Illinois may be called the Prairie State, but there’s more to Illinois than farms and prairies. It’s home to Chicago, one of the largest cities in the US, great professional sports teams, and offers an affordable cost of living.
Affordability, especially when it comes to home ownership, is one of the main reasons people head to Illinois. If you’re thinking of buying a home in Illinois, or you already have one, a security system will help protect your home from break-ins, fires, and more.
Narrowing down the right security system for your Illinois home may seem like a daunting task, but this guide will help you choose the best one to meet your needs.
Home Security Systems in Illinois
Before you start shopping around for home security companies in Illinois, it helps to get a good idea of the type of technology that is available for home use.
There are thousands of home security devices on the market today, ranging from basic, no-frills systems to the most advanced, state of the art systems available. Your budget and the specific needs of your home will help you narrow it down to a system that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Some of the devices to consider for your home security system include:
Security sensors
One of the most basic components of a security system is its alarm—the blaring alert that goes off when someone opens a door, breaks a window, or enters an unauthorized area when the system is set. And security sensors are what make this possible.
Security sensors monitor for activity or events, such as movement or the opening of a window or door. When your system is set and a security sensor is triggered, it sets a series of events designed to protect your home into place—the system’s alarm will sound, the monitoring center will be notified, and you’ll receive a notification on your phone.
Your security system should include the following sensors:
Door and window sensors. Doors are the most common entry points for burglars, followed by windows.
Glass break sensors. A glass break sensor measures sound waves and will sound an alarm if it detects broken glass.
Motion sensors. Motion sensors detect motion in a specified area. They can be used to alert you of unauthorized entry in your home or area, but they’re also useful in other home security devices. For example, motion sensors in security cameras can trigger recording, and motion sensors in outdoor lighting will illuminate a driveway or back door.
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Safety alarms
Safety alarms are designed to protect your family from threats related to the environment or medical emergencies. When part of a home security system, they should also be connected to a monitoring center that will contact emergency responders on your behalf.
Some of the safety alarms you’ll want in your home include:
Smoke alarms. Not only are they required by law in every state, but they also save lives.
CO alarm. Carbon monoxide is deadly, and it’s also undetectable unless you have a reliable carbon monoxide detector.
Water sensors. A leaky pipe or appliance isn’t life-threatening like a fire or carbon monoxide leak, but it can definitely be expensive—especially when small leaks go undetected for a long period of time. Water sensors are small devices that will alert you if moisture or a sudden drop in temperature is detected.
Emergency pendant. An emergency pendant is worn around the neck or wrist. If an emergency, such as a fall or medical event, occurs, the user presses a button on the pendant to contact the monitoring center, who calls for help on their behalf. Not all home security companies in Illinois offer emergency pendants, but they can be an important way to get help for the elderly or disabled.
24/7 monitoring
Home security systems in Illinois can be either self or professionally monitored. With a self-monitored system, you’re notified of a break-in or other emergency via your home’s alarms or a notification on your phone. It’s then up to you to assess the threat, then contact authorities and get your family to safety if needed.
With professional monitoring, your home is monitored around the clock. If an alarm goes off, they are immediately notified. If the threat is real or if the monitoring center can’t get ahold of you, they will contact the appropriate authorities on your behalf.
Simply put, a professionally monitored system ensures your home is protected whether you’re home or not. In the event an emergency does occur, the monitoring center will contact emergency responders so you can focus on the most important thing—getting your family to safety.
It’s impossible to mention security systems without talking about home automation. The two go hand-in-hand, and security systems that incorporate smart home technology can not only help make your home safer, but more comfortable and more convenient.
With home automation, you can automate or control remotely many of the systems, devices, and appliances in your home. Some of the best home automation devices to consider for your home include:
Smart thermostat. If you want to save money and energy, a smart thermostat is the way to go. It tracks and learns your temperature preferences, then automatically adjusts based on your preferences and location. You can also adjust the temperature of your home right from your smart phone.
Smart locks. This important security feature automatically locks your door after a certain period of time, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving your doors unlocked. Smart locks use keypads instead of physical keys, so you can create unique codes rather than copies of keys. Or, just lock or unlock your door using your phone.
Smart lighting. With smart lighting, you can both automate and remotely control your lights, effectively deterring burglars and lurkers by giving the appearance that someone is always home (even if they’re not).
Garage door control. The garage door is often overlooked when it comes to home security, but it’s a vulnerability that should be secured. With garage door control, you’ll be notified whenever your garage door is open, so you can close it quickly right from your phone.
