alarm systems do tend to have higher operating costs, however, as they require a telephone line and monthly monitoring fees.
Home Alarm System Components #
The basic components of a typical home alarm system include the following:
- Central Control Panel: This is the "brain" of your security system and the endpoint of all the system wiring. It also houses the backup battery and, if the system is monitored, is where it connects to the phone line.
- Keypad: Using the keypad you can arm and disarm the system and activate and deactivate security zones.
- Sensors: Motion detectors, glass break detectors, and door and window contacts trigger the alarm.
- Siren: Is set off when the alarm is tripped, deterring intruders.
- Wireless controllers and Panic Buttons: A wireless controller provides access to a security system from anywhere, while a panic button allows the alarm to be manually tripped and help to be contacted in an emergency.
Home Alarm System Prices #
The pricing information below should give you a better idea of how much a new home alarm system costs. For an exact price quote, please fill out our fast form and you will receive free price quotes from home alarm companies in your area.
A hardwired alarm system costs approximately $90-$130 per entry point (a door or window) and motion sensor to install. In a typical home, apartment, or office, this could work out to around $100 to $1,000 or more. For a large home or business, the total cost could be $2,000 to $4,000 and up. Some companies will offer free installation with an extended (5 + year) contract.
Monitoring costs for a home alarm system cost around $15 to $50 per month.
A warrantee for your system could cost an additional $5 to $15 per month.
A package that includes 1 master control, 3 door contacts, 1 motion detector, 1 keychain remote, and 2-way voice might cost $100 up front, and around $35/month after that.
A basic professionally installed, monitored and wireless system might cost around $100-$2,000 up front in addition to monthly monitoring fees. You can expect to pay the following for add-on components:
Motion sensor: $100-$150
Glass break sensor: $100-$150
Door/window sensor: $50-$100
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors: $75-$150
Additional Keypad: $100-$150
A do-it-yourself wireless home alarm system costs approximately $25 to $1,000.
For around $25 you can get a GE Home Wireless System Kit with a keypad, 3 window alarms, 120-decibel alarm, and more.
Brickhouse Security offers a "plug n' go" instant security system for around $150 that includes a motion detector unit, panic button chain remote, and siren speaker.
An AAS 600 DIY Wireless Home Security System costs around $300 and includes 32 defensive zones with up to three sensors in each, a backup power system, memory storage, and more.
A Go! Control complete home wireless DIY alarm system costs around $800 and comes with full voice response, color LCD touchscreen, home automation, and more.