Best Home Security Companies & Smart Home Monitoring Systems in Canada December 2023

What You Need to Know about Home Monitoring Services in Canada

Now that we’ve established how important home security is, it’s time that you know everything you need to know about home monitoring services in Canada. These tidbits below can help you figure out what service to choose and how to gauge one service against another.

You can pay extra for additional safety.

All home security monitoring services offer the basic systems. For some people, however, the basics are not enough. This is especially true if you have a lot of valuables inside the house, or live in an area that’s not exactly known for safety.

The good news is, home security monitoring services in Canada offer a lot of additional services that you can pay for on top of the basic service. You can opt for better technology, and faster customer support. As long as you have the means to pay for it, go for it.

Higher security may sometimes mean more complicated processes.

Here’s the thing about home security nowadays – a lot of it is run by technology. So if you’re not exactly tech-savvy, expect to fumble a bit with your home security monitoring system, especially if you had a lot of add-ons and upgrades installed.

This is why it is always a must to assess your home and its contents first before deciding on a home security monitoring service. You may end up with an overly-complicated system that you don’t need, after all.

The price range greatly varies.

Considering the fact that home security systems range from the extremely simple to the extremely complicated, don’t expect a straight answer if you’re asking for a price estimate without giving specific details. Monthly fees alone can range from $25 to $65, depending on the inclusions. A lot of home security monitoring companies also ask for installation fees upfront.

Of course, you also have the option of buying and installing your own equipment. This should help you pull down the monthly costs. However, this also means you’d have to pay for the equipment upfront, too.

The contract length also varies.

Worried about being tied down to a single home security monitoring company? The great thing about the different home security providers in Canada is the fact that the length of the contract varies. The average contract usually lasts for three years. But for those who are not comfortable being tied to a single service that long, some companies offer contracts that are only good for a year.

The Equipment You Need for your Home Security System

The contract and its price should not be your sole focus when dealing with your home security monitoring system. Sometimes, it’s also about the kind of equipment you use.

Here are just some of the home security equipment you may want to check out:

Wireless alarm monitoring

If you’re a huge fan of crime dramas, you would probably remember a few episodes where intruders gain access into houses by cutting the wires to their alarm system. Well, in the case of a wireless alarm monitoring system, there are no wires to cut! They also run on powerful batteries that allow them to work non-stop for up to 5 years.

Real-time monitoring

It’s great if you would be able to see whatever’s happening in and out of your home, regardless if you’re in the vicinity or not. This is why the presence of real-time monitoring is a huge help.

Evidently, security cameras are part of this mix. You should be able to see who’s outside your home, allowing you to decide whether to open the door or not when the bell rings. This is also a great way for you to see if your kids got home safely if you’re at work. For pet owners, they also use this to make sure their pets are on their best behavior when left at home.

Medical pendants

Is someone from your household sickly? Do your elderly parents stay with you? If you have people at home who are unable to call emergency services on their own, make sure you check if medical pendants are offered by the home security monitoring service you’re getting. This allows you to leave the house with the peace of mind that they will be able to trigger an emergency alarm should anything go wrong.

Cellular or internet monitoring

Since you’re already monitoring what’s going on at home, might as well go all out and opt for home automation as well. Some home security monitoring services allow you to lock the doors using your phone. You can even adjust the thermostat, perfect for those who leave their pets at home or would like to set the right temperature before they get home.

You’ll be surprised at what today’s home security monitoring systems are capable of. That’s why it’s often advisable to find out what else you can get aside from the basic home security. Some of the more advanced features may be more applicable to your lifestyle.

The Usual Devices that Come with Home Security Monitoring Systems

Here are some of the usual devices that come with a home security monitoring system. Before signing up with a specific provider, check and see if these are part of the package:

• Door and window sensors
• Motion detectors
• Panic buttons
• Personal key fobs
• Pet sensors
• Sirens
• Surveillance cameras

Check to see if these would come cheaper from your home security provider, or if you’d be better off purchasing and installing your own.

What You Should Be Aware Of

One thing you have to make sure of in securing a home security monitoring system is the speed of response. What good is a home system if no one runs to your aid when the alarm is triggered?

