What homeowners should know before choosing a home security system
Choosing a home security system means weighing more than brand names and price tags. According to Rob Mertz, co-owner of Luxury AV, the first question homeowners should ask is where cameras need to go and how many the property requires.
Mertz recommends hard-wired systems over wireless ones. Wireless cameras that depend on Wi-Fi can be jammed by thieves with the right equipment, he said, and they stop working when the Wi-Fi goes out. Battery-powered cameras carry a similar risk. “If it’s battery operated and the batteries go dead, the cameras stop recording,” Mertz said.
Nighttime footage is another factor. Some systems lack infrared capability, meaning they can’t record clearly after dark. Homeowners who want round-the-clock coverage should confirm a system offers night filming before buying it.
Cost varies depending on setup. A basic hard-wired, self-installed camera typically runs about $100 per unit, similar to pricing for popular doorbell cameras like Ring. The difference, Mertz said, comes down to subscriptions. Many do-it-yourself brands charge a monthly fee and store footage in the cloud, where it can be vulnerable to hacking. Hard-wired systems instead rely on a digital video recorder, keeping footage stored in the home rather than online.
Cameras are not the only option. Mertz said alarm systems built around window and door sensors cover entry points without requiring cameras at all, and many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who install some form of security system.
The installation process differs depending on the setup. For camera systems, installers first run an Ethernet line from the router to the system’s location so footage can upload to a homeowner’s app. From there, they wire each camera, mount it and program settings based on the customer’s preferences, including audio if requested.
Many modern systems include artificial intelligence features that can be adjusted for the type of monitoring a homeowner wants. The app lets users view footage and receive notifications, but it doesn’t allow changes to the system itself, which Mertz said makes these setups more secure.
Sensor-based systems follow a different path. Installers help homeowners choose where to place the control panel and how many sensors they need, including fire detectors, motion sensors and glass-break sensors. These sensors are often wireless, but unlike wireless cameras, they are not vulnerable to jamming, Mertz said.
Most run on a battery with a 10-year life span, though hard-wired versions are also available. One sensor is installed at each entry point and programmed into the system, which homeowners can then arm or disarm remotely using a personal pin and password through an app.
That app often does more than control the alarm. Many systems now connect with other smart home features, allowing homeowners to manage lighting, garage doors and similar devices from the same interface.
When it comes to monitoring, Mertz draws a clear line between system types. Camera systems are self-monitored, meaning the homeowner is responsible for watching footage and responding to alerts. Alarm systems, on the other hand, should be professionally monitored, Mertz said, because they can alert police directly rather than simply notifying the homeowner that someone has entered the home.
Smart features have also changed daily habits. Homeowners used to arm or disarm their systems from a panel inside the house. Now, the app allows them to do it remotely and even create temporary codes for guests, contractors or pet sitters, so they always know the property remains protected.
Hiring the right installer matters as much as choosing the right equipment. Mertz advises homeowners to ask how long a company has been in business and whether it stays current with new technology.
“A lot of people still install outdated systems that don’t have these app capabilities, and everything is moving in that direction,” he said.
Customer service is another consideration.
“Another big one is customer service and tech support,” Mertz said. “If you have issues with the system, is someone available to come fix it and how long will it take?”
Warranties offer additional peace of mind. A good warranty covers two to three years on cameras and alarm panels from the manufacturer, and some brands allow homeowners to purchase extended coverage.
Maintenance needs depend on the type of system. Hard-wired cameras generally last five to 10 years before issues arise, though severe weather can shorten that life span. Mertz said storm damage has fried main camera units when they were not plugged into a surge protector, even though the cameras themselves remained functional. He recommends surge protectors for all customers. Alarm sensors, mounted near the ground on windows and doors, occasionally get bumped out of place and need adjustment.
Crime trends also shape where systems get placed. Package theft has become common enough to influence camera positioning near doorsteps, Mertz said, and his company has fielded calls related to break-ins, vandalism and theft. Beyond preventing crime, cameras give homeowners peace of mind while traveling, including those who spend months away from home each year and want to keep an eye on their property from anywhere.
