Home Security System

Home Security System questions and answers

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Q: What is the best electronic home security system?
I have a new home that I would like to purchase a security system for; however, I was looking for some personal experience feedback from folks. What is the most reasonable place? What warning signs are there to look for? Is wireless better or worse? In the base package for a company, does it include sensors for all windows and doors or do they 'trick' you and it's extra?

A: Nearly 3 years ago I had someone try to break into my condo. It was late at night and the I had the lights off, but I wasn't asleep. I heard a noise at the back door. I crawled into the den and switched on the outside lights. It startled the burgler and I saw him run off. . I then called a couple burglar alarm companies in my city and they all came out to give a quote and explained to me the installation and monthly fees. I suggest you call a burglar alarm system installer to get your questions answered. http://www.homesecuritysystemratings.com Every alarm companies offer a free installation special, so inquire about that too.

Q: I want to get a home security system, which is the best?
Hi I live in the midwest I am looking to get a home security system and monthly monitoring. I want one that is legit, has good customer service and has reliable equipment that will last (not break). I do not want to mess with wireless, or anything that will interfere with my existing wireless networks. Does anyone have a company to recommend or one to avoid?? Any advice at all would help, thanx!

A: Search local companies first. Not sure which ones would be in your area. A salesperson can come to your home and give you a quote as to what it will cost to install the system. Get quotes from multiple companis. Also when comparing companies thing to keep in mind are: Monitoring fees, service calls (how much per hour), if a contract is involved and if one is, how long you would have to sign for. If you want the monitoring not just the system alone (which I highly reccommend getting the monitoring) find out how many operators are working each time. Smaller companies only have one Monitoring Operator on at a time and you don't want your fire alarm to be put on hold cuz he/she was in the bathroom going pee. Lol, sounds silly but its something I consider. As for equipment not breaking, well things do get old or stuff happens. When it comes to smoke detectors vacuum them out one in awhile. Getting any dust in them can cause them to be less sensitive, cause them to false and also cause them to plain out not work. Also if you have any critter problems in your home such as mice they'll sometimes chew wires which can result in false alarms or troubles on the panel. I've seen this hundreds of times. A wire gets pinched or chewed and we (the monitoring station) receive a trouble alarm and a technician ends up going to the persons house to fix it at about $60/hr plus tax. Also watch out for silly deals. I've gotten lots of calls at home from companies trying to install a system for free. Sounds great but the problem is they'll do it for free if you sign a 3 year contract and its just a few devices. Few devices meaning one or two doors protected with one motion detector. Which is BS because most people have at LEAST 3 doors in their home (garage entrance, front door, patio door) and want a motion in each room. Glassbreak detectors are also good to have. They'll activate if you drop a glass plate for example near it but I've personally never seen one false. Motion detectors and door contacts do false, get old, wear down, go out of alignment. Hope this helps! Anything else you want to know or if you have any questions feel free to e-mail me from my profile page.

Q: How do you stop an inactive DSC home security system from beeping randomly?
I bought a house about 2 years ago with a DSC home security system installed by the provious owner. I have never activated the service. When I first moved in, the system keypad would randomly beep 2x until someone pressed any keys on the pad. It stopped for a while and has started beeping randomly again, but more frequently. It seems to go off a few times throughout the day, not at any regular intervals, but annoying enough to want to rip it out of the wall (which may be my next step). Again, pressing some of the keys seems to satisfy it for a short time. There are no manuals or instructions for the system and nothing on the pad to provide any advice.

A: without a programmers manual, the only thing you can do is disconnect the leads going into it. That in itself shouldn't be too hard, and it won't leave an unsightly hole in your wall, and may still dupe burglars into thinking you have an alarm system on you home. I hope this helps to save your sanity.

Q: How to change battery on a home security system?
I have the DSC Power 832 Home Security System and it's saying that battery power is low. The battery inside the control box doesn't seem to remove easily. How do I change the battery?

A: I had a similar problem and according to www.thebestguard.com, you should look on the system panel for the Manufacturers telephone number. By calling the Manufacturer and asking them this question, they will explain to you how to remove the battery.

