security system monitors
With home invasions and burglaries becoming more and more prevalent, many homeowners are concerned about the security of their home and the safety of their family. Homeowners are now considering the option of installing home security systems to protect their family and their home. Home security systems are becoming more common and monitoring companies are becoming very popular as a way to increase the effectiveness of a home security system. Floodlights and alarms are good; however, a company monitoring your home who will call the police, fire department or other emergency personnel when required adds a level of security that lights and alarms alone cannot provide. There are many monitoring companies, most of them offering free installation and equipment, but not all companies offer the same services at affordable prices. When researching your home security system and the monitoring company, ask these questions to make sure that you are getting the system that meets your needs at a price that is fair.
First check with your local Better Business Bureau, police department and fire department to see if there have been complaints registered against the monitoring companies you want to interview. Companies that have complaints that have not been resolved or have numerous complaints should be taken off your list immediately. Consider how long the company has been in business and if the technicians and employees are bonded. Ask for a copy of their bond and/or liability insurance declaration.
Ask if the home security company requires a written contract or if the monitoring is on a month-to-month basis. Long-term contracts are generally not required for most reputable monitoring companies because they operate as other service provides on a monthly basis. Stay away from long-term contracts that require you to pay heavy cancellation fees. Even with a month-to-month agreement, make sure to have the cancellation policy in writing to protect yourself from any hidden fees if you decide to move or terminate the service.
The next step would be to inquire about the monthly monitoring fee, installation costs and equipment costs. An average monthly cost is about $20 on the low side to $30 on the high side. Anything above that and I would strike them off my list right then because they are overcharging for services that you can get elsewhere at a lower price. Make sure to inquire what is included in the monitoring fee, where the call center is located, who operates the call center (as far as experience levels) and what the fees for are after hours and weekend calls for service if the system should malfunction.
As to the equipment and installation, you will want to inquire if you are leasing the equipment or purchasing the equipment. Each option, of course, has its own advantages and disadvantages. With leasing the equipment, you have ongoing costs but the equipment is theirs and they are responsible for repairs and maintenance. If you purchase the equipment, your cost is fixed but inquire as to the warranty as to parts and labor. Whether you lease or purchase the equipment, you want to find out exactly what equipment will be installed and how the equipment will meet your security needs. General questions that are important to ask are: does the system of redundant grids so that if one fails or is disabled the system will still function; do the monitors and detectors have backup battery systems should the power be cut or fail; does the security system require an operational telephone line and if so, is there a backup communications system if the telephone lines are cut; does the system monitor for fire and smoke too; and, how do the monitors specifically work – do they detect motion, vibrations, light, etc.
Regarding the installation, ask what the standard installation fee is and what exactly that fee covers. For instance, you will want to inquire what the fee for adding additional keypads will be because if your home is large you do not want to have to go far to hit a panic button. Also ask how many doors and windows will be wired for the standard installation fee and what is the fee if you want to add additional doors and windows. For my peace of mind, I wanted them all wired because we have a one-story home. We also wanted remote controls for use in our vehicles when leaving our home and returning to our home because they are far more convenient than just the traditional keypads. Make sure that you inquire what frequencies the remotes use and if they are easily disabled or compromised by intruders.
Home security is an frequently discussed topic, and the benefits of alarm systems, motion sensors and surveillance cameras in and on all sides of our homes or businesses are well known. Should you would similar additional information on any aspects of family safety then pay a visit Home Security Action which provides a number of useful help and assitance.