Picking the right home security system can be confusing.
Consider all the questions. Which brand is better? Should I use a professional installer? Are all home security apps the same? What’s the best security company? There’s a lot to discover.
To save you time, and to help you get the most protection, we’ve narrowed things down to seven essential questions to ask when evaluating security systems.
1. Is it professionally monitored?
Professional monitoring is the gold standard of home security. If there’s a break-in or fire at home, a professionally monitored security system sends an emergency signal to a 24-7 monitoring station, where a trained security professional is on hand to contact you, and then alert your local law enforcement or fire department. There is no effective substitute for this service. The bottom line is that is saves lives. You might miss a smartphone alert or be directly involved in the emergency. In that case, your priority is getting everyone to safety.
2. Will it withstand a smart burglar disabling it?
Not all security products are engineered equally. To ensure you don’t entrust your safety to a security system that can be disabled with a hand tool, make sure it has:
Crash and Smash protection. A common burglary tactic is to smash a home’s security panel to prevent it sending an emergency signal to the monitoring station. Alarm.com’s technology can recognize a crash and smash attack, and signal your monitoring station regardless.
Dedicated cellular connection. This type of signaling technology doesn’t depend on your home’s internet or phone line, and so it can’t be disabled by intruders. All our security panels have a dedicated cellular connection with battery backup- so they aren’t affected by power outages.
3. How many sensors does it come with?
Contact sensors are home security essentials; small devices that detect the opening and closing of doors, windows, drawers and more. Some security systems come with as little as two contact sensors, which is a problem because burglars don’t just use the front and back door.
Our security professionals will work with you to determine how many contact sensors your home needs, and provide them as part of the package. The average Alarm.com-powered home has ten security sensors or devices.
4. What else will this system protect you from?
The best security systems can protect your home from far more than a burglar.
Alarm.com’s proactive safeguards can detect and respond to dangers like fire, carbon monoxide and water leaks. They can also save you time and money, tackling problems like energy waste, lost keys and package deliveries. They can even alert you when there’s unexpected activity around your house, such as your kids getting into forbidden areas.
These features are all working 24/7, even when the system is disarmed. This gives you the ability to respond to dangers quickly. This gives you more value in the long run.
5. What happens if something stops working?
The most important thing about a security system is that it has to work when you need it. When you diy a security or smart home setup, what happens when a device or component of the system needs professional attention?
With our systems, help is always at hand. With advanced training, and online diagnostic tools, we can quickly troubleshoot your system. Many issues can be fixed remotely; other fixes can be carried out by a visiting technician. We will work quickly to make sure your system is always working when you need it.
We also partner with the most forward thinking companies to provide you service. This means that your technology will evolve and increase in capability as time goes on with regularly rolled out updates and new features. Other systems will go obsolete in just a few years. Once again, more value in the long run.
6. Does it include smart home devices?
Smart home technology is the home improvement trend that’s here to stay. The right security system will set you up with everything you need for a smart home. We carry a wide range of smart devices that will increase the value of your system. Smart locks, smart thermostats, connected video cameras, smart lights, video doorbell, connected garage door openers and more are all controlled with a single app. Because these smart devices are integrated with your security devices, the automation possibilities are almost endless.
7. Is this security system powered by Alarm.com?
We believe that Alarm.com is the premier home security system and we are proud to install it. From proactive safeguards and reliable equipment, to connected cameras and fully integrated smart devices (lights, locks, thermostats), Alarm.com provides the total package for whatever your security needs are.
Are you ready to gain total protection and peace of mind?
