Safety is a pillar concept for homeowners. In this article, we will be brushing on this exact theme, as we present the cost of different home alarm systems.  With a rise in burglaries and the development of new technology, alarm systems are now very widespread. Each brand offers a different range of alarms with systems directly connected to your phone.

You can also choose to link your alarm system to a central unit. Service providers offer various options such as remote monitoring as well as a residential panic button.

Suffice to say that when it comes to alarm systems, there is something for everyone and for all budgets. This article on alarm prices aims to demystify the subject so you can make a choice that truly suits your needs!

What is an alarm system?

An alarm is installed to ensure the safety of yourself and your home. The alarm system protects you from burglaries that may occur. This equipment generally consists of a control panel that is fixed to the wall near the front door and motion sensors that identify individuals thanks to body heat (infrared technology).

Over time, control panels have become relatively obsolete and have been replaced by a mobile application accessible from your smartphone. When your alarm system is equipped with cameras, you can stay connected to your home 24 hours a day. In the event of a burglary, you’ll have all the necessary images to give to the police to facilitate their investigation.

Cost of a residential alarm system

Stores that sell electronic devices are full of gadgets of all kinds to ensure the security of your home. You’ll quickly see that there’s something for every budget and that even the most basic surveillance products can now be connected to a smartphone. In most cases, the best-performing alarm systems are sold as an alarm kit connected to home Wi-Fi.

For example, an alarm system consisting of two touch sensors and a motion sensor is available between $100 and $240. Accompanying this is a mobile app that allows you to remotely activate, deactivate, and control all security functions. In the event of an intrusion, occupants of the home instantly receive calls, text messages, direct notifications or emails when the system detects suspicious activity.

If you choose to buy a single sensor, know that you will have the choice between different products: a sensor for doors and windows, a glass break detector or a carpet detector with alarm and buzzer. Here is a summary of the alarm systems and their prices.

The advantages of having an alarm system in your home

• Helps you feel safe;

• Affordable prices and different ranges of products offered;

• An alarm sounds in the event of an intrusion;

• The simple display of a sticker indicating the presence of an alarm system in itself acts as a deterrent against burglars.

Connecting your alarm system to a central system

Buy or rent your security system?

You may need real professional services to keep your home safe. In this case, your security system can be attached to a central unit. When you use a company to protect your home, the first choice you need to make is to choose between buying and renting the security system. It’s important to mention that in both cases there are advantages and disadvantages to take into account.

When you purchase an alarm system, installation costs will be higher, on the other hand, the monthly connection payments to a central system will be lower. If you decide to rent your security system, the installation costs will be minimal, however, the monthly costs will be much higher. We understand that this is an investment question, so it’s important to consider these factors before you make your choice.

The Office for Consumer Protection (OPC) advises that you assess your needs and above all, to be well informed about the different types of existing contracts. Suppliers offer fixed-term and other open-ended contracts. If you opt for a fixed-term contract then you will have an agreement for a fixed period where the price cannot increase.

In the event that you decide to cancel your agreement, fees apply. This is why we suggest reading the terms of the contract. If you choose to take out an open-ended contract, then you’ll be able to cancel at any time without paying additional fees. However, the price of monthly payments may increase at any time.

Another point worth mentioning is that one of the advantages is related to your home insurance. In fact, multiple insurances offer a reduction in your housing premium specifically if you install an alarm system in your home. For example, Desjardins offers a discount of up to 15% on your home insurance if you subscribe to an alarm system connected to a central system.

Price of an alarm system per control panel

It’s fairly difficult to compare the prices of an alarm system connected to a central system, because the formulas are different between leasing, buying or renting the system. When your alarm system is connected to a central monitoring station, in the event of an anomaly, an agent from the central station immediately receives the warning and communicates the information to security services. This will dispatch them to your home.

Regarding the price of your subscription, count $15 to $60 monthly. The price of your subscription obviously depends on the options you include in your alarm system (remote monitoring, communication with emergency services, insurance in the event of a malfunction, maintenance, transmission of sensor signals to your cell phone). Budget $300 to $720 for the purchase of a basic wired alarm system. And $840 to $960 for a wireless alarm system.

The wireless alarm system requires drilling holes in your walls in order to install the conductors. For this reason, it’s preferable to install this system when you renovate or build a new house. In addition, the wireless alarm system is quite revolutionary and works thanks to a wireless receiver and an antenna, which are integrated into the printed circuit of the control panel. Micro transmitters are also integrated into the various detection modules which will allow for continuous communication. This saves on installation costs and you can easily take the equipment with you if or when you move out.

Before making your choice

• Break down each offer regarding the services in terms of options, duration, renewal;

• Find out about the guarantees that are offered;

• Contact the nearest central police station to obtain data on the response time of the surveillance companies you’re interested in and their rate of false alarms.

False alerts related to the performance of the equipment provided to you. Are you wondering why it’s in your best interest to keep the number of false alarms as low as possible? Well, this is because the surveillance company will charge you for travel in the event of a false alarm. The price is around $100 the first time and increases with each new false alarm. So take the time to choose well because this is about your safety and your money!