Best Security Products blog

Welcome back to our three part series on how to cut through the B.S. about home security companies & choices!

In part one, we discussed some considerations around choosing a company, equipment and services. Click here to read part 1.

In part two, we discussed the differences between hard wired and wireless system, whether you should have your system monitored or not and what you need to know about system connections. Click here to read part 2

In part three we’re discussing what areas of your house you want protection for, whether you should install the system yourself or have it professionally installed and we’ll discuss cable companies and phone companies.

We’ll wrap up with a discussion on how one chooses between the many options.

We’re picking up with deciding what coverage is best for you:

7) What coverage should you do: Full perimeter or partial system? Should we do all the doors and windows or should we just do the doors and a couple of motions?

If this is your main house then this is a question you need to ask yourself and the best way for you to make a decision it to ask this question: is the system to be used when we are home or when we are not home?

If it’s when you are home then a full perimeter system is best. Why? Because when all the windows and doors are armed it provides protection when you’re in the house and any attempted entry around the “perimeter” of the house will activate the alarm. There are “STAY” modes on the systems that will shunt the interior devices (motion detectors), but still have all the doors and windows armed. These systems will typically cost more because of the number of door and window contacts and control panel upgrades.

If you just want protection when you’re gone then you can probably get away with putting contacts on your doors and, depending on the size of the house, some well-placed motion detectors for interior traps and protection. These will also hopefully compensate for the lack of window contacts if the intrusion happens to be through a window.

8) Self Installed (DIY) or Professionally Installed: If you’re reading this you are probably not a DIY type of guy because the DIY guy/gal usually already has it all figured out. They know pretty much about everything and either have some agenda about not being monitored or tied into any contracts.

There are two areas that need to be addressed and the first is the fact that the equipment usually offered for DIY is almost always wireless. This makes sense because it is easier to install and pretty much anyone can do it. (Please see my commentary regarding wireless #4). Again, it is marketed for only one reason - the fact that it is easy to install - and that it makes it easier to sell.

Second - quite frankly if you take into account the time it takes and in most instances the frustration, it’s simply not worth it. For most professionally installed systems, the companies will underwrite the cost (or most of) of the initial installation for the reoccurring revenue stream. This also keeps the company “engaged” in your continued happiness and will usually maintain the account during your tenure with them. By simply taking into account the monitoring over a period of time along with the equipment and installation, and with the system being maintained, it’s easy to look at the numbers and see that it is a good value (or not).

9) Cable Companies/ Telco Companies: Ever since these companies have lost their almost 100% monopoly power they have had to look at other revenue sources. These companies have been sticking it to us for years and now they want to install security systems.

Generally they will offer some promotion that is for 12 months for a discounted price (which has been their general practice for years) on other services, and then after the promotion period the rate gets jacked up and you’re stuck with the wonderful service that cable/telco companies have been famously known for. Almost without exception cable/telco companies have always had the worst customer service rating in all of businesse. Just be aware and remember in most instances it’s not worth the grief and aggravation.

So, how does one choose the options and company?

I have been installing home security systems for 25 years and have seen the industry grow and change significantly during that time. The most technological advances have happened in the last 5-10 years with the advent of the internet and the advancements in networking technology.

It used to be that a home security system was mainly used for intrusion protection. When the alarm was triggered the alarm would send a signal via your telephone line to the central station and they would alert authorities and the homeowner. Today people want the ability to control the alarm system as well as other devices such as lights, locks, thermostats and other appliances, from their smart phone, tablet or any web browser. That technology is great and there may be value in it for some and maybe not for others.

The features may be appealing on the sales visit and I’m sure “everyone” is getting it, but is it right for you? Will you really need to arm your system from your phone, or will the old fashion keypad still work for you? Do you really need to have cameras at your house? Will you ever look at them after a few months and the novelty wears off?

Don’t get me wrong; there can be benefits from these features. You just need to step back for a moment and really think if you will use them. Remember that most of the additional features can be added later, but you can’t send this stuff back after it’s installed.

Just like anything else, check your emotions at the door and really consider if you will use the features. And remember you will always be able to add them later.

To pick the right company try to pick one that has been in business around 10 years and a good source for background investigation is the BBB in your area. The BBB will generally provide reliable insight to the companies and will get involved and mediate with their members to bring a fair result.

Most review/referral sites (Yelp, Angie’s List, Home Advisors, etc.) are not reliable and the reviews are never screened or verified. These reviews are either contrived, vengeful, or paid placements, so please use any information from the internet with a certain degree of skepticism.

Give us a call for a consultation; we can design a custom system to meet your unique needs and budget.

We are looking forward to talking with you! 1-800–988–2378 or sales@bestsecurityproducts.com

Welcome back to our three part series on how to cut through the B.S. about home security companies & choices!

In part one, we discussed some considerations around choosing a company, equipment and services. Click here to read part 1.

In part two, we are discussing the differences between hard wired and wireless system, whether you should have your system monitored or not and what you need to know about system connections.

Part three of this series focuses on what areas of your house you want protection for, whether you should install the system yourself or have it professionally installed and we’ll discuss cable companies and phone companies.

Part three will wrap up with a discussion on how one chooses between the many options. Click here to read part 3.

We’re picking up with the difference between hard wired and wireless systems:

4) Hardwired vs. Wireless: This is where the most B.S. is spread and it’s only for one reason and that’s to fit the agenda of the companies selling it.

Without a doubt a hardwired system is far superior to a wireless system and will last as long as the house is standing. There is a common misconception that you will see wires, but if done properly you will see nothing. There are no “RF transmission issues, batteries to replace, tampering or damage problems” and it’s a more reliable transmission path that has stood the test of time.

