Home Alarm Companies
What to Look for in an Alarm Company
When it comes to installing a home security system the choices are endless, from what system to go with to what alarm company to choose. One important thing to remember when choosing your system and your alarm company is that these decisions are going to be the basis of your home and family’s security for the next few years.
There are many things to take in to account when working with an alarm installation company from their reputation to the degree of technology that they offer in terms of home security systems. Always make sure that you work with a company that you trust and a level of technology that you are comfortable with. After all having the most top of the line security system installed in your home doesn’t mean much if you don’t know how to use it, does it?
How to Go About Choosing a Home Alarm Company
When it comes to choosing the right home security company for your new alarm system it is important that you take a few extra steps in order to make sure that the company you are going to work with are going to be the most beneficial to you under a variety of circumstances.
Tracking Down Home Security Companies
Local police departments advise a few extra steps when it comes to choosing a company to work with to ensure that you are not being duped, these steps include:
- Inquire as to whether the company has errors/omissions insurance, general liability and workman’s compensation. These items ensure that the company is protected so that claims do not fall one your shoulders as a homeowner. If you are doubtful of a company’s claims of coverage you should never be afraid to ask to see their certificates as proof of coverage.
- Request to see the company’s business license; this will give you peace of mind in knowing that they are licensed to do business in your area.
- Ask the company to refer you to a few of their clients in your local area so that you can determine the quality of their service from a third party.
- Ask how long the company has been in business, it is generally better to work with an older company that has at least 3 to 5 years of experience.
- Find out where the monitoring center for the company’s alarm systems is located, it is preferable to have the central monitoring station in your home state rather than in another state.
- Make sure that all work done on your alarm installation is done by company employees rather than subcontractors. Companies are able to do background checks on employees but do not always do them on subcontracted workers.
- Read your contract carefully and have someone you trust read over your security system contract with you before signing in agreement. Always inquire as to the warranty that is included on your system and what that warranty includes and make sure that this is incorporated in to your written contract.
- Find out if employees are both trained and certified by the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association as well as whether they take part in the Installation Quality Certification Program.
Never Be Afraid to Ask the Questions you Want to Know the Answers to
There is a great amount of up front question asking that goes in to determining whether a home security company is the right home security company for you. On occasion an employee or representative of the company may try to make you feel uncomfortable for asking any of the questions above, but this is a sign for you to seek another representative who is willing to help answer your questions or move on to another local company. There is no shame in asking questions in regards to a company’s history or eligibility to do business, in fact a trusted alarm installation company will have no problem answering your questions and may even commend you on your ability to ask all of the right questions.
Finding Reputable Local Home Security Companies
Now that you know the right questions to ask when searching for the right home alarm company to work with where should you begin your search for a trusted company to work with? The best first step in finding reputable company to work with in your area is to contact the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association to ask them for a list of companies in your area that are members of the NBFAA. After obtaining a list of recommended companies to work with you can then begin narrowing down the list of companies by asking for personal recommendations from your home insurance agent, neighbors and friends in the area. You should not rely upon friends that live outside of the area to give you advice on which companies to work with since you will be working with a local representative who may or may not be as attentive as the branch that an out of state or out of town friend worked with. Compare the companies recommended by your insurance agent, neighbors and friends with the companies listed on the recommendations by the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and call a few of them to ask the questions listed above.
Narrow Down Your List and then Set Up Meetings with Each Company on Your List
After doing your research you should be able to narrow down the list of potential companies down to three or four companies. Call each of the companies that you are interested in and arrange for a meeting with each company at your home. It is best to have one company visit your home per day if you are able to do so to avoid having to make a representative wait if another appointment runs long. Scheduling appointments with a little space between them also allows you time to digest information and discuss options with family members without confusing multiple companies. When meeting with representatives from companies many parents tend to keep their children out of the mix; however, when older children are present in the home it is often helpful to have the children present in order to determine whether or not they will be able to understand the new alarm system.
Always Make a List of Questions You Want to Ask
Meeting with any official can be a little intimidating and often times we forget the things that we want to ask so it is always best to write down the questions that you have for your representative before they arrive. The same questions should be asked of each of the companies that you interview. Common questions that you should ask include:
- Do you use Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed equipment and is the station responsible for monitoring your system certified by the Underwriters Laboratory?
- Is the monitoring station for my system available all hours, every day of the week? How about customer service assistance?
- What happens if the main monitoring center experiences technical difficulties, will my home system still receive a response if needed?
- Are precautions taken at the monitoring center to ensure that if there is a power outage or other failure, to ensure that a backup power supply is available?
- Can you please look around my home and give me a recommendation as to which alarm system you feel would work best for my family? Can you please explain your suggestion and give me a written quote?
What is the Best Home Alarm Company?
