How to cut through the B.S. about Home Security Companies & Choices, Part 2

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