Q: Does anyone know about how much value a home security system adds to a home?
It makes sense that having a home security system adds value to your home. Is there a certain criteriea used to estimate a percentage that it does increase with that system?

A: Depends on how extensive the coverage is....perimeter hard wired or portable window door units and if there are accessory motion units for back up if a perimeter is violated...is there an exyernal horn or connection to alarm center/or police dept....is there conventional line hook up or wireless?.....Do you have fire/smoke glass breakage alarms also...water sprinklers? ....many factors to consider in getting an upgrade on the cost recouping when you go to sell your house. Home alarms also save a percentage on your home insurance....so it is a good value that saves right off!!!

Q: Looking for a home security system with remotes?
We are looking for a major brand home security system like ADT, Brinks, etc, but would like a remote for the system if possible. Like a car remote. Do any of the major carriers make something like this?

A: Yes, they do. They're a type of fob. Our company does not use them that much, I believe we have like one customer that has one. But you should be able to get one with one of the bigger companies like ADT or Brinks. Just call the company and ask. It looks like the thing you get with your car for the door locks/horn/truck release. :)

Q: OnStar home security system - can they listen in without you knowing?
On a GE system home security system panel, which uses OnStar, can the security system or anyone else "listen in" to your home without you knowing it? I know , I sound paranoid, but I have no experience with OnStar or anything like it and the salesman said that when the alarm is tripped the operator will be able to hear basically anyone in my house. I'm just wondering if it's possible for anyone at the security company (which I'm afraid isn't the most reputable) or some type of "hacker" could listen in to my home without the alarm indicating this or without there being any other indication.

A: we have something like that but its life-alert, we have a box with a loudspeaker on it, its also attached to our fire alarm, as soon as the system is tripped on our end the loudspeaker turns "live" and the office can hear what is going on in our house and they can talk with us, but only when its tripped on our end. they cannot turn it on whenever they want that their end.

Q: What is the best home security system? Wireless and with cameras?
Where is the best buy on a home security system?

A: the first persons idea is gud as well but if ur from aus u can buy one from Dicksmith or Power house and get a recommendation from a worker or some one about what seurity system you can buy and which is BETA.

Q: Has anyone else had trouble with the APX home security system?
We purchased a home security security system from APX in June. They have done nothing but charge different amounts than promised at different times in the month, messing up our family's finances. We are at the point of canceling the service and contacting the better business bureau! Any suggestions? At this point, I am more worried what being overdrawn will do to my credit, than what breaking contract with them will do. The bank is working with us to dispute unjust charges.

A: This should teach you not to sign a contract with a company who knocks door to door. If you signed the contract, and if the contract states that the rates might increase within the contractual time, than I am sorry, you are fresh out of luck and complaining to the BBB probably wont even get you out of this one. This company sells a lot of false promises that their system is so advanced than any other company out there and is an "upgrade". You are more than likely paying too much (minimum $40 a month for a 3-5 year contract) while even Brinks and ADT only charges about $30 a month for only a 3 year contract. Face it, the Police Department is going to come out when they get good and ready anyways regardless of your system. Just make sure you system at least works and with their wireless equipment, you have a much greater chance of it failing than any hardwired system.

Q: Can anyone recommend a No Contracts home security system?
I am looking for a no contracts apartment home security system. Theres only one entrance to our apartment as we're on level 2, so the door is the one place that needs covering; I'm looking for something that will make a LOUD noise when the door is opened after I have set the alarm to 'on'. This may take the form of a laser beam or something similar? I do have a cat - if she is likely to set it off at night, its not a problem to keep her away in the bathroom, but pls can you state whether the cat would/wouldn't set the alarm off. Thanks!!!

A: There are a few on this site: http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductList.asp?p=2_1_1_1_0_0_110 Most give you the option of connecting to a alarm company or having the system just call your cell phone. When you move you can take it with you too.

