That 'free' Home Security System Is Not Really Free

If you have been shopping around the internet for a monitored home security system, you probably have come across the offers for those "free" security systems.

The companies advertising these "free" offers are basically going to give you an all-in-one security system. The control panel, keypad, alarm and dialer are located in one place. You'll also get one door and window sensor.

What these companies don't tell you is that if you want additional sensors for your doors and windows, it will cost you extra. The cost can run you between $50 and $90 for each sensor.

You also have to sign a long-term contract for the company to monitor your "free" system. The long-term contract can be for several years. And if you're not paying attention, the monitoring company can automatically renew your contract if you don't cancel it.

In order to have your system monitored, you have to sign a long-term contract that will last for several years. They will monitor your system for a monthly fee. When the contract is up, the company will automatically renew it unless you cancel it.

With the security system being all-in-one, it becomes vulnerable to break-ins. If an intruder disables the keypad, he also disables the control panel, dialer and alarm at the same time.

If you buy a home security system from a more reputable monitoring company, they will install your control panel in a separate place inside your home, usually in the basement. The dialer will be located inside the control panel.

If an intruder tries to break the keypad that's usually located near your front door, the control panel won't be affected. The alarm will still work and the dialer will contact the monitoring station to notify them that there is a disturbance at your home.

Because the "free" home security systems are wireless, they are more vulnerable to false alarms than wired ones. Police and fire departments don't like responding to these type of calls. Some cities will actually charge you a fee if emergency services have to keep coming out to your house and it turns out to be a false alarm.

A professional monitoring company like ADT or Broadview Security will charge you about $200-$500 for the security system. They usually install it for free and there is no activation fee. The monitoring fees will run you about $35 to $50 per month, depending on what kind of system you get.

A professional monitoring company will install a more secure home security system, have better monitoring services and give you more peace of mind.