Home Security Systems

[TRM04]

Any of you guys have a home security system? Who is the provider? I know of Brinks and ADT but are there others I should consider?

How is their service and program including monthly fees? I understand there will be packages but I don't think I need anything beyond the basic stuff unless you can tell me otherwise.

What else should I consider??

Thanks!!

 

[Dtrigg]

I had a ADT system in my previous house. I had motion dectors versus window units, key fob, cell phone backup if the phone line were cut, etc.

Service was good. Police were called out twice. Once when the wind blew the front door open (I didn't realize it was ajar) and I forget the other reason. This could be a function of location however, i.e. city to city.

 

[docjohn]

Adt and Brinks are national firms,There are plenty of smaller local companies that do the same thing,just localy owned.The basic systems are all similar, contacts for doors/ windows and internal motion.Other things to consider would be sound such as glass break detecters,also having fire bundled in is convenient.Most companies sub out the call center duties so you might be talking to timbuck two when the system is set off.Monthly fees are anywhere from 10-25 dollor/month.

 

[warrenw]

No matter who does the monitoring, you want a DSC (Digital Securty Controls) hardware. This stufff is bullet proof. Very high reliabiltiy and very well designed.

They have built hardware for 20 + years and continue to get better.

Just ensure that the hardware is by DSC. You will not be disapointed.


I used to install Alarm systems years ago. All manufactures and types.

The DSC is above other manufactures in features and reliability..

 

[TRM04]

Excellent advice. I will try to locate local providers and compare to the national providers.

Thanks all!

 

[steveny]

Cable company offer a pretty good service with cell back up.

I have used it once and the response time was excellent, well only because...

an off duty person heard it over the scanner and he was driving past the house at that very moment. He pulled in and took care of the fire withing 2 minutes. It was awesome to see him doing his thing.

 

[Vega$ NSX]

I also recommend a security company that offers armed guard response. Last time my alarm went off, a dude packing heat checked the entire perimeter of my house for signs of forced entry.

 

[Racerxjling]

I wouldn't do ADT/Brinks. I agree the DSC hardware is bulletproof. You can get the monitoring for only $8.95/month...just have to pay a year in advance. You can hire a private co. to do the install and have the monitoring done separately. Only issue is that if you have problems with the hardware, you have to troubleshoot. The private co. that did the install charges $20/month but they will do the troubleshooting. If you are a DIYer, you can install it yourself. Check out this website:

http://www.homesecuritystore.com/

They have techs that can help you...always pretty busy though.

Jeff

 

[steveny]

I wouldn't do ADT/Brinks. I agree the DSC hardware is bulletproof. You can get the monitoring for only $8.95/month...just have to pay a year in advance. You can hire a private co. to do the install and have the monitoring done separately. Only issue is that if you have problems with the hardware, you have to troubleshoot. The private co. that did the install charges $20/month but they will do the troubleshooting. If you are a DIYer, you can install it yourself. Check out this website:

http://www.homesecuritystore.com/

They have techs that can help you...always pretty busy though.

Jeff

I watched the guys who installed my original alarm and it's a job that requires some pretty expensive drill bits.

 

[excellon]

I wouldn't do ADT/Brinks. I agree the DSC hardware is bulletproof. You can get the monitoring for only $8.95/month...just have to pay a year in advance. You can hire a private co. to do the install and have the monitoring done separately. Only issue is that if you have problems with the hardware, you have to troubleshoot. The private co. that did the install charges $20/month but they will do the troubleshooting. If you are a DIYer, you can install it yourself. Check out this website:

http://www.homesecuritystore.com/

They have techs that can help you...always pretty busy though.

Jeff

Sorry to bring this back from the dead, but Monitronics and my local company is pissing me off. And the system they install is total garbage.

So, I've been skimming through http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ and was interested in DSC equipment but I wanted to know if anyone is using their monitoring service ($8.95/month)? Like to know if they're reliable and trustworthy?

Thanks

 

[Big_D]

I also have Monitronics and they are ripping, uh I mean charging, me $27 a month for monitoring...seems to go up every year also. I keep hearing some radio ad for $9.99...866-247-4999 not sure if it is So Cal only or not. I need to look into it.

 

[excellon]

I also have Monitronics and they are ripping, uh I mean charging, me $27 a month for monitoring...seems to go up every year also. I keep hearing some radio ad for $9.99...866-247-4999 not sure if it is So Cal only or not. I need to look into it.

They're charging me 44.95 a month!!!

 

[NsXMas]

Sorry to bring this back from the dead, but Monitronics and my local company is pissing me off. And the system they install is total garbage.

So, I've been skimming through http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ and was interested in DSC equipment but I wanted to know if anyone is using their monitoring service ($8.95/month)? Like to know if they're reliable and trustworthy?

Thanks

I've been using http://www.ucontrol.com/ for a few years after being sick of being ripped off by Monitronics.

I love ucontrol, and can't recommend them enough.

 

[ak]

What about www.nextalarm.com ? It seems to be decent alternative for someone like me without a landline and don't want to get ripped by major comps like ADT/Brinks.