One in five homes in the United States are equipped with a home security system, according to market analysts. A wide variety of options exist for the coverage and expense of such systems, and analysts recommend careful consideration of needs by all homeowners planning to upgrade their home's security.

With one out of five homes in America now equipped with some type of alarm system, there is a growing trend among homeowners to protect their families against crime and provide peace of mind.

As advances in technology and the increase in the competitive marketplace have driven security system costs downward, now might be a good time to invest in one.

With so many companies to choose from, security experts advise consumers to do their homework and become educated about their specific security needs and the various options available.

Joe Peck, owner and president of Alarm Systems of Huntington, says the business has really changed since he began installing security system some 40 years ago.

"The first system I designed was for a nursing home that wanted a motion detector feature," he said.

The technology that exists today has revolutionized this industry, but I still think it all boils down to the chip."

Customers who want monitoring capabilities as part of their security features might be shocked to learn that it is actually less expensive today than a unit that does not have it, because the computer chips for monitoring are now built into the system, as opposed to being an added option.

According to the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, you should call several companies and ask if their employees are trained or certified by the NBFAA.

It is also a good idea to find out if the company has the appropriate licensing. Insurance agents, neighbors and friends can be good sources for referrals.

Once you have narrowed your choices, get a price quote in writing to ensure that all specifications are clearly outlined as part of the total cost.