What is security worth? Can you afford a monitored security system? Do you wish more cheap options existed? Now you are going to see them right in front of you. Read on for home security tips, both big and small.

Be sure your home always looks occupied. You could purchase timers and have your TVs, lights, radios and other types of electronics to go on at various times. This gives off the appearance that someone is home. This can be a terrific method of securing your home and keeping burglars at bay.

Make your house look like it’s always occupied. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV’s, as well as other devices, power on or off at varying intervals. It’ll make it seem like someone is home. This is great for keeping a home safer from burglaries.

Only give your house key to a professional house cleaner if you trust them. If they need the keys and plan on being in there for more than an hour, try to ensure that they are honest, hardworking, and reputable. Read through their references very carefully, and don’t hesitate to follow up on their references to ensure they actually exist. If you hire a cleaner who works for a company, speak with your local BBB about the company’s reliability.

You should always change the locks after purchasing a home. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. Have a locksmith install a brand new lock. Be sure to cal a locksmith if you were to lose your keys as well.

Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. Most security systems can facilitate alarm sounds anyone enters. This is great for parents that have small children so that they know when their kids open or close doors.

Beware giving keys to your maid unless the service has your absolute trust. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. Make sure you verify all references. If they work for a firm, call the local Better Business Bureau to find out that firm’s reputation.

Compare various home security systems when shopping. Prices for home security systems can vary and they do not all offer the same services. Look at a number of different companies and get at least three quotes before selecting what you feel is the ideal plan for your home.

Always take time to compare and research before investing in an expensive security system for your home. Prices vary greatly in regards to the same protection for each company. Look at a number of different companies and get at least three quotes before selecting what you feel is the ideal plan for your home.

You should talk to your friends and family about advice concerning certain home security companies. Other people will probably have personal experience with these companies that are either good or bad. They can share their experiences with you, which will greatly assist you in making the best decision. Do your research; it will help you make a good decision in the end.

Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. There are likely people you know that have had either good or bad experiences with these companies. Making a great choice is important, so this advice will come in handy.

Shut off the ringer for all of the telephones in your home if you are planning to go on vacation for a long time. If a burglar keeps hearing your phone ring, they’ll know the home is not occupied, making it more likely for a break-in to occur.

During summer, remove your landscape’s dead vegetation and wood. Due to the heat, these items in your yard are more likely to catch on fire. As a result, your home could be caught on fire. Keep your yard clear of debris to keep your house safe.

Do not invite strangers into your home. No matter what the excuse the person presents, keep them from entering your home. This person might just be casing the joint to see if there is home security equipment.

Don’t be shy. Meet your neighbors. Watch their houses, and ask if they’d do the same. Don’t disregard gossip either. You might hear helpful information, for instance if strangers have been hanging around.

When summer comes around, eliminate all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. These could catch on fire during the summer, especially if you live in a dry area. Make sure your yard is clean for the sake of your safety – and that of your family!

The walls of your home make for great hiding spots. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. If you do not have any unused plates, it is easy to install a false one.

Security starts with new locks. Whether you just bought your home or someone just moved out that you were living with, this is an important step to any new situation. Changing the locks can typically be done very cheaply and quickly.

Place your valuables in cut-outs in your walls. It is unnecessary cut space into your wall. There are lots of places around the home that have pre-cut areas that you can use. Consider unwiring an electrical socket that isn’t used and storing your valuable jewelry.

Listen to your intuition as to whether your system is being installed by a trustworthy home security company. This is doubly true when you feel unease about the installers. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. The point of having a security system is to make yourself feel at ease.

Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. Large windows at the home’s front can be beautiful, but it can make it easier for criminals to see inside. Be sure to put curtains on your front-facing windows so people can’t see your valuable belongings.

Hide the wires of your home security system. Exposed wires make it easy for an intruder to cut them and disable the alarm. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. This makes it much less likely that your system will be compromised.

Don’t leave the packaging from any electronics or expensive purchases sitting on the curb until trash day. Having these type of boxes hanging around will give robbers a good idea of what type of merchandise you have inside of your home.

Always go over the small print on contracts offered by your home security company. Look out for hidden charges and surprises, especially if you need to cancel the contract early. Try avoiding these fees when you can so that you know about them.

You have to keep your budget in mind when considering your home’s security. When you can’t install a major alarm system, you can do something smaller. This piece is full of ideas you can use towards better home security. Find a security system that corresponds to your needs and budget.

Checking out security firms online is a great idea. Browse through different websites and seek out customer reviews about different services and packages. From there, you can make appointments with your top three selections to compare final package pricing and specific details about plans and monitoring.