Homeowners often make two mistakes that prevent them from enjoying the security provided by a monitored alarm. First, they assume that alarm systems are much more expensive than they actually are. Second, they assume that other means of providing alert security are as effective as a monitored alarm system.

Monitored alarm systems cost roughly as much as a broadband Internet connection or a cable or satellite television service. Given that alarm services, and the professionals behind them, will work to protect your dwelling day and night, one can see that the value is well-worth the money spent. This erroneous assumption of costliness on the part of homeowners often results in them relying on far less effective means of security, sometimes to their detriment.

It's a popular misconception that a self-installed alarm system provides almost the same level of security as does one that's professionally installed. This is not true by any means. Self-installed systems are generally of lower technological quality than their professionally installed counterparts and installing an alarm properly is both an art and a science. A professional installer understands how thieves operate and knows how to apply technology to defeat their efforts. The technology they use is meant to stay ahead of the efforts of thieves. Any burglar can go into a hardware store to figure out how to defeat the consumer-level systems. In fact, they can hook one up to their own house and figure out how to get around it if they so choose. Professional systems do not suffer from this shortcoming.

Your dog is not an alarm. Homeowners often assume that their best friend will be there to deter even the most determined of thieves and will alert the neighborhood to the break in. Ask yourself: When was the last time you went running to find out what had set off a neighborhood dog? Your pet, while it probably loves you dearly, is easily fooled, as well. Thieves are well aware that even the most diligent guard dog can be easily distracted with a few dollars worth of hamburger. All in all, any half-way competent thief has about as much to fear from your dog as they have to fear from your cat.

Simply put, there is nothing out there that offers the level of security that is provided by a monitored alarm. In fact, signs on the windows and in the yard that warn of the house being so-equipped are often enough to send would be burglars looking for another target.

What makes alarms powerful is the monitoring service. A professional service will not be distracted, or scammed, by a clever thief. Only those who know the appropriate codes, who are known by the service to have the right to access the house and who can provide the needed credentials will be allowed access to the home by the alarm company. When it comes to the security of your home, your best bet is always to rely on professionals.

ADT home security is the leading provider of home monitoring systems in the U.S. Help protect your home and family today with an ADT security system from the number-one name in home security.