Security cameras. You can’t be everywhere at once. But with security cameras for your home, you can see what’s going on at any given time both inside and out. Security cameras to consider for your home include:
Doorbell camera. One of the most popular smart home devices on the market, a doorbell camera lets you see who comes to your door, then answer it remotely via your phone or hub.
Outdoor cameras provide an extra layer of security for your property, so you can check on your backyard, shed, or near areas you want an extra set of eyes on.
Indoor cameras are a good way to keep an eye on kids, pets, or specific areas of your home.
Smart control. Being able to control your home remotely as well as inside the house is a key feature of a smart home. A central hub in your home, like the Vivint Smart Hub, lets you arm your system, check camera feeds, or call for help from a single location.
When it comes to smart home devices, keep in mind that not all of them are compatible with each other. As you shop for your smart home and home security companies in Illinois, look for a company that offers systems that integrate devices you may already own, such as Nest, Amazon Echo, or Google Home.
Security Systems Near Me
From the top of the state by Chicago and Rockford all the way down to southern cities like Marion and Belleville, there’s a security system for everyone in Illinois.
Chicago
Although many people mistakenly think that Chicago is the capital of Illinois (fun fact—it’s actually Springfield), it’s still the largest city in the state. The Windy City is famous for a lot of things, including world-class sports teams and deep-dish pizza. It’s also known for having one of the highest crime rates in the country, with 147% higher violent crime and 52% higher property crime rates than the national average.
Being proactive by avoiding high-crime areas and taking steps to secure you home with a security system in Chicago can help keep your home and family safe in the Windy City.
Aurora
As a suburb of Chicago, Aurora enjoys fairly close proximity to the many things to do in Chicago. It also boasts a 36% lower crime rate than Chicago, and most residents consider it a family-friendly community with plenty to do and see year-round.
Most people in Aurora commute to work, spending around an hour of their day getting to and from work. A security system for your Aurora home will help you stay connected to your home while giving you the peace of mind that it’s protected, even when you’re away.
Naperville
Although it’s in a different county, Naperville is also considered a suburb of Chicago, located in the north part of the state. Considered a great place to raise a family, Naperville boasts an educated population and great schools, so it’s no wonder their Public Library spent 11 years as the top public library in the country.
Another Chicago suburb, Joliet residents love the diversity, close proximity to Chicago, and a newly-revitalized downtown area. It’s also affordable, and 70% of residents own their homes.
Although Joliet has a crime rate slightly higher than the Illinois average, a security system can help you keep your home and family safe.
Rockford
Located at the top of Illinois (and practically a straight line north of cities like Bloomington and Normal), Rockford sits on the banks of the Rock River, a landmark in its own right. It’s also home to more than 4,000 acres of public parks and gardens, making it a scenic place to call home.
Rockford also has a burglary rate that’s more than double the national average, raising your chances of becoming the victim of a burglary. Keep your home safe around the clock with a Rockville security system.
Keep your Illinois home safe with a Vivint security system
When it comes to security systems in Illinois, no one can provide a better, more comprehensive system than Vivint. In addition to the best security and home automation devices, a Vivint system offers:
Professional installation, so you know your system will be up and running correctly from day one
24/7 monitoring that provides professional alarm monitoring services around the clock
Customer service team and library of resources available to help you make the most of your system
Ready to start protecting your Illinois home? Get started today.
Get a free quote today.
A Vivint Smart Home Pro will contact you within 24 hours. Or skip the form and call now: 844.481.8630.
Qualifying system purchase requires minimum $599.99 expenditure on equipment after all discounts have been applied, professional installation, and execution of Vivint monitoring services agreement. Click here for monthly service plan prices. DIY system purchases and reactivations of previously-installed systems not eligible for offer. Offer not available in all states or provinces. Equipment purchase may be financed separately subject to an agreement with one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Monthly $1.48 cellular network maintenance fee applies. Taxes and local permit fees may apply.
Third-Party Financing Options Available
Financing eligibility and terms subject to credit approval by one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Qualified customers may finance equipment purchase at 0% APR for up to 60 months. Month-to-month service agreement available when equipment is purchased upfront.
Vivint Systems & Services
System supports up to six cameras subject to sufficient WiFi speeds. Without a Vivint services plan, product and system functionality is limited (including loss of remote connectivity). Speak to a Vivint representative at the phone number in this offer for complete equipment, services, and package details, including pricing and financing details. Products and services in Louisiana provided by Vivint Louisiana Commercial Certificate #58280. See Vivint license numbers here.
