ATLANTA — More and more, people are installing home security systems on their own. For some homeowners it comes down to simple economics.
“I don’t like being held down to a contract, so the fact that I didn’t have to pay somebody monthly meant that I could keep that money in my pocket,” explains Damon Whitlow.
Whitlow has been monitoring his home security for a decade.
Two years ago he installed an iSmartAlarm. iSmartAlarm is a wireless home security system that allows him to keep an eye on his home from his phone. For just over $300, Whitlow installed a camera, two door sensors, and a motion detector.
“To have a technician come out would cost about $500. For us, it took me 10 minutes and cost me nothing,” said Whitlow.
By downloading the iSmartAlarm app to his phone he is able to control the entire system no matter where he is.
“The camera is 360 degrees, so it does give me the ability to see anywhere in the room to monitor,” Whitlow said while rotating the camera by swiping the screen on his phone.
When the system is armed and a door is opened or the motion sensor is set off, iSmartAlarm sends an alert text message to the Whitlows phone immediately followed by an automated call. Then it’s up to him to call 911.
Whitlow thinks that’s the best feature the system offers.
“The fact that if there is an emergency of a situation where I want to hit 'panic', I can just hit the button and it prompts me to call 911 and connects me directly to them," he said.
iSmartAlarm is not the only company offering this service. Canary and Piper both offer do it yourself installation and monitoring.
If having a complete self-serve security seems unnerving, there are systems available for you to install yourself, and still have monitored like traditional ones. This option allows you to cut out the installation fee, and pay as low as $14.99 per month without signing a contract. SimpliSafe is the biggest player in that business, but they have a lot of competition. Shop around and you could save big money.
WSBTV