Check for warranties as well. Faulty equipment should be replaced right away the moment a problem is detected. You can’t risk having an emergency and not having a fully-working system to back you up.

Go through every word and sentence on your contract. This is for your entire home’s safety and security – this is not something you should rush into signing.

Find out as well if there are any guidelines on false alarms. Make sure you find out what triggers your alarms accidentally and avoid those so that you can also avoid paying hefty penalties

Advantages of Having a Home Security System

Home security systems generally offer protection against potential intruders. Most of them work on the basic principle of securing a home’s entry points, such as windows and doors. They also secure other valuable items inside a home including art, coin collections, jewelry, money, and more. While home security systems have been available for a long time now, many people are still not aware of the multiple benefits they provide.

How Does a Home Security System Work?

To understand the advantages of home security systems, you must first learn what it actually is and how it works. A home security system works on the simple concept of securing a home’s various entry points. Sensors are used to connect with a command center or control panel installed in a convenient place inside the house. The sensors are often placed near doors that lead to and from the home, as well as windows that are easily accessible. Open spaces inside the residence can also be secured by placing motion sensors. Security systems are specially developed to perform certain tasks once a secured location is breached. For instance, the security system provider may immediately call the police department near your home if the alarm goes off.

Why Do You Need a Home Security System?

There are many reasons why you need a home security systems. Some of best reasons are:

Crime is prevented.

Multiple studies in recent years have found that the number of residential robberies decreases once several homes in the area start installing security systems. This means those who have security systems in their homes also benefit those who don’t. Having a home security system not only protects you, but your entire neighborhood as well.

Your valuables are protected.

Home security systems exist to protect you and your most valuable possessions. This is the primary reason why most people invest in expensive yet very effective security systems. We probably all know at least one person who has lost high-value items because of a home invasion or a burglary. It’s worse when the item stolen is a priceless family heirloom. Would you wait around for that to happen to you? A home security system has an alarm that will surely scare off burglars. Local authorities are also notified once someone tries to break in.

You can keep tabs on your kids.

Another great thing about home automation is that you can always check on the people inside your home. If you are at work, your home security system lets you view what’s happening in your home through an app. Through the cameras, you will easily see if your teens are inviting other people while you’re not around. Homeowners who have automatic door locks can even use the system to remotely unlock them. This lets parents let the kids in after school while they are still at work. You no longer have to worry about your kids carrying the key to your house.

You are notified of gas or fire issues.

Aside from a potential home invasion, home security systems can also notify you if there is a gas or fire problem in your house. This feature depends on the provider, but you can use it to instantly notify authorities if these kinds of emergencies happen.

You can get emergency medical assistance.

Medical emergencies are a real concern for a lot of homeowners. This is why several home alarm companies offer emergency pulls or medical alert pendants. These devices usually come with home security systems. They are designed to allow individuals to simply pull a cord or push a button if they need medical help. The home alarm provider is notified, so emergency services are dispatched to the client’s home. These types of services are typically requested by those living with people who have special needs, family members of sick people and children of elderly parents.

You save more energy.

Home security systems have changed a lot over the years. They now include lots of home automation features, which means you can monitor your energy usage. You can actually shut off utilities once you have left the room to conserve energy. This benefits homeowners because these home security systems can help you have lower monthly utility bills. Plus, you also have less wasted energy inside your home.

You can monitor your home remotely.

One of the benefits of having a home security system is the ability to manage your house remotely. You can arm and disarm your security system from anywhere in the world just by going online. Through a web-enabled phone or computer, you can monitor who enters and leaves your house when you’re not around. There is also a panic button that gives you an instant response from the home alarm provider.

You have peace of mind.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of all is the sense of peace you gain with a home security system. You can become a more productive and focused person because you have one less thing to worry about. Home security systems are an important investment. The right systems can keep your valuables safe while saving you money in the process. They also give peace of mind and let you know someone will always be there in case of an emergency. Experience the advantages of having a home security system by contacting the right provider for the job. At Ratestead.ca, we will help you find the perfect security system provider to help you protect yourself and your loved ones.