A security system is an investment that can provide safety and peace of mind to homeowners. But did you know that a smart home security system can also provide cost savings?
Many people think of their security systems in terms of monthly costs, but they can also help you save money in a variety of ways. Keep reading to learn five of the best ways a security system can help you save you money.
Money-saving products in your alarm system
If you want your security system to save you money, you need to be sure it has the right devices and services.
Some of the best home automation and security equipment that will help you save money on your alarm system include:
Security sensors. Security sensors include door and window sensors and glass break sensors that sound an alarm if someone opens a door or window and your security system is armed. For professionally monitored systems, these sensors will also alert the security monitoring company.
Motion sensors will also trigger the alarm if someone steps into its field of vision. Many smart home devices, including smart lighting and video doorbells, also have motion detectors built into them.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These must-have devices will alert you to fire or the presence of deadly CO. Additionally, when your system includes alarm monitoring, they will alert emergency services for you.
Smart thermostats that learn your temperature preferences and adjust automatically to help you save on energy and heating and cooling costs.
Professional monitoring. Security systems can be either self-monitored or monitored by a professional monitoring service. Although professional monitoring does come with a monthly fee for the monitoring costs, it provides the greatest benefits and cost saving opportunities.
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Ways a home security system saves you money
Many people think of their security systems in terms of monthly costs, but they can also help you save money in a variety of ways. Here are five of the best ways a security system and home automation can help you save you money:
1) Reduces home insurance premiums
A home security system that includes access to a monitoring center can reduce your home insurance premiums by up to 15%, depending on your carrier.
Insurance companies know that a home with a security system is less likely to be burglarized, vandalized, or damaged, and they may reward homeowners who take the extra step to protect their property.
The savings on insurance premiums over the years can help offset the equipment costs of a home security system. Be sure to look for monitored systems that includes monthly monitoring as part of the cost (as opposed to DIY monitoring), which most insurance companies will require in order to provide a discount.
2) Prevents burglary and theft
One of the most significant benefits of having a security system is that it can deter burglars and prevent theft. According to the FBI, homes without security systems are three times more likely to be targeted by burglars than those with a security system.
Burglaries themselves are expensive. The average burglary victim loses $2,416 as a result of items stolen. The mere presence of a security system can make burglars think twice before attempting to break in. In the event of a break-in, a monitored system can alert the authorities, increasing the chances of catching the burglars and recovering stolen property.
The costs of replacing stolen items, repairing damage, and dealing with the emotional aftermath of a break-in can be significant, and a security system can help you avoid these costs altogether.
3) Lowers energy costs
Smart security systems can help you save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting your heating and cooling settings based on your preferences and habits.
With a smart thermostat, you can program your system to turn off the heating or cooling when you leave the house and turn it back on when you return. This can result in significant energy savings over time, as your system will only be operating when it is necessary.
Smart lighting can also help you save money on your monthly costs. Lighting accounts for about 15% of your home’s entire energy usage. Smart lights use LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs. Most people report an average cost savings of $225 a year using LED bulbs.
Not only that, but you can manage your smart lights from your phone via your mobile app, so you don’t have to worry about leaving lights on and wasting electricity.
4) Helps prevent water damage
Water damage comes in many forms, from a burst pipe to a leaky faucet to a flooded basement. But regardless of the cause, all water damage has the same thing in common—when it goes unnoticed, the costs to repair are high. The average insurance claim for water damage is $11,098.
It’s not just damage that can cause you to spend more money. A leaky faucet may not cause damage, but it can send your water bills climbing; a minor leak can increase your water bill by 10% or more.
Home security systems that include water sensors can help prevent costly water damage. These small devices are placed in areas of your home that may be prone to leaks or flooding. If moisture is detected, the water sensor sounds an alert and sends a notification to your mobile app and your system’s control panel. You can quickly take action and mitigate any damage.
5) Minimizes fire damage
When a fire occurs, every second counts. Security systems that have monitoring plans will notify the monitoring center immediately if a fire alarm goes off. If you’re not home or you’re too busy getting your family to safety to call 911, the monitoring center will contact the fire department for you. The faster the fire is contained, the more likely you are to prevent a total loss.
If you have a connected smart home system, your devices can work together to keep your family safe during a fire. Vivint’s intuitive combo smoke and carbon monoxide detector communicates with the Vivint Smart Hub to shut off the HVAC system to slow the spread of flames or, if CO is identified, turn on the HVAC fan to clear the threat. But it doesn’t stop there—your smart door locks can automatically unlock to let your family out safely and let first responders in without a hitch.
A home security system, along with home automation, can help you save money in a number of ways, helping to offset the cost of a home security system and monthly monitoring fees.
Some companies will also include a number of charges on top of equipment and monthly monitoring, like installation costs or termination fees.
Vivint provides the best smart home security systems without the hidden or add-on costs you may find in others. Vivint includes:
Professional installation included with all security systems, so you don’t have to DIY installation or budget for an additional installation fee
A smart security system from Vivint can provide you with safety, convenience, and cost savings. Getting started is easy. Contact our Smart Home Pros today at 855.822.1220 and start building your security package.
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.