Published 3/11/2026 by Scott Ferguson - Back to Kiwi Alarm News
Choosing a home security system in Reno, NV can feel overwhelming. There are national brands with big advertising budgets, discount DIY kits at big-box stores, and local companies like ours promising personalized service. So how do you know what's actually right for your home, your neighborhood, and your budget?
This guide cuts through the noise. After nearly two decades in the alarm and smart-home industry, I've seen every type of system, every sales pitch, and every mistake homeowners make when buying security. My name is Scott Ferguson, owner of Kiwi Alarms here in Reno — and this guide will give you everything you need to make a confident, informed decision.
💡 Bookmark this page. It covers everything from system types and equipment to monitoring plans, contracts, and what questions to ask before you sign anything.
Reno is growing faster than almost any other mid-sized city in the country. That growth brings opportunity — but it also brings growing pains. More people, more traffic, and more strain on local law enforcement resources means that response times to property crimes have increased across the metro area.
The Reno Police Department and Washoe County Sheriff's Office do an excellent job, but they can't be everywhere at once. That's where a home security system comes in. A monitored alarm system doesn't wait — it responds the moment a sensor trips, contacting authorities on your behalf within seconds.
Beyond burglary, Reno homeowners also face risks that are easy to overlook:
A complete home security system addresses all of these risks — not just burglary.
Before you start comparing brands, it helps to understand the three main categories of home security systems available to Reno homeowners.
A licensed technician installs your equipment and configures everything correctly for your home's layout. Your system is connected to a 24/7 professional monitoring center that responds to alerts around the clock. This is the gold standard for home security — and the option that qualifies you for homeowners insurance discounts.
Best for: Homeowners who want the most reliable protection, insurance discounts, and zero installation headaches.
You purchase and install the equipment yourself, but pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring. Brands like SimpliSafe and Ring fall into this category. Setup can be straightforward for basic configurations, but placement errors and missed sensors are common.
Best for: Renters or homeowners comfortable with tech who want lower upfront costs. Note: some insurers don't accept these for discounts.
You get alerts on your phone, but no one is calling the police for you. If your alarm goes off while you're asleep, at work, or on vacation — nothing happens unless you personally respond to the notification and call 911.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want some deterrence. Not recommended as a primary security solution.
| System Type | 24/7 Monitoring | Insurance Discount | Best Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professionally Installed & Monitored | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| DIY + Professional Monitoring | ✅ Yes | ❓ Sometimes | ❓ Varies |
| DIY + Self-Monitoring | ❌ No | ❌ Rarely | ❌ Limited |
A well-designed home security system isn't just a single device — it's a layered network of sensors and detectors working together. Here's what a complete Reno home security setup should include:
The brain of your system. A modern smart touchscreen panel lets you arm and disarm your system, view alerts, and control connected devices. Look for one with a built-in cellular communicator so it stays connected even if your Wi-Fi or landline goes down.
The most fundamental component. Every exterior door and accessible window should have a sensor. When a door or window is opened while the system is armed, the sensor triggers an alert immediately.
Placed in main living areas and hallways, motion detectors provide a second layer of protection if someone enters without triggering a door or window sensor. Pet-immune models are available for homes with cats or dogs.
These detect the specific frequency of shattering glass and trigger an alarm before an intruder even fully enters. Particularly important for homes with large windows or sliding glass doors.
Integrated smoke detectors connected to your alarm system alert your monitoring center immediately — not just the people inside your home. In Reno, where wildfire smoke and dry conditions are common, this is essential. Learn more about smoke and CO detectors here.
CO is colorless and odorless — you can't detect it without a sensor. Integrated CO detectors connected to professional monitoring can save lives, especially in homes with gas appliances, furnaces, or attached garages.
Placed near water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and under sinks, flood sensors detect moisture before it becomes a catastrophic leak. Water damage is one of the most expensive home insurance claims — and one of the most preventable. Learn more about flood detectors here.
Additional keypads near frequently used entrances (garage door, back door) make arming and disarming convenient without walking across the house.
Security cameras have changed dramatically in the last few years. Today's systems offer crystal-clear footage, active deterrence features, and remote viewing from anywhere in the world. Here's what matters when choosing cameras for your Reno home:
The minimum you should consider today is 2K resolution. For driveways, entry points, and areas where you need to identify faces or license plates, 4K or 12MP cameras are the right choice. Standard 1080p footage often isn't clear enough to be useful for law enforcement.
The best cameras don't just record — they actively deter intruders. Look for cameras with built-in LED spotlight warnings and two-way audio that activate automatically when motion is detected. A would-be burglar who hears a warning and sees a flashing light will almost always leave immediately. Read more about active deterrence cameras here.
Most break-ins happen at night. Full-color night vision (not just black-and-white infrared) gives you far more useful footage and a stronger deterrent effect. Look for cameras with color night vision capabilities.
Wider lenses (110°–130°) cover more area with fewer cameras. For tight spaces like doorways, a narrower field is fine. For driveways and backyards, go wide.
Reno's climate — hot dry summers, cold winters, and occasional heavy rain — demands cameras rated IP66 or higher for outdoor use.
Cloud storage means footage is saved offsite and accessible anywhere, but usually requires a monthly fee. Local storage (SD card or NVR) has no recurring cost but can be stolen or damaged. The best systems offer both.
