WASHINGTON -- Is an electronic home security system the right way to help you keep your home safe and secure?

CONSUMERS' CHECKBOOK Computer Repairs Bicycle Shops Glasses & Contact Lenses Long-Distance Phone Plans Carpet Cleaners Health Clubs Roofers Dental Plans Dog Kennels Shoe Repairs Garden Centers Home Security

Washington Consumers' Checkbook recently put monitored security systems to the test.

The magazine reports that the cost of installing a home monitoring system varies widely. Quotes for one job ranged from $1,740 to $2,651 for installation.

The cost of the monthly service also varied. For three years of service, the total cost ranged from $720 to $1044.

Checkbook suggests shopping around for a new service every few years. Most companies will work with existing components in a house, but some companies require you to use their electronics and will even remove the system if the contract is not renewed.

Based on consumer ratings, Checkbook rated the top home security companies in the D.C area. They are:

• Allied Alarm Specialists
• Guardian Protection Service
• Hofheimer Security
• InterAmerican Security
• Potomac Security Systems
• Security Services

There are also some simple things you can do to protect your home without going through the expense of installing a home security system. Some of the tips include:

• Secure all doors with good deadbolt locks.
• Secure all windows that could be accessible from the outside.
• Set up outdoor and indoor timed or motion-sensitive lighting systems.
• Improve habits that affect home security, such as
  • consistently locking doors.
  • keeping track of keys.
  • having newspapers and mail collected while away from home.
  • keeping valuable items out of sight.

For more information about Consumers' Checkbook, you can visit www.Checkbook.org/dc2/ and click on the link in the "Highlights" box.