How to Pick the Best Home Security System Installer in Harvard, IL

We've done the hands-on testing and local research to help you decide. 

Harvard Home Security Systems

When it comes to keeping your property and loved ones safe, home security systems are one of the top ways to accomplish that mission and sleep comfortably at night knowing you’re covered. 

We've purchased and installed all of the top systems so our writers can find the best all-around choice for you. Our research and recommendations are centered around features, value, reliability, and support. 

  • We feel strongly that a critical feature for any home security system is 24/7 monitoring, installed by professionals.
  • Secondly, customer service and long term reliability are key for this investment into your safety.
  • Smart home features such as automated lighting are underrated features that can prevent thefts before they happen. Prevention and deterrence is goal 1.

Our pick for the best home security system installer is ADT. They offer a balanced feature set, competitive prices, and the best customer service. Check out our complete and honest review of ADT.

Vivint has more robust smart home features and technology, and is recommended for those that don't mind paying for the most advanced technology available. We've written an honest, hand's on evaluation and review of the latest 2024 Vivint system.

How We Evaluate

Features
Value
Customer service rating
Professional Installation
Reliability
Ease of use
Customizable to fit your unique needs
Interoperability - everything works together
24/7 Monitoring

Recommended Home Security System Companies in Harvard, Illinois

ADT

ADT is the gold standard, and they now have Google Nest as a partner. Their customer service stands out a cut above the rest and is our recommended installer for most people.
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Vivint

Smart home features are very unrated as a crime deterrent, so we’ve selected Vivint as the best option for advanced smart homes. Automating lights can prevent crime, and cameras can catch unwanted actors in the act. 
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SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is the best option for renters since you buy the equipment up-front. Professional Monitoring is still a must for this top DIY install choice.
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Latest 2025 Home Security Deals and Promo Codes

SafeStreets ADT - take your pick of these bonus offers:

Vivint offers:

Harvard, Illinois is a beautiful place to call home. This small town located in McHenry County has a population of just over 9,000 people. It is the birthplace of former US President Barack Obama's mother and boasts a rich history and culture. Harvard has a lot to offer its residents, but like any other town, it is not immune to crime. That's why it's important to protect your home and family with a reliable home security system.

The good news is that property crime in Harvard is 29% lower than the national average, and the violent crime rate is 46% lower than the national average. However, even with these low crime rates, it's still important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

There are a number of local companies in Harvard that offer home security system installation services. Hawken Locksmith Services, Sehgal ATM Enterprises, Balog Combat Systems, Geeksultants, Accurate Security & Lock, and Omar’s Handy Work are all great options for homeowners looking to secure their homes.

However, for those who want the best of the best, national home security system installers like Vivint and SafeStreets ADT are the way to go. These companies offer advanced technology, nationwide coverage, and professional installation services that can give homeowners peace of mind.

Vivint is a top-of-the-line security system provider that offers a range of security and home automation services. Their system includes features like smart locks, doorbell cameras, and indoor and outdoor cameras that can be accessed remotely through a mobile app. Vivint also offers 24/7 monitoring services to keep your home safe at all times.

SafeStreets ADT is another great option for homeowners in Harvard. They offer a range of security system options, including video surveillance, motion detectors, and door/window sensors. SafeStreets ADT also offers professional installation services to ensure that your system is set up correctly and functioning properly.

For those who rent their residence, SimpliSafe is the best choice. They offer affordable kits and optional monitoring plans that can be customized to fit your needs. SimpliSafe's system includes features like motion sensors, door/window sensors, and cameras that can be accessed remotely through a mobile app.

Ultimately, we recommend SafeStreets ADT for most homeowners in Harvard. Their nationwide coverage, professional installation services, and range of security system options make them the top choice for those who want the best of the best. However, for those who are looking for the most advanced security technology, Vivint is a great option.

In addition to protecting your home and family, investing in a home security system can also have a positive impact on the community. When residents feel safe, they are more likely to be active members of the community and contribute to its growth and development.

