4 Tips to Save Money for your Home Security
Imagine returning home from a night out to discover your windows broken. Your laptop and brand-new smart TV are missing as you assess the damage. Upon closer scrutiny, everything of worth is gone, even your late grandparents’ wedding bands. A burglary can easily cost thousands or thousands of dollars in damages—the mental anguish and nagging anxiety that your home is no longer secure.
You start to wish you had a home security system. Many solutions, unfortunately, are costly and require professional installation. On the other hand, a home security system does not need a home improvement loan.
Here are 4 tips to save money on buying home security to feel safe without breaking the bank.
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DIY Home Security Enhancements
Window and door alarms can assist you in putting together a basic DIY home security system. Many of Amazon’s inexpensive solutions don’t require any wiring, mounting hardware, or professional installation. For example, DIY door and window sensors range from $20 to $50, depending on how many you need. Because they’re magnetic and battery-powered, you can safeguard your home in minutes without using any tools.
Another option to save money on buying home security is reinforcing your doors with a reinforcement lock to resist forceful entrance. This DIY update is also available on Amazon for roughly $15. A burglary can result in thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in stolen items and property damage; investing $15 in a basic home security update is a great decision.
It appears as if someone’s home deters robbers more than anything else. Light timers can provide the appearance of being on vacation. Schedule your inside lights to be turned off during the day when you aren’t using them, turned on in the evening, and turned off again before bedtime when the outdoor lights should be turned on before turning off again in the morning.
Depending on the model, a programmable light switch can cost anywhere from $15 to $40. Finally, most criminals prefer not to be spotted, so put motion-activated lights outside your property, particularly near windows and entrances. Solar-powered motion sensor lights can be found for as little as $5 each. These lights should have power at night as long as they receive some sunshine during the day.
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Make use of free home security apps
Some home security systems have hefty monthly monitoring fees and cost hundreds of dollars in hardware. You may monitor your house yourself with free home security applications if you want a more budget-friendly DIY home security option.
Several home security apps can turn an outdated smartphone into a security camera. Both the monitoring and receiving devices need a reliable Internet connection to broadcast. Free home security apps aren’t nearly as handy if you frequently lose coverage and Internet with your smartphone.
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Install a Do-It-Yourself Home Security System
Burglaries are more likely in houses without security systems. That isn’t to say you need the most expensive system available, and the mere existence of cameras lessens the likelihood of a break-in. There are various inexpensive DIY home security systems on the market, and you can also use online discount codes to purchase them at affordable prices. Security systems often range in price from $25 for a single camera to $200 or more for a full DIY system. The cost is mostly determined by the number of cameras required to monitor your property and all major entrance points.
Some home security systems include more flashy features, such as a smart home assistant like Alexa or Siri. If your cameras detect movement, these applications will notify you and may immediately record footage to catch possible burglars in the act. You can even chat through your security cameras with some systems.
Most also allow you to set up security alerts on your phone, view and record live video, and arm or disable your home security system from your phone. If you pay for monitoring, the company will contact emergency services if necessary.
They are a few of the most well-known brands. Security cameras and other smart home devices are available for under $50 on Amazon. Check reviews before purchasing any product, whether from a famous or lesser-known company. Cover the primary entrance points while installing cameras inside your home. Outside, cameras monitor important entries like your front and patio doors and lower-level entry points like windows or garage doors.
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Purchase Pre-owned Home Security Systems
Buying home security old items is another option to save money on home security systems. There are numerous ways to locate used equipment on the Internet, and when shopping on Amazon, you can apply a used filter.
On eBay, you may find both new and secondhand security cameras. You can also purchase them from several famous brands and get in a good deal. Check out Facebook Marketplace and other social media platforms as well. If you meet a seller in person, wait to pay until you’ve verified that the cameras operate and that the footage and alerts are correctly transmitted. You don’t want to risk your life saving and other home precious items in a burglary. Shopping online from a trusted supplier with good feedback avoids obtaining damaged equipment and bad experience.
Wrap Up
Don’t cut corners if it puts your safety at risk at home security. When shopping and saving money on buying home security, be wary of the numerous home security frauds. Unfortunately, some salespeople utilize dubious tactics to persuade homes to purchase devices.
This could include scaring you into signing a contract or, in more serious circumstances, impersonating your current home security provider or lying about who they work for. Take your time to avoid such scams. Call any home security supplier you’re considering instead of buying home security from someone who comes to your door. Also, look them up on consumer watchdog and review sites like the BBB or Trustpilot.