Q: is it better to lease or purchase a home security system?
Looking to put in a home security system...like Brinks or ADT. The options are to buy the system upright with no contract for monitoring or lease the system through high monitoring fees and long term contract...

A: Stay away from the nation-wide large security companies. You'll have a much better service relationship with a smaller local company. Large companies just want your monitoring dollar, they couldn't care less about your security needs or service. With a small company, you'll end up having to buy your equipment, and entering into a yearly monitoring contract. Be sure and test your system at least once a month, or as suggested by your installer.

Q: Could you recommend a home security system?
I have been looking at ADT, Alarm Force, and Magen for Toronto. I want the two way voice monitoring as well as smoke detector monitoring. Alarm Force seems to be the best choice. Does someone have a bad/good experience to share about any of these home security systems?

A: I'm not in TO but I am in Vancouver. All I can say about alarmforce is I have run into many customers of mine who have had nothing but bad experiences with them. Personally, I am not a fan of their advertising as it is filled with nothing but falicies. Under pressure, they have changed alot of it but it still is fairly suspect. Also, their alarm panel is nothing more than a portable (Read throwable) box which looks similar to a shoebox. The speaker in which the bellowing voice you hear on the radio comes from is mearly the size of one from a small transistor radio of the 70's. The entire system is contained in this box and can easily fit in a toilet. Plastic is also low grade and can easily be stepped on. I had some pictures which I wanted to post on my website, but they ended up being mis-placed... good for some entertainment (I like to call these systems "Toilet alarms"). Also, the contract is 7 years which might as well be life because the system is even more useless without monitoring and it is not a standard alarm panel which can be monitored by anyone. Two way voice is available through most companies, if you really want it. Enough of the anti Joel rant. As for the others on the list, I do not know about Magen, but ADT is one of the big boys aimed at numbers only. Free systems in quantity is the name of the game. In my opinion, you are better off going with a small company that has a good history. You will most likely get a better level of service and be happier in the end. Ask around locally, don't just go for a company because they are national. Also, don't rely on the largest yellow page ad. Sometimes the best companies are found through word of mouth advertising. All that aside, I have written a number of security related articles that can be found on my website at http://www.keepsafesystems.ca. I am not in your service area but if you want, I can ask around for some names. Some articles of mine which may be of interest are protection 101, false alarm info and there is also an article on the truth about wireless "security systems" in the archive. Good Luck

Q: Is there a home security system that uses broadband rather than VOIP?
We currently have Brink's security system and pay Comcast for a VOIP line for the security system to use. We don't use that line for anything else and I feel that it is a waste of money. Is there any types of home security system that works through broadband or wi-fi? Thanks.

A: Home security systems usually work by phone, but the phone line isn't secure (it's too easy to cut), so they use VoIP. You're right, though - they should come into the 21st century and use plain TCP on the internet line. (Maybe you can convince them to hire me to write the software and develop the hardware they need?)

Q: Can someone suggest a security system/home alarm system for a home in Oldsmar, Florida? Zip 34677?
Talked to Brinks and ADT in regards to a home alarm/security system in Oldsmar, FL. Does anyone have any advice, suggestions as to experience with these two companies or others in this area you can suggest? Thank you.

A: As far as the big guys go, I have received alot of business from them, usually people PO'd at their lack of service. In my totally biased opinion, I would suggest you look around for a local company. Sometimes you can get a better level of service from a smaller operator. Just be careful of the fly-by-night trunk slammers. The thing to keep in mind, a security system should be designed around your needs as well as the unique conditions in and around your home. The typical $99 package deals do not address all situations. Talking to a local professional will be your best bet, ultimately the choice is yours, do not let a sales monkey pressure you into a system which does not suite you and your needs. As for wireless, the technology is far from perfect, in my opinion, the flaws by far weigh out the benefits. I have written a number of articles on security related topics. These can be found on my website at http://www.keepsafesystems.ca. You might be interested in Protection 101, False Alarm Info as well as a little blurb on the flaws in wireless security systems which can be found in the Archive. Also, if you are considering smoke detectors, theft by fire might help you out. Good Luck Heinz As for X