A checklist for all the equipment and services you need for an effective home security system.

åÊA number of companies stand out when it is time to install a home security system: ADT, FrontPoint, Guardian, Monitronics, Protect America, Vector, Protection 1, Time Warner, Comcast XFINITY and Vivint. These companies are established leaders in home security, and a checklist of the features each company provides can guide you in your choice.

ADT Home Security

ADT has been in the home security business for over 100 years. ADT's basic package, Safewatch QuickConnect, costs $42.99 per month and features the following components:

ADT Home Security

• Sensors that detect when doors or windows are opened
• Wireless motion detector
• Speaker unit for hands-free communication during alarms
• SmartVoice device to call out "intruder" or "fire" when an alarm is activated
• Power supply unit with built-in battery backup

FrontPoint Home Security

FrontPoint is a newer company on the cutting edge of wireless monitoring and remote access to your security system. If you are interested in FrontPoint, the company insists that you request a quote to get the most accurate home security prices. The basic plan is the Protection Plan, which includes the following:

• Monitoring against intruders and burglaries
• Fire, carbon monoxide, and temperature monitoring

FrontPoint offers upgrades that include remote access, cellphone alerts and video surveillance.

Guardian Home Security

Guardian Home Security Guardian was founded over 50 years ago, and it is the largest privately owned home security company today. Guardian offers five security packages, with monthly monitoring fees ranging from $29.95 to $55.95. If you have Guardian install a home security alarm, you can expect the following features:

• 24-hour monitoring
• Standard equipment
• Medical emergency and fire monitoring
• Personalized customer care dashboard.

Monitronics Home Security

Monitronics now serves over 800,000 customers and has an average response time to an alarm event at less than 23 seconds - the shortest in the industry. When you have Monitronics install a residential alarm, you get these features:

• 24-hour monitoring
• State-of-the-art components
• Option to select automation for your system

Protect America Home Security

Protect America is unique in that it gives you your home security equipment for free. The company uses the powerful GE Simon XT system. Protect America offers you five packages, and they all come with the following features:

Protect America Home Security

• Control panel
• Door and window sensors
• Motion detector
• Internal sires or door chime
• Battery backup
• Three window decals and one yard sign

Vector Home Security

Vector Security has been protecting homes for over 40 years and includes the following with any residential security solution:

• Monitored burglar, fire and carbon monoxide alarms
• Video surveillance
• Vector Home Security Mobile solutions
• Personal emergency response
• Energy management
• Environmental hazard monitoring
• Home technologies

Furthermore, Vector Security prides itself on offering customized solutions for your circumstances.

Protection 1 Home Security

Protection 1 claims to be the largest full-service security company. With Protection 1, you can count on the following features:

Protection 1 Home Security

• Color touchscreen keypad
• Pet-friendly motion detector
• Free smartphone app to control your system and your thermostat
• Text and email notification

TIme Warner Home Security

Time Warner is an established cable company, but it also provides home security. The IntelligentHome Time Warner Home Security security system offers the following state-of-the-art features, with packages starting at $33.99 per month:

• Round-the-clock monitoring for security and fire protection
• Remote lighting and climate control
• Emergency panic alarms on the in-home touch screen
• Ability to notify medical, fire and police personnel of an emergency in your home

Comcast XFINITY Home Security

Comcast XFINITY has a long history of providing phone, Internet and cable. The company also provides peace of mind with its XFINITY home security package, which includes the following options:

• Fire monitoring
• Remote access
• 24-hour operators on duty
• Backup power supply

Vivint Home Security

Vivint has established itself as a company with excellent customer service ratings and prides itself on offering simple and affordable security solutions.

• A Vivint system includes the following:
• Free equipment and installationVivint Home Security
• Price guarantee
• 24-hour monitoring
• Remote access

The following companies deserve consideration if you wish to install a home security system: ADT, FrontPoint, Guardian, Monitronics, Protect America, Vector, Protection 1, Time Warner, Comcast XFINITY and Vivint. Use QualitySmith and reference this checklist as you read home security system reviews and search for the best way to protect your family.