Alarm Monitoring
In most cases, price is the determining factor in choosing a security system for your home or business. Although, if you simply choose the lowest price on a security system that is not adequate to protect your families needs, then it is worth nothing. Just because it is the lowest price does not mean it going to be the best choice. You must ask yourself these questions about your security need requirements.
What do I need to know about alarm monitoirng service?
While the alarm system monitoring cost is important, see our home security system costs for information on a comparison of leasing a security system versus purchasing.
- What services are offered?
- Who is contacted during an emergency?
- Do I require a contract? Or is it month to month?
- What is the maintenance schedule and fees?
- How much is a service call?
- Do I receive stickers and yard sign?
- Am I eligible for an insurance discounts?
Ask your security system provider about the certifications of their alarm monitoring center. At the least, make sure that they are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified for your local area. If they are not, find one that is.
What happens when an alarm system is activated?
What do I need to ask about security system equipment?
Utilizing the most advanced security system equipment on the market ensures that you have the most reliable equipment with the most features.
- Can other companies monitor my system?
- Is the security system proprietary?
- Is the security system the most up to date version?
- Does the security system operate with pets in the home?
- Does the security alarm system log events for viewing?
- What other conditions are monitored and reviewable?
- How much is replacement parts and warranties?
Ask your alarm system company if their security system equipment is fully (UL) Underwriters Laboratories certified. If its not, then find one that is.
What if I get false alarms?
False alarms are a normal function of any security system that are at times unavoidable. They can be a nuisance for the homeowner, neighbors and police departments. With more advanced improvements, false alarms are becoming less of a problem although there are things you can do to help reduce them.
- “Just Set” features notify the alarm monitoring company that the system is being “armed” and “disarmed” as this is the most common source of false alarms condition when using the security system.
- Reduce the sensitivity of the detectors and sensors for your pets.
- Increase the “exit” and “entry” delays to give you more time to arm or disarm the system before it activates an alarm.
- Activate multi detect functions that require multiple sensors to active within a specified time frame before the alarm will trigger.
False alarms are normal with every security system installed on the market but modern technology is giving us the ability to keep false alarms to a minimum.
Does the alarm system monitoring work with VOIP?
Many homeowners are taking advantage of the monthly savings by switching their phone service over to VOIP (voice over internet protocol). While this can save significant amounts of money for the homeowner, some security systems are not compatible with this new technology. Ask before you install the security system.
- Does the security system provide VOIP alarm monitoring service?
- Does VOIP alarm monitoring qualify for insurance discounts?
Be sure to compare and evaluate all of the features and benefits of the security alarm system monitoring service you choose. Make sure the plan you choose is the plan you need. Ask about discounts for paying your alarm monitoring in advance.
What are my alarm monitoring options?
Home alarm monitoring is one of the most important aspects of any burglar alarm system. Having the peace of mind in knowing that help is on the way in case of an burglary or medical emergency is priceless.Traditional home security systems communicate to the alarm monitoring center through the use of a standard telephone line connected to the system. While this is reliable, more consumers are choosing more advanced and cost effective solutions such as radio monitoring, cellular monitoring or broadband monitoring services.
Traditional Alarm Monitoring
Most consumers and security companies still choose the traditonal method of alarm monitoring which is the standard phone line. If the home security system is activated due to an intrusion or emergency situation, the master alarm control panel seizes the phone line and uses a auto dialer to contact and transmit vital information to the home alarm monitoring center for processing.
Broadband Alarm Monitoring
With the advances in the internet, broadband alarm monitoring services are becoming more popular as consumers cancel their standard phone line and relay more on cell phones for their main source of communication. With broadband alarm monitoring, your burglar alarm system transmits its data across the internet using your broadband internet connection. Using this method of alarm monitoring eliminates the need for a traditional phone line. Your home alarm system is connected to an available port on your internet modem or router instead of the phone line. When the security system is activated, the information is quickly sent to the monitoring center through the internet.One of the most important things to remember when it comes to broadband alarm monitoring is the security system always sends data to make sure the connection is live. If the alarm monitoring center does not get the signal (which is sends every second), it is instantly notified that you system is not operational. When using a traditional phone line, there is not way to know if the phone line is active or been cut. This is a great feature when choosing which alarm monitoring service is right for you.One of the disadvantages of using broadband alarm monitoring services is it does not operate if your internet connection is down due to non-payment or power loss.
Radio Alarm Monitoring
Radio alarm monitoring is the option for consumers who neither have a traditional phone line or broadband internet connection. With this type of home alarm monitoring, the alarm system control panel is equipped with a digital communication transmitter that utilizes radio signal frequencies to wirelessly communicate to the alarm monitoring center. The radio alarm monitoring service also maintains constant communication with the radio alarm monitoring center towers ensuring that you alarm system is always connected. You never have to worry about a severed phone line or losing the internet connection. Also, radio alarm monitoring service can be used as a backup to your primary alarm monitoring method.
Celluar Alarm Monitoring
Using celluar alarm monitoring is the most reliable, dependable and safe alternative for monitoring your home alarm system compare to the other methods. With this type of celluar alarm monitoring, your security system is equipped with a cellular transmitter capable of sending alarm system data using the national cellular phone networks. Using this modern method of security monitoring ensures your home alarm system is always connected in the event of a emergency situation.With any of the security alarm monitoring methods your may choose, the central alarm monitoring facilities will contact the proper authorities in the event of an emergency.