Hello!

When I move I was thinking about getting a home security system. Does anyone know where the cheapest place to call would be to get it and how much it usually cost a month?

I would be moving into a one bedroom apartment if that helps at all.

Thanks!

The cost depends on where you are.

In an apartment you probably cannot get a system "hard wired" and would need something portable.

What would something portable look like? Do you know where I could get it?

Search on Amazon or eBay - I have a whole house system but also have portable alarms for when I travel. It's a simple mechanism of a square box, battery operated, which absolutely screams when the pin is pulled. The pin is attached to the window frame. When the window is opened the alarm and the alarm pulled the system screams.

I have three - two for windows and one for the door of the room.

Husband bought them on either eBay or Amazon.

Oh OK. Are they cheap? What are they called?

They are portable alarms and I have no idea how much they cost.

Ok well I will check them out then. Thanks for the help

Alarms essentially come in monitored, non-monitored and I guess portable alarms.

Monitored alarms might cost $8 to $50 a month for the monitoring service. They generally try to get a hold of you before calling the 911 operator for your area.

Alarm companies may own the alarm system and the monitoring fee pays for maintenance and service.

I have a wireless PERS (Personal Emergecy Response System) for mom. Monitoring is about $23/month.

This system could be updated with up to 16 transmitters for doors, windows and panic stations. Wireless Xmitters are less than $75. The portable panic buttons must be replaced when the battery is depleated because of the waterproofing. Cost of the base is less than $300 and includes battery backup.
Voice prompts for programing and voice messages for things like low battery indicators for the transmitters.

Telephone line seizure can be part of the system. Many alarm systems are not friendly to VoIP systems.

A monitoring company may be able to program the alarm remotely if you own it.

There are add-ins which can sometimes send a txt message to a phone when triggered.

OK. So what is this PERS thing that you got? What all that do?

I have the 2400. This is what I would get now: Product Information Page - Linear LLC
Door, window, Carbon Monoxide, Smoke and Panic sensors are available.

Look around on the website. Linear is a major player in wireless systems. If you buy direct from Linear, you get NO WARRANTY. The warranty is provided by the distributers.

Ok. How much do they charge a month?

This is actually Linear's sister site for monitoring. Do-it-yourself Home Security Products you can count on to improve Home Security and Family Safety

Note that they have Security only products there. I can think of some things that you would not get with the PERS system that you would need is an entry delay pad, so a security product might be better for you. They allow zones and the ability to disable zones etc. If you browse the LInear site a bit more, you'll find their security products and, of course, manuals.

Sorry, I led you astray a bit.

They are about $22/month. If you do some searching you can find security monitoring for $8.95/month or so.

Any system that you buy, you should ask about whether the dialer is compatible with VoIP such as Comcast digital voice or Verizon FIOS if your thnking about getting those services in the future.

I Take it, they will Install system.
If so, Many of these Large Companies Install Wireless, they are quick and easy, and with the combined Keypad/Receiver/Communicator. A quick smash will disable System.
Select 1 that has Control Panel?Communicator in Separate location.
If wall are open, or you have access from below or attic, hardwiring is better.
These Large Companies offer $99 or FREE alarm systems, For an agreed Monitoring Contract. I have seen them Tell people, then slip in a 5 year contract.
Its stealing.
How can they Protect someone they are stealing from.
Another option is Pay for installation or Install yourself, and use a Dialer that will call you directly and 7 others, about $120 and no monitoring.

Thanks