Home Security Systems

[lisa_la_machina]

My DH and I are looking to get an alarm system for our home. I realize that the alarm companies vary somewhat by region (we are in the Pacific Northwest). Also, some companies do it all (install equipment, monitoring) while other companies allow for a more DIY approach--you install the equipment, they provide the monitoring.

So, for those of you who have a home security system, what company do you use? Is it a full-service or DIY company? Are you happy with it?

I'd appreciate any feedback at all. Thanks!

Lisa

 

[deineira]

Hi Lisa,

I use ADT and I've been very happy with them. The installation was easy and the technician did a nice job of positioning the sensors and explaining them to me. The company has done a good job monitoring. Unfortunately I've had some false alarms over the years, and they always follow the assigned protocol perfectly. The police show up within a matter of minutes, and the alarm is certainly enough to scare off a real intruder. I think it's $35 per month for this service. I also get a discount on my homeowner's insurance because I have this service.

Eva

 

[exercise-lover]

We use ADT also in NM. They are a very professional company. They do a great job setting up the equipment and monitoring it. We also have smoke alarms hooked up in our system. They give great service along with all the peace of mind.

 

[JeanneMarie]

I have no personal experience with home security systems, but I've heard my favorite consumer reporter, Clark Howard, talk about them for years. He has some good advice on his website. (Link below) Two things he always cautions.... never sign a long term contract, and you shouldn't be paying over about $22-$24 a month for the service.

Here's the link:

Clark Howard: How to shop for a home security system

HTH!

 

[fit44]

I have ADT equipment in my home, but I don't have monitoring. My equipment is 23 years old, and works great. I have a very large home with many doors with sensors, and I can see what doors are open on the main panel.
I have a loud siren on my house if I set the alarm and it is triggered, the siren will alert the neighbors....but nothing like my three large dogs.

Someone tried to break into my neighbor's house recently, and another neighbor saw the perpetrator between our homes. I can only guess why he chose my neighbor's house and not mine.....140lb Romeo, 110lb Isabella, 85lb Maximus lurking out the windows of my house.

 

[lisa_la_machina]

Thanks for the feedback, ladies!

Eva and Exercise-Lover, I am familiar with the ADT company so I will look into them and see what deals they offer for my area. I'm glad to know that you can link the sensors with smoke alarms and even potentially get a homeowner's insurance discount!

JeanneMarie, that article was really interesting. It's good to have a baseline of what is a reasonable price for the monthly monitoring and the equipment. I was surprised that equipment can be so expensive, but I guess that's OK if it's only a one-time thing.

Fit44, your dogs sound like the ultimate insurance policy. I bet they are super sweet when they're not fighting off burglars and other bad guys! I love big dogs.