Wireless home security can be an expensive proposition. However, it doesn’t have to be. From Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Reno, Nevada, homeowners do not have to blow their budgets to protect their homes. For example, perhaps you are a Reno resident. Can you get home security in your area without paying a monthly fee?

In a word, yes. It is possible to purchase a DIY home security system that you install and monitor yourself. Your only cost is the equipment itself. There will not be any monthly fees unless you elect to subscribe to a monthly monitoring package.

According to the experts at Vivint Smart Home, there are reasons to consider remote monitoring. Vivint is a nationwide home security and automation company that services Reno and most other areas in Nevada. They advise consumers to consider the benefits of remote monitoring before deciding whether or not to pay for it.

The Monitoring Concept

Whether a security system is monitored professionally or by the homeowner, monitoring plays a vital role in keeping a home safe. If it helps, consider monitoring, like paying close attention to a new puppy who hasn’t yet been housebroken. You pay attention because accidents happen.

In the security arena, monitoring does two things. First, it allows for faster response times in an emergency. Second, it can act as a remarkably effective deterrent to criminals. Let us look at both in a little more detail.

Faster Response Times

Remote monitoring centers have direct connections to their customers’ security systems. Whether those connections are landline or internet connections doesn’t matter in the context of this discussion. Because they are connected, their computer systems are immediately alerted in the event of an alarm. For illustration purposes, consider a smoke alarm.

A properly working smoke alarm should trigger an alert when a fire is in its early stages. That alert causes remote monitoring personnel to take action immediately. Quickly notifying the local fire department allows firefighters to be en route to the house in minutes.

A system that is not being monitored will still detect the fire. It might also make noise to alert occupants to leave the house. But if no one is home, the fire could quickly get out of control before anyone realizes there is a problem. By the time the fire department is contacted, it could be too late. The slower response time could ultimately mean the home cannot be saved.

A Deterrent to Burglars

Monitoring is a deterrent to burglars by giving them a reason to second-guess entering a home. Suppose you are not sure why you should imagine being a burglar yourself. You would want to get in and out of the house as quickly as possible without being detected. Monitored home security poses a problem.

A burglar who sees a well-known home security company sign posted in the front yard immediately knows the home is being monitored. His chances of getting in and out undetected are pretty slim. So he has to decide whether or not he has enough time to burglarize the home before the police arrive. A burglar with a brain wouldn’t take the chance. There are far too many homes without security systems he can target.

Professional Monitoring Costs More

Around-the-clock monitoring has its benefits. Monitoring is like having a second set of ears and eyes watching your home, whether you are there or not. But what about professional monitoring? It costs more, but is it worth it? That depends on your preferences and budget.

First, understand that monitoring personnel are professionals. They are trained to respond to security system alerts, assess emergencies while under pressure, and, if necessary, contact local authorities. Trained personnel are definitely in your corner when you need them.

On the other hand, professional monitoring involves the monthly fee mentioned at the start of this post. Fees can range from quite reasonable to somewhat prohibitive, depending on the monitoring company you are working with and the level of service you require.

If you only monitor for burglary, you can get away with a fairly reasonable monthly fee. But every additional form of monitoring you add bumps the price higher. Expect to pay more for smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring. Your bill will increase if you add medical emergencies and flood monitoring.

Self-Monitoring Your System

Professional monitoring isn’t necessary. Any Reno homeowner can self-monitor his system, and so could you. All you need is a smartphone. If you have an email account and a desktop or laptop PC, that’s even better.

How does it work? By sending alerts to you instead of using a remote monitoring center. Let’s look at our previous two examples as illustrations. First, assume you are self-monitoring for fire.

If your smoke detector is triggered, the system will send an alert to your smartphone and, if you have that feature set up, to your email account. Receiving an alert tells you to stop what you are doing and check your security system. You then have to decide whether or not to call the authorities.

A burglary alert would work the same way. However, if you have wireless surveillance cameras in your home, there is an added element. An alert tells you that someone has attempted to breach the front door. Now, you can check your cameras to see if someone is in the house. Whether or not you call the police depends on what you see.

Yes, you can get a wireless security system in Reno without paying a monthly fee. It is the same across the country. The question is whether or not you are comfortable with that arrangement. If self-monitoring is something you think you can handle, then save the money. However, consider paying for the service if you would rather have the extra confidence of professional monitoring.