This is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Here's the honest breakdown:
When an alarm triggers, a trained agent at a UL-listed monitoring center immediately reviews the alert and contacts you. If they can't reach you — or if the situation warrants it — they dispatch police, fire, or medical services on your behalf. This happens whether you're awake, asleep, at work, or on vacation in Hawaii.
Cost: Typically $25–$50/month depending on the provider and plan.
Benefits: 24/7 coverage, faster police response, qualifies for insurance discounts, peace of mind.
You get a push notification on your phone. That's it. You have to personally review the alert, decide if it's real, and call 911 yourself. If your phone is on silent, if you're in a meeting, or if you're in a poor signal area — nothing happens.
Cost: Little to no monthly fee.
Benefits: Lower cost.
Drawbacks: No backup, no insurance discounts, far slower response times.
💡 For most Reno homeowners, professional monitoring is absolutely worth the monthly cost. It's the difference between having a security system and having real security.
The rise of DIY security systems has made home security more accessible — but accessible doesn't always mean better. Here's what you need to know before deciding. We've covered this topic in depth here.
This is where a lot of Reno homeowners get burned. National security companies are notorious for aggressive sales tactics and contracts full of fine print. Here's what to watch for:
Some companies lock you into 3–5 year contracts with steep early termination fees. Always ask: what happens if I move? What happens if I'm unhappy with the service? Get the answers in writing.
Many contracts include clauses allowing the company to raise your monthly rate by a set percentage each year — often 3–5%. Over a 5-year contract, that adds up significantly. See how ADT and Vivint compare on this issue here.
Some companies lease you the equipment rather than selling it to you. That means if you cancel, they take the hardware back — and you're left with nothing. Always confirm: do I own this equipment outright?
Watch for activation fees, technician visit fees, and equipment upgrade fees buried in the contract. A reputable local company will be transparent about every cost upfront.
A professionally monitored home security system is one of the few home improvements that pays you back every year through lower insurance premiums. Most major insurers offer discounts of 5% to 20% on homeowners insurance for professionally monitored systems.
With multiple qualifying features — burglar alarm, smoke detectors, CO detectors, flood sensors — those discounts can stack. On a $1,200/year policy, a 15% combined discount saves you $180 annually. That's a significant offset against your monthly monitoring cost.
After Kiwi Alarms installs your system, we provide a certificate of installation that you bring to your insurance agent to claim your discounts. Read our full guide on security systems and homeowners insurance here.
Today's best security systems don't just protect your home — they connect to it. A Kiwi Alarms system integrates seamlessly with the smart home devices you already have or plan to add:
All of this is controlled from a single app on your phone. One interface, total control. Learn more about the benefits of a smart home security system here.
Before signing anything or handing over a credit card, make sure you can answer all of these:
A trustworthy security company will answer every one of these questions clearly and confidently, without pressure or deflection. If a sales rep dodges any of them — that's your answer.
Kiwi Alarms is a locally owned, locally operated security company based right here in Reno, NV. I'm Scott Ferguson — I've been in the alarm and smart-home industry since 2006, spent years working for national brands, and started Kiwi Alarms because I saw how often those companies put profits ahead of homeowners.
When you call Kiwi Alarms, you're not navigating a phone tree or talking to a rep reading from a script in another state. You're talking to me — directly. I install your system personally, I know your home, and I'm available if anything ever needs attention.
📍 Serving: Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and surrounding Northern Nevada
📞 Call or Text: (775) 247-7782
🌐 Book online: www.KiwiAlarms.com/book
The best system for your home depends on your layout, budget, and priorities — but for Reno homeowners who want professional installation, honest pricing, and a local expert they can actually reach, Kiwi Alarms is consistently the top choice. We offer the same professional-grade equipment as national brands without long-term contracts, hidden fees, or call center runaround.
Costs vary by system size and features. With Kiwi Alarms, you can get started with $0 down and free installation. Monthly monitoring is competitive with national providers — often less than $30–$50/month depending on your plan. Call or text (775) 247-7782 for a free personalized quote.
No. Kiwi Alarms systems use cellular communication as the primary connection, which is actually more reliable than landline or internet-based systems. If your power or Wi-Fi goes out, your system stays fully connected and monitored.
Most Reno home installations are completed in 2–4 hours. Your system is fully operational and monitored the same day.
Yes. Because you own your equipment with Kiwi Alarms, you can take it with you or transfer service to a new homeowner. We'll help you figure out the best option when the time comes.
Your monitoring center will attempt to verify the alert by contacting you first. If you provide a valid passcode and confirm it's a false alarm, no dispatch occurs. This prevents unnecessary police responses while ensuring real emergencies are never ignored.
Yes. We offer commercial security camera and alarm solutions for small businesses throughout Reno, Sparks, and Carson City. Contact us to discuss your business's specific needs.
We serve Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and surrounding areas in Northern Nevada. Call or text us to confirm service availability in your specific area.
You've done your research. Now it's time to take the step that protects your home, your family, and your investment — with a local expert who will be there for you long after installation day.
📞 Call or Text Scott directly: (775) 247-7782
🌐 Book a free consultation: www.KiwiAlarms.com/book
Related articles: Security Cameras: Your First Line of Defense in Reno | Professional vs. DIY Security in Reno | ADT vs. Vivint: Is There a Better Local Option? | Does a Security System Lower Your Homeowners Insurance? | How a Security System Increases Your Home Value