Harvard, Illinois is a great place to call home, and investing in a reliable home security system can make it even better. Whether you choose a local company or a national provider, taking steps to protect your home and family is always a wise decision. So why wait? Protect your home today and enjoy all that Harvard has to offer.

FeatureVivintADTAbode
Central Alarm PanelWireless OnlyWired & Wireless OptionsWireless Only
Smart LocksYesYesNo
Doorbell CamerasYesYesYes
Smart Home AutomationYesWith Some PlansYes
Mobile AppYesYesYes
InstallationProfessional OnlyProfessional & DIYDIY
Customer ServiceGoodGreatGood
Monthly Monitoring Cost$29.99 to $49.99$27.99 to $58.99$12.42
Installation Cost$0+$0+$0
Return Policy30-Day6-Months30-Day

Choosing a Home Security System Installer in Harvard

Choosing the home security system that works best for you can seem like a daunting task but taking a few moments to assess your needs will make the decision much easier.

Rent vs. Own

Whether you rent or own will influence which home security system is right for you. Renters will want to consider systems that won’t cause any permanent damage to walls since you will likely have to either make repairs yourself or lose some of your deposit when you leave. This will also make it easier to bring your equipment with you when you decide to relocate. Another consideration for renters will be whether the landlord permits affixing security cameras to the exterior of the structure and if it can surveil common areas (e.g., apartment hallways, carports, etc.). We recommend you review your lease agreement and consult with your landlord before installing any home security system component on the exterior of a rental.

Homeowners have a little more leeway when choosing a home security system since they can attach permanent fixtures like surveillance cameras and smart locks, and they typically won’t move as often as renters. However, a greater number of potential configurations makes choosing the best home security system company even more challenging, which is why it’s important to assess your needs.

Family and Visitors in the Home

Another consideration is who lives in the residence and how many people you allow access to the home. Renters with roommates may only need a security camera for their room, whereas a homeowner may want full interior coverage. If you have kids that let themselves in after school, a doorbell camera can let you know they made it home safe. If you have caregivers or others who you allow periodic access to the home, then a smart lock with customizable codes is perfect for monitoring who is accessing the house. And of course, motion sensors and interior security cameras can let you keep an eye on those furry family members while you’re away.

Professional Installation vs. Do-It-Yourself

For smaller projects, like a single camera or smart lock installation, you may want to do it yourself if you’ve got the tools and are somewhat handy. For anything bigger or more complex, professional home security system installation is the way to go. Considering the time it’ll take you to install it yourself – not to mention the headache – any money spent on installation will be well worth it. And if you choose Vivint, installation is free.

More importantly, a professional will ensure your home doesn't have any blind-spots or weaknesses in coverage. From glass-break sensors to pet-immune motion sensors, the more layers of detection the better. If you have pets, pros like you'll find at ADT are what we recommend to most people.

How Important are Smart Home Features for protecting your Harvard home?

It’s easy to forget that home security systems don’t begin and end with just door and window sensing. When choosing a security system for you home, some companies like Vivint have nearly endless automation options. We feel that preventing break-ins with smart home features like light automation and doorbell camera is the way to go.

Easy to Use Mobile App

Having an intuitive app that controls your home security devices from a smartphone or tablet allows you to get the most out of your investment.

How Smart Home Automation Can Prevent Crimes

According to the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly 75% of burglaries occur when no one is home so it’s important to give the appearance that your residence is occupied even when it isn’t, and smart home automation can help. Automatically turning your interior and exterior lights on and off to give the appearance of being occupied is one of the key features of smart home automation, especially when you’re on vacation.

Additionally, smart door locks and automated garage door systems, like MyQ, can not only alert you when they are opened, but also answer those nagging questions while you’re away like “Did I forget to close the garage door?” or “Did the kids lock the front door when they left?”

