Household Security Systems – An insiders guide to saving you funds
Monitoring your residence security program has by no means been less complicated but you will discover quite a few points you’ll need to consider prior to committing your self to a lengthy term monitoring agreement with any alarm provider
Alarm companies do not make the majority of their profit from selling security systems, it comes from accumulating a huge base of alarm-monitoring contracts. In fact these monitoring contracts are so profitable that they are regularly bought and sold like mortgage notes.
Tip #1 Ask if they’re an authorized alarm dealer or a represent a marketing organization.
Marketing corporations have learned to flood a marketplace with amazing provides on security systems with the sole purpose of selling the contracts at a profit. They generally use any sub-contractor accessible, which can result in poor customer service when the marketing firm leaves town.
When you obtain a reputable alarm firm ask them to come out to your property and provide you with a quote. You’ll find that most will quote you a fundamental security system at a reasonable price. These simple security systems typically incorporate an control panel, keypad, motion detector, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard sign and warning decals
Tip #2 Be certain the equipment may be monitored by any alarm provider not by just the one selling it to you. If they use proprietary security equipment you could possibly be left
in a bind must you grow to be dissatisfied with their service for any reason. Ademco, DSC,& Caddx are well known manufacturers and could be monitored by any 1.
Some companies offer low a low installation charge of $99.00 or will give you a “FREE” security program. Many do so if you put a security sign in your yard for advertising purposes and commit to a long-term alarm-monitoring contract.
Since the installation charge doesn’t cover the true cost of the equipment and labor, you are charged a substantial monthly fee to recoup their investment. These “deals” or equipment leases aren’t necessarily bad but make it hard to evaluate the true cost to you over time.
The best way to evaluate your contract is to ask the salesman to give you a quote to buy the security system outright and show the property alarm-monitoring fee separately. Most of the time you are better off buying the alarm program because your monitoring fee will be much less.
For example. Say for $99 your monitoring fee is $35 per month for 3 years
you total cost for monitoring your property alarm is $1359.00 Your fee
will remain $35 per month or even increase.
On the other hand say you pay $599.00 installation and $20 dollars a month your total cost is $1319. Not only is your overall cost less but from year 3 on your will be saving $180 per year. This savings would be better spent on upgrading your alarm program to contain fire monitoring and added perimeter protection
Tip #3 Do not pay additional charges for medical or fire monitoring.
It’s ok to pay for the equipment needed but some providers charge $2-$5 extra for these services. These options are easily programmed into the alarm system and do not require any additional effort to monitor.
Is A Basic Security System For You?
The answer is probably not. Basic systems only cover your doors and are supplemented by the use of a motion detector. This detector is usually mounted within the main hallway to catch a burglar crossing the center of the property. If they come by way of a bedroom window and never pass by the motion detector, the alarm system will by no means sound. Imagine being household at the time this happens. Fundamental security systems are best used as a deterrent to a break in and to notify the authorities an alarm condition exist.
Adding perimeter protection such as window contacts or glass break detectors should be high on the list of upgrades. These types of upgrades not only activate the alarm system instantly but also will give you piece of mind while you are home.
Protect Your Monetary Interest Not Just Your Residence
Get all quotes in writing and make sure the quote is a binding quote.
At a minimum the following should really be included in your contract.
Length of contract and if / how it renews. Does it renew automatically?
What type of notice do you have to give to terminate the monitoring agreement
Will your fee increase and is there a limit on the increase. If at all possible lock in your monitoring fee for the entire contract otherwise you could see an increase every year.
Do not be afraid to walk away on this point alone.
Do you own the equipment or is it a lease? A lease means lower initial installation cost but high monitoring fees.
Warranty:
Most of the alarm equipment comes with it’s own warranty in addition to what is offered by your provider. Specify the warranty for each item so that you aren’t charged if it fails.
Also specify how long the warranty on labor is. Expect to pay some labor cost for replacing under warranty items
Service Calls
Alarm technicians are usually well trained to diagnose and fix problems with your security program. Be prepared to pay within the neighborhood of $55 per hour. The fee can seem high when compared to your original installation cost but is not out of line. Think about how much you pay for your car or computer to be worked on.
How lengthy is the response time to service your alarm system.
48 hours is a reasonable time.
Do they provide an installation certificate for your household owner’s insurance
Many insurance firms offer a discount for monitored household security systems.
Do not Wait Until You Have A Break-In To Get An Alarm System!
You can replace most points but you may never replace your sense of security in your own household.
This article was written by Brookline locksmith. They are a full service, family owned and operated locksmith servicing the residents of Brookline, MA with all of their locksmithing needs.
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