There are many big name alarm companies that you will encounter in your search for a home security company that works best for you. Some of these popularly used companies include: CPI Security Systems, ADT Security Systems, Alarm Force, FrontPoint, and Life Shield, to name a few. Here's some descriptions of each to get you started on your search.
CPI Security Systems
CPI Security Systems is a popular alarm company that works with residential, business and new construction contracts. CPI has been in business since 1976 and is the largest locally owned and operated security company in the Southeast with the most advanced central monitoring station in the entire country. CPI is known for designing, installing, monitoring and servicing their security units in house without relying upon subcontracted laborers.
There are a variety of security systems that CPI offers to clients throughout North Carolina from basic to standard to deluxe systems catered to suit your security system needs. Basic residential protection includes a custom display LCD keypad, two door contacts, a motion detector, an internal one way siren and a back up battery. Standard residential protection includes a custom display LCD keypad, two door contacts, a motion detector, a real time response speaker and microphone system and a backup battery. Deluxe residential protection includes a custom display LCD keypad, two door contacts, two door/window contacts, one motion detector, one fire communicator, a real time response speaker / microphone, an intouch cellular module, an 8-zone expander board, a backup battery and two extra security devices of your choosing.
ADT Security Systems
ADT Security Systems is one of the largest security system companies in the United States and has been a United States owned company since 1874. Unlike CPI Security, ADT is located in 200 areas throughout North America. One of the most valuable things that ADT has going for it as a company is the fact that it has withstood the test of time and it not only provides security systems for residential homes but it also provides for small businesses, medium and large businesses and government agencies.
ADT offers a variety of residential services including: Safewatch QuickConnect, Safewatch Pro RF, Essentials Plus, Critical Conditions, Family Package and Customized Protection. The Safewatch QuickConnect program provides basic burglary monitoring services including a Safewatch QuickConnect control panel, two wireless door/window sensors, a PIR wireless motion detector, a wireless keychain remote, a power supply and 24 hour battery and an ADT window decal and yard sign.
The Safewatch Pro RF package is a basic burglary monitoring service including a Safewatch Pro 3000 wireless control panel, a Safewatch Pro 3000 standard touchpad, two wireless door/window sensors, a wireless PIR motion detector, a quick key remote, an indoor sounder, a power supply and 24 hour battery and an ADT window decal and yard sign. The Essentials Plus package includes basic burglary monitoring services including a Safewatch Pro 3000 hardwired control panel, a Safewatch Pro 3000 standard touchpad, two hardwired door/window sensors, a hardwired PIR motion detector, an indoor sounder, a power supply and 24 hour battery, and an ADT window decal and yard sign. The Critical Conditions package offers burglary monitoring, fire safety monitoring and critical condition monitoring and includes a Safewatch Pro 3000 hardwired control panel, a Safewatch Pro 3000 standard touchpad, a smoke detector, a flood/temperature/carbon monoxide detector, two hardwired door/window sensors, a hardwired PIR motion detector, an indoor sounder, a transformer and battery backup and an ADT window decal and yard sign.
The Family Package includes burglary monitoring, fire safety monitoring, cellular backup and critical condition coverage including a Safewatch Pro 3000 hardwired control panel, a Safewatch Pro 3000 standard touchpad, a Safewatch CellGuard primary unit, a flood/temperature/carbon monoxide detector, two hardwired door/window sensors, a hardwired PIR motion detector, an indoor sounder, an ADT window decal and yard sign and a transformer and battery backup. Customized Protection is the most elite service offered by ADT which includes a variety of security features customized specifically to your lifestyle and your home layout.
Alarm Force
Alarm Force may not be as well known as ADT but they are currently working with over 250,000 households throughout North America for twenty four years. Alarm Force, unlike the other companies listed above specialize in private residential alarm installation. There are a variety of services available for households throughout the country depending upon the needs of the client including the Home Alarm System, the Alarm Plus System and AlarmCare.
The Home Alarm system includes live two-way communication, free installation, free activation and a free warranty. The Alarm Plus system includes some of the best technology on the market including line cut technology, a cellular backup system, use of wireless signals and other added protection. The AlarmCare system includes no annual contract, the ability for the elderly to live independently, live two-way voice communication, a personal pendant communication system and more! Each of these security services can be catered with specific security features depending upon your security needs.
FrontPoint
FrontPoint is considered by many to be the leader in wireless, interactive, DIY alarm systems. Founded in 2005, with more than thirty years of industry experience, their founders set out to create a totally different kind of alarm company. One that utilized the latest technologies while relying on highly trained customer service reps to attract business.
Core to everything at FrontPoint is customer service. Similar to Rackspace in the website hosting industry, they are fanatical about service. They have become the fastest growing GE Security dealer, and are the only GE Security dealer offering 100% wireless service with all of their systems. They serve customers throughout North America.
We've written an in-depth review of FrontPoint in our article What is the Best Home Alarm System?
Life Shield
Life Shield is a newer home security company having been established in 2002 under the name InGrid Home Security. The intention of the company was and still is to provide complete residential security at an affordable cost. Life Shield specializes in offering residential security but the biggest difference in their company is that they sell home security kits that you install yourself without having the cost of a professional installer visiting your home. Systems are purchased and installed by you and monitoring is provided by Life Shield at two various levels, personal monitoring and alarm monitoring.
The personal monitoring system includes the ability to view, customize and control your system through the web, view and control your system through your cell phone, continuous system self-testing, unlimited email and text messages to keep in touch with your home, unlimited weather forecasting and severe weather alerts, unlimited home reminders through text messaging to your home, essential camera service to record video or photos of alarms and home connect, giving second home access. The alarm monitoring system provides everything that is available in the personal monitoring service including 24/7 police dispatch, 24/7 fire dispatch, 24/7 medical dispatch and a homeowners insurance discount!
Finding a Reputable Company is the Hardest Part
When it comes to choosing between different home security companies the very thought of putting all of your trust in to a single company and a single installer (in some cases, you) can be anxiety inducing. In order to ease your anxiety it is important to follow all of the steps listed above in order to make sure that the company you choose is a reputable company within your community. One company that may have worked for your friend across the nation may not be as reputable in your area as a result of hiring practices! The most important steps in finding a company that puts your mind at ease is researching and interviewing prospective companies to ensure that the company is not only trustworthy on paper but that they are also trustworthy and knowledgeable in person. After establishing that the company that you want to work with is licensed, trustworthy and knowledgeable it is a much easier process to find an alarm system that will work best in your home since you can ask your representative for their recommendations. A trustworthy representative will always be able to offer you a variety of options to suit your budget as well as your security needs but it is up to you to explain to your representative what that budget and what those needs are.
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Post a CommentTypes of home alarm features you really want
The author even includes a second list of questions. These are helpful and a good starting place. However, I think that everyone should be able to improve upon this list of questions. Start by thinking about the types of features that you really want. Then, write some questions based on these as well.
The article finishes up with a brief review of a number of different home alarm companies. The conclusion really emphasizes the importance of sticking with a local company. Finding a local company that has their own local monitoring is something which should make you feel very comfortable. Personally, I have never really been overly swayed by arguments to buy local, although I can see the benefits in this case, since you trust the safety of your family to this service. You want to have someone that you can call if there is ever a problem or issue.
Ultimately, I think that the monitoring part of this is the most important part. Your home will be monitored electronically from a remote location, although this could also be local. You should also be provided with a 24 hour phone number which you can use to contact the monitor center if there is ever any question or issue. Also, the monitoring company should have a direct connection to your local police, fire department and other emergency services, just in case.
Asking the right questions to find the right home alarm for you
So, how does one go about choosing the best home security company and system for your situation?
For one thing, you can start by taking some of the steps that the author suggests are recommended by many local police departments. This involves doing your own investigation and even asking the companies some very direct questions. Find out if they have insurance, and exactly what types of insurance. This includes errors and omissions and general liability insurance. These are all important because it ensures that if anything goes wrong, you will not be responsible for filing a claim with your own insurance company. If you ever have any doubt about this, you can always ask to examine their insurance certificates.
Learn a little more about the company itself. Ask to see their business license; knowing that they are legally able to conduct business in your area should help you to feel more confident about them. Find a few of their past clients to use as references. The author suggests simply asking the company, but there may be some other options. Certainly, doing research on the internet can reveal some current or past customers with definite opinions about their experiences with the company. Find out how long the company has been in business and whether or not there are any complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau.
Find out where the monitoring center for the alarm system is located. Ideally, this should be close by rather than far apart. You also want to know whether or not all of the installation work will be performed by regular company employees or sub-contractors. Make sure that you understand what the warranty actually includes and that it is included in your written contract.
The way in which the company answers these questions in and of itself should give you a clue. If they try to make you feel uncomfortable for asking any of these, that should probably give you the idea that this might not be the right company. Maybe they have something to hide?
To actually start your search, you may want to contact a respected organization such as the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association. Ask them for a list of companies in your area who are members. From this list, start your own investigation and research. Maybe start by asking people you know for recommendations. Do some further research and maybe eventually start calling a few of these companies, asking them a few of your questions.
By now, your list should start to be narrowed down. Once you have 4 or 5 left, it is time to start arranging actual in home meetings. You can have one per day, or even schedule several meeting per day. Just make sure to allow some time in between, just in case a meeting runs over. You may also use the time in between to make some notes and just organize your thoughts without becoming confused by different companies and competing features.
Choosing a home alarm system is certainly a big decision
My thoughts...
Choosing a home alarm system is certainly a big decision and one which should be undertaken only after doing all of your research and exploring all of your extensive options. The author correctly points out the fact that whatever system you choose, this is probably something that you will need to live with for at least the next several years.
As someone who has never had a home security system, the idea is quite fascinating. Being able to have a bit of guidance as to some of the system available and what each can do is very helpful. I suppose that in my mind I had picture the home of the future. This was complete with a computerized voice talking to me and my own voice controlling every aspect from turning on lights to programming the thermostat.
After doing some of my own research I have actually determined that these types of systems do exist, although they can be very expensive, as you might imagine. It really all seems to come down to the types of features and services you want and what you are willing to pay. Additionally, you must be able and willing to really learn how to use the system. After all, what good will it be if all you can do is turn it on and off, but cannot take advantage of being able to set your lights to go on and off at specific times.
What is the best motion sensor option?
Just found this website and this blog. This is a great source of info. Can anybody give an opinion what are the best motion sensors available in Canada? We have an alarm system but we were robbed around Christmas time. Some documents were stolen from our house. It could have happened at night time when the sleep mode was on and the motion sensor was off. It could have happened during the day. It would be good to hear an opinion from security experts. What option do we have in a situation like this?
I was thinking about volumetric sensors. Where is it possible to get them in Canada? What company does them? Our security company said they don't do them.
What kind of options would be good for when the alarm is in stay home mode? I was thinking about MobEye, a standalone GSM sensor which can alert you by SMS when somebody uses the backdoor, for example, to get in at night time when we are in the house. May be this is not the best option? It would be good to hear an opinion from security experts.
Canadian security products
Hi there,
Excellent questions. First off, we're sorry your house was broken into, and we're glad that you guys are safe!
We're not experts on the Canadian market, but I imagine they have similar products to what's offered here in the States. The most important time to arm your home is when you're asleep in the middle of the night. We recommend putting motion sensors that you can arm while asleep to cover all the main entry ways to your house.
If you find an alarm system provider that uses alarm.com, you can configure your sensors to send off texts, emails, phone calls, etc. when events are triggered. This can even be done when the system is disarmed. You will also have a history of all triggered sensors so you can find out exactly what's going on and when. Some of the newer video capture technologies let you set a security video camera that will send you a motion capture of an event right when it occurs. This can be useful for helping police track down and identify burglars.
Best of luck and let us know what you find!
Comparing home security companies
Great article. It seems like there are more and more DIY home alarm providers entering the game. It's good to have an unbiased resource site that is staying on top of this battle and bringing us the facts. The only thing I'd find more helpful is to have a comprehensive chart/ comparison table of the various security systems, comparing their pricing, features, and pro/con review elements.
Understand your own security system
The key to a good home security system is not just the reputation of your alarm company, nor the technological implementation/ efficiency of the system itself. Rather - it's the familiarity and customization that you provide based on your innate knowledge of your home. The one edge you have over the typical thief is that you know your home better than them. That means placement of sensors and keypads that should be able to outwit even the most experienced burglars.
I really enjoyed reading the What is the Best Home Security System? article posted by the guest commenter/ security consultant expert. It goes into much detail on steps you can take to make your alarm system more effective regardless of which company you buy from.
Home security companies
Home security is all about marketing these days. In the end, as long as you have some good yard signs, and use common sense when around the house/ on vacation, etc. you can minimize your chances of a burglary just as well.
There's a reason the home alarm industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Heck, the alarm companies are making more money off you than thieves will ever be able to steal from you. How ironic is that?
Home alarm company battle
The home alarm battle breaks down into two categories, as far as I can see: the DIY alarm installers, and those that come over and do a professional installation. As far as I can tell, the former (DIY) systems are easier to install and move, and require less invasive installation (ie. no drilling) procedures, but the latter offer a great way of kicking back and drinking a cold one while someone else does all the heavy lifting.
A Secure Life seems to leave heavily towards the DIY home alarm companies. What is your take on the professional installers?
DIY vs. professional alarm install
Home alarm companies
Is there any particular order you'd rate these companies in? In other words, from best to worst?
Home alarm company reviews
The best alarm company to suit your needs
Preference in alarm company boils down to regional locations as far as I'm concerned. In our old house we had an ADT system that we had no problems with, but then again, it never really got put to the test. Now that we've moved, we had ADT come out and the guy was a complete joke, so we told him to take a hike.
I'm waiting for my APX guy to come out and give me a quote, but the articles on this site have me intrigued as far as the DIY options available to me. I may give Front Point a call and see what they can offer me.
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