Alarm System Completed- Big Savings

So I'm pretty much done with setting up my alarm system. Here's what transpired:

I decided to NOT go with one of the leading alarm companies, and I also decided to not go with a local firm. In true Thrifty Homeowner spirit, I did it myself! I found that I could purchase my own wireless system and set it up myself. Yes, it did cost me about $500 in total for the hardware (including a $100 rebate), but it makes sense for many reasons:

- Unlike with the companies I looked into, I OWN this equipment and can easily move it to another house in the future
- I pay my monitoring service just $9 a month, much less than the $40 a month charged by the large companies (making my breakeven little more than 1 year)
- My insurance company is looking into how much the system can save me off my premium
- I like setting up things myself, because I now have a greater understanding of how the system works, and can easily add to it over time.

My system consists of 3 door sensors, 3 smoke/temperature detectors, and a carbon monoxide detector. Set up was relatively simple, and I bought many of the components via eBay, which was a big cost savings. I now have greater peace of mind, and am glad I have not been take advantage of by anyone.