Electronic home security is now available to the masses. Thanks to cheaper technology and wireless networks, what used to be the domain of the wealthy and connected is now accessible to nearly anyone. And yet one question continues to persist: are remote monitoring services worth paying for?
Home security monitoring was not much of an option 40 years ago. It was just assumed that a homeowner would pay for monitoring services after having security equipment installed. But in the 2020s, we have the capacity to monitor home security devices on our own. No homeowner needs to accept a professional monitoring package just to get a security system installed.
It is also worth noting that the modern industry emphasizes subscription-based monitoring. With or without a contract, homeowners interested in professional monitoring pay for it monthly – just like their cell phone service, streaming service, etc.
Professional Monitoring Offers Redundancy
Vivint Home Security is one of the leading security brands in the U.S. Their most affordable package is known as HomeProtect. It is a contract-free package that can be utilized with or without professional monitoring. So why pay for monitoring?
For starters, Vivint explains that professional monitoring offers redundancy. As a homeowner, you absolutely can monitor your system using the Vivint mobile app. But professional monitoring adds an extra layer of protection by ensuring remote monitoring personnel are always paying attention.
Even when you are home and asleep, professional monitoring continues. Professional monitoring deals with alerts even when you miss the push notifications on your phone. Simply put, professional monitoring means more eyes on your home. That sort of redundancy is valuable.
It Offers Greater Peace of Mind
Professional monitoring contributes to your peace of mind as a homeowner. For example, the remote monitoring center continues paying attention to your home even while you are on vacation. You do not have to think about your security system if you don’t want to.
Being able to trust your service provider gives you the opportunity to relax on a beach without having to think about security problems. You can mentally disconnect from home and enjoy spending time with your family. If something occurs that does require your attention, you still have the assistance of trained professionals who can contact the authorities and monitor the situation for you.
The Benefits of the Subscription Model
Professional monitoring makes sense if you want maximum coverage for your home security system. But what about the subscription model? It offers benefits that were not available when home security monitoring was first launched decades ago.
The subscription model allows you to fit the cost of professional monitoring into your monthly budget. Consider that service providers tend to offer different tiers of service. If you can afford the most expensive package, that’s great. But you can also select a less expensive package to accommodate a tighter budget.
In the case of Vivint’s HomeProtect package, you do not have to sign a long-term contract. That means you can start and stop monitoring services as you see fit. Perhaps you cannot afford monitoring right now. You can still have a system installed and then sign up for monitoring when your budget allows.
Conversely, you might begin a monitoring subscription right away only to have to cancel it down the road due to a change in your financial circumstances. It is okay either way. You’re not locked in.
Plenty of Reasons to Do It
There are valid reasons not to sign up for a home security monitoring subscription. But there are plenty of reasons to do it, if you are so inclined. Many times, it just makes sense.