Getting started with home security can be pretty overwhelming.
With so many products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you (not to mention how much it’s going to cost!).
The last thing you want is for your home security to be a burden on your finances.
To make your life a little easier and stress-free, we have an affordable and easy-to-use option. Our Notion products are only a fraction of the price compared to other home security offerings, and they’re incredibly easy to install!
In this post, we look at the real cost of home security and offer tips on how to protect your home for less. Let’s get started!
The Cost of Home Security & Monitoring
According to Home Advisor, the average cost of installing a home security systems in the United States is $689. But the thing about home security systems is that the costs don’t stop after installation.
Home security system contracts are filled with activation fees, cancellation fees, upgrade fees, maintenance fees, you name it. So the costs quite literally add up.
For example, in addition to installation fees, you also have to consider the costs of the basic equipment package (i.e. a control panel, sensors, and siren), which can cost upwards of $600.
And that just covers the basics! If you want additional features for your home security system, it’s going to cost you extra.
Some common additions include:
- Extra door and window sensors: $15-$60
- Extra keychain remotes: $24
- Motion detectors: $30-$50
- Glass break sensors: $70
- Fire, smoke and CO2 detectors: $30-$50
- CCTV or IP cameras: $100-$300
- Smart home upgrades (remote controlled light, heat, and locks): $30-$300
Once your equipment is purchased and installed, you then have to choose whether you want your system to be monitored or unmonitored. If you choose unmonitored, it will cost less, but you lose the ability to automatically alert the authorities if a break-in occurs.
If you choose to go the monitored route, it will cost on average $38 per month. This includes 24-hour monitoring by a professional security service. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that most monitored systems will have an activation fee that can run upwards of $200 (depending on the provider and plan you choose).
To give you a better picture of the average cost of a monitored home security system for one year, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Installation fee: $689
- Basic equipment plan: $600
- Monthly monitoring: $38/mo ($456 annually)
- Activation fee: $100
- Total: $1845
*Keep in mind that it’s very important to read and re-read any contract with your home security provider. There are often hidden fees and cancellation fees that may make the security package more desirable than it appears. Make sure to evaluate the contract terms and conditions and remember that any additional equipment and services will come with additional fees.
The Cost of Smart Home Security Gadgets
Smart lights, smart locks, smart thermostats – nowadays, we want everything to be smart! But decking your home out with smart home security gadgets certainly comes with a price.
If you’re new to smart home technology, it basically includes any device, appliance, or system that connects through your home’s network and operates with a level of autonomy.
For example, smart thermostats can regulate your home’s temperature while you’re at work, and smart locks use wireless technology that can be controlled by your smartphone in case you forget to lock the door on your way out.
There’s no doubt that some of these products can be very helpful, but only a couple are essential for home security and protection.
- Smart lighting ($80-$300): allows you to control your lighting from a smartphone app, usually on your Apple or Android phone.
- Smart locks ($100-$600): keyless door locks that allow you to open your door without a physical key and usually from a smartphone app.
- Smart thermostats ($180-$260): learn your household's patterns and adjust the heating and cooling according to when your home is occupied or is about to be occupied.
- Smart smoke & CO2 alarms ($100-$150): similar to traditional detectors, but go a step further, as they send an alert to your smartphone if they sense something amiss.
If you end up going with all these devices, on average it could cost you around $885. The good thing about these products is that they most likely won’t require any hidden fees (besides installation) or complicated contracts.
The downside of relying on these products is that they don’t always offer professional monitoring services, which depending on your needs, could be important to you. Especially if you’re away from your home often and want access to security professionals.
The Cost of Notion Products and Plans
If you’re new to Notion, we offer a suite of smart self-monitoring products that can monitor for opening doors and windows, sounding smoke/CO alarms, water leaks, and temperature changes.
All you have to do is peel-and-stick your Notion wireless sensors in hotspots around your home – like doors and windows, near appliances, water heaters, smoke alarms, and more. If a sensor senses a problem (like a water leak), you’ll receive a notification via the Notion app so you can quickly address it before it becomes a problem.
If you’re looking for the best value, the Notion Starter Kit comes with 5 sensors, 1 bridge, and 2 magnet accessories. This kit is perfect for those new to Notion or upgrading the security on your second home or vacation property.
What’s great is that you can easily install Notion’s peel-and-stick yourself – it takes under 15 minutes! Plus, there are no installation or hidden fees.
Our product prices:
- Notion expansion pack: $39
- Notion magnets: $10
- Notion bridge: $59
- Notion starter kit: $199
If you are still unsure about the costs of Notion products, we recommend contacting your insurance provider as Notion users can claim a discount for Notion’s smart home technology and professional monitoring. Call your provider to see if you qualify!
That’s a wrap! Thanks for reading! We hope that you learned a little bit more about the cost of home security and how Notion can be an affordable option for your home or property.