Harvard, IL Home Security System Installers

Find a local security company

Balog Combat Systems
114 Freeman St
Procom Enterprises
951 Busse Rd
Armor Home Services
1480 Renaissance Dr
Hawken Locksmith Services
Sehgal ATM Enterprises
Geeksultants
Accurate Security & Lock
Omar’s Handy Work
Comtech Fire & Security

Areas Served

Neighborhoods of Harvard, IL

Cities Nearby Harvard, Illinois

Union, IL
Sharon, WI
Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, WI
Bull Valley, IL
Williams Bay, WI
Timberlane, IL
Delavan Lake, WI
Harvard, IL

Zip Codes in Harvard, Illinois

60033

Information About Harvard

Harvard has a population of 9,203 and is located in McHenry County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $51,931. Median home value is $129,746, and the median rent is $993/month. With a median age of 27.7 years old, 10.6% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 17.3% having an income over $100,000. 45.5% of households are married.

Harvard Demographics

According to the 2020 Decennial Census, the racial breakdown was as follows:

  • White – 88.9%
  • Two or More Races – 1.9%
  • Black or African American – 0.1%
  • Other Race – 8.4%
  • Asian – 0.2%
  • American Indian and Alaska Native – 0.5%
  • Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander – 0%

Final Considerations

Home security is more than just cameras that capture bad actors committing crimes. Smart home features such as automated lighting are underrated features that can prevent thefts before they happen.

Professional monitoring is a must, and the choice generally comes down to a balance between the latest technology, overall price, and the service you receive for installation and on-going maintenance.

Our pick for the best home security system is ADT, with its exceptional reputation for customer satisfaction and professional installation, followed closely by Vivint which while slightly more expensive, has the most advanced security technology for your home.

SimpliSafe is our home security system recommendation for renters with its great balance of features and value, while offering minimal installation effort and reasonably priced professional monitoring.

Harvard, Illinois Home Security System FAQs

What is the best home security system in Harvard

Based on our research, the best home security system option for residents of Harvard, IL is ADT, followed by Vivint. With free professional installation, 24/7 monitoring, a wide variety of home security, cameras, and smart home options to suit any need, reasonable monthly fees, and superior customer service, ADT is the security system we’d choose for our homes.

How much does it cost to install security systems?

Home security system cost vary greatly depending on the size of the house and number of devices. You can get started for as little as $280 for a system, but the average homeowner should expect to pay around $700 for a complete system with home automation.

Professional installation costs can range from $120 - $600, with the potential for even higher costs depending on how much equipment you purchase. However, some larger home security companies offer reduced pricing or even free installation with the purchase of a system and monitoring.

Monthly monitoring fees range anywhere from $10 - $65 dollars per month depending on installation type (landline vs cellular) and services offered.

Why is a security system needed?

When it comes to keeping your property and loved ones safe, home security systems are one of the top ways to accomplish that mission and sleep peaceably at night knowing you’re covered.

Can I install a security system by myself?

Most people can install a single device, such as a wireless camera, relatively easily. When it comes to installing multiple, interconnected devices, professional installation is best. Abode is a great DIY option.

What is the best DIY security system?

Abode is the best DIY home security system option. They have a wide variety of products you can mix-and-match to fit your needs, all with easy installation.

Does Vivint offer free installation?

Yes. Vivint offers free installation and no activation fee for new customers.

Does ADT offer free installation?

Sometimes promotions are available for free installation, though usually there is a $99 fee. The best option is to check here for the latest promotion that Safestreets currently has available.

How can I prevent break-ins?

Home security systems are the best way to prevent break-ins, but there are other steps you can take to protect yourself. Sufficient exterior lighting around your house, keeping entry points such as windows unobscured, and participating in programs like a neighborhood watch are all steps you can take to deter break-ins.

Does a security camera system prevent break-ins?

Yes. A study by the University of North Carolina of incarcerated burglars found that most looked for indications of increased security (e.g. alarms, cameras, etc.) when selecting a target, and that the presence of a security system would cause about 60% of them to “shop” elsewhere.

© JRW Publishing Company, 2026
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