In some instances some devices cannot be wired because of structural impediments and so either a hybrid system (hardwired & wireless) can be installed and in some instances totally wireless system will be installed. Although the wireless systems of today are vastly improved from 5-10 years ago, you should try to wire what is possible.

The main reason that wireless is pushed so hard is because it’s easy to install. That’s it! It’s certainly not for your benefit! It is much more time consuming to hardwire a system, which means it costs the installation company more. Today as an installing dealer, I find it difficult to find technicians that even know how to hardwire a system.

5) Monitored vs. Non Monitored: This is one I never really understood. Why would you want a system that just makes noise and has no response involved? How many car alarms do your hear going off? Do they make you want to run over to help? Probably not, and why would you think someone wants to get involved in your problem?

I’ve heard, “Well my neighbor and I watch out for each other.” Well that’s great if the break in happens when he is home. Another one is, “Don’t want the false alarms.” False alarms today are a rare occurrence from equipment malfunctions, and 99% of the time are from user error. As long as you’re responsible and operate the system properly you should not have any false alarms. If you do, municipalities usually will give you a couple of free ones every calendar year. If you don’t want a monitored system, don’t waste your money and get anything.

6) System Signal Path (Phone line or Cellular): Yes I understand that the POTS line telephone is going the way of the dinosaurs. The disdain for the phone companies runs deep, probably because for years they stuck it to us.

They had really no competition (monopoly) with high prices and terrible service, kind of like the cable companies of today. Some kids today may not even know what a landline phone is and the older kids are addicted to their cell phones and don’t even see the point of having both.

Look, I get it. With the cost of a phone line between $20-$40 per month, why bother if you don’t use it? If you do have use for a landline phone line then it is still a very reliable way to send alarm signals.

This is an area that is another top spot for B.S. and totally fills the agenda of the company trying to sell you the service. The main point they will make is, “There are no phone lines to cut. It’s safer.”

I have been an installing dealer for 25 years and never had a customer have his phone line cut and then have a break in. I am not saying it can’t happen and I have heard that it has, but we have never experienced it. Most phone lines today, and I am talking neighborhoods over 30 years old, have the phone lines underground with the junction boxes imbedded into the side of the house. This makes the “cutting of phone lines” somewhat difficult and quite frankly the typical burglar isn’t that motivated or that smart.

The main reason this is promoted is, again, for the company selling you the system. Most will be promoting this way because it’s easier to install and there is more profit in the added product and service. Sure it may be safer and even cheaper if you want to get rid of your landline, but the hype of safety and better is a stretch.

Continued in part three. To read part three, click here.

Give us a call for a consultation; we can design a custom system to meet your unique needs and budget.

We are looking forward to talking with you! 1-800–988–2378 or sales@bestsecurityproducts.com

Welcome to our three part series on how to cut through the B.S. about home security companies & choices!

In part one, we’ll be discussing choosing a company, equipment and services.

In part two, we discuss the differences between hard wired and wireless system, whether you should have your system monitored or not and what you need to know about system connections. Click here to read part 2.

Part three of this series focuses on what areas of your house you want protection for, whether you should install the system yourself or have it professionally installed and we’ll discuss cable companies and phone companies.

Part three will wrap up with a discussion on how one chooses between the many options. Click here to read part 3.

So, let’s get started!

There are many choices regarding home security options:

1) The company (National, Large or local)
2) The equipment
3) Services ( standard alarm monitoring, home automation features)
4) Hard wired vs. wireless
5) Monitored or non monitored
6) Phone line connection or cellular or radio connection (system connections)
7) What coverage to consider, all the doors and windows or some partial system? 
8) Self installed or professionally installed? 
9) Cable Companies, Phone Companies

So how does one choose the options and company?

Well it depends who you ask, but usually it depends on the agenda of the company you ask. They will all have one and they obviously will tell you a story that will benefit their product and/or service. This makes sense since they want you to go with their product or service. 

But what is the real story?

Some Answers:

1) The Company: The national companies will tell you of their vast resources and strength and how the smaller “local companies may go out to business.

There are not too many advantages to go with the large companies. If you want to have to work to get service done or even talk to someone, then the larger companies may be for you. If you want to be treated as just another number and not shown any respect, then go with the big national companies. They always talk about how big they are but will rarely boast of their ongoing service records.

And what’s the advantage of going with some large company? Think of your bank, or cable company or cell phone provider; is that a pleasant experience when you need to get something done? Probably not! Most of the larger security companies have dealers that sell their accounts to these larger companies. Once they get paid, they are not “invested” in the account and their willingness to keep you happy is not that great. Then you will have to work with these larger operations to get service, and in most instances it is a hassle.

Do your homework and check the BBB in your area and try to go with a local company that has been in business at least 10 years. As long as these companies DO NOT sell their contracts off (some will, so ask!) to someone else then these companies are “invested” in your continued happiness and depend on you because you are their greatest asset.

2) Equipment: There are only 3 major manufactures’ of security equipment which is: Honeywell, DSC, GE, and there are a few peripheral players such as Napco, DMP, Visonic, and few others. One of the top 3 should suffice, and no matter where you buy the product from, make sure you know the warranty and what and where the support will be coming from.

3) Services: This is where you need to ask yourself, “What are my real needs? Not what someone else is getting, but what will work for me and my family?” If it’s just standard monitoring or something you can control with your smart phone, decide if the features will be used on a consistent basis. Sometimes something sounds like it’s “cool,” but after a few months it’s never used again. Remember you can always add these features later if you can’t do without them.

Continued in part two. To read part two, click here.

Give us a call for a consultation; we can design a custom system to meet your unique needs and budget.

We are looking forward to talking with you! 1-800–988–2378 or sales@bestsecurityproducts.com