Whats a Good Home Alarm System?

Question

We want it to have wireless cameras, alarm inside the house of course, and something to call us quick like a monitoring service. Some company who can install it and that it is worth. we do have a budget but we would like to install a good alarm system. any ideas??? please help 3 days ago they broke into house.

Answer 1

I'm sorry to hear about the break in, but PLEASE don't let your fear cause you to make hasty judgements. There are plenty of security businesses out there who charge way too much! I'm not aware of any specific companies, but here's what I suggest:

1-talk to friends, neighbours, anyone in your area even if they don't have alarm systems, word of mouth is great to find out reliability

2-use your local business listings in your phone book to make a list of various security businesses you might check into

3-call those businesses and ask for specific charges for equipment, installation and don't forget those "hidden" fees, monthly charges, is there a contract term you have to adhere to and if so, what are early termination fees? (Also check into package deals)

4-make your decision

Remember, the most expensive is not always the best service

GL

Answer 2

LOL - what does a home alarm system and monitoring service have to do with this forum, "Home Theater Electronics"?

Browse through the over 100 "Y/A Categories" for a forum where the participants might be interested in your question. "Consumer Electronics-General" maybe.

Hint: when you re-post in an appropriate forum, you might want to include where you live, if you are asking about installation and monitoring service!

Answer 3

There are many good alarm systems out there. The thing you really want to focus on is what happens after the alarm goes off. There are two main ways that it happens in the alarm business

1) They call the home phone, if you answer, you give them your code, they don't send response. If no one answers (burglars usually don't pick up the phone) they send the cops.

2) They come over the panel, are able to listen in and verify the alarm, then dispatch the police. If it is you, you give the person your code, if it isnt you, they are able to listen in and tell the cops everything they are hearing.

So, decide which one you want, which one works best for you. A lot of cities are moving towards verified alarm and option 2 fits that bill. It doesn't rely so heavily on local law enforcement because it virtually eliminates false alarm calls. If it is verified you will get a quicker response. The cops know there is something going on, instead of them not knowing if it is an actual burglar or your cat. But, do whatever works best for you.

As for equipment, it is pretty much the same. Seeing that your house is not under construction, I'd probably suggest a wireless system. They are very high tech these days and have worked the bugs. They are very good options. The know what you want covered and how you want your protection handled. This is key. You need to know what you want before the salesman comes, or else you will probably get whatever they want you to get, a bare minimum that maximizes his pay. They are salesman after all.

For the monitoring, you will probably pay $30-$40 per month. Depending on the company you go with and to what extent you want to have a system. It can go from anywhere to $0(with contract) to $4000-$5000+. The free options are often the best options in my opinion. They give you a good amount of equipment for free, and set you up on a 3 year contract. Pay attention to the details and check the company out ahead of time.

Do what is best for you, and not what is best for the company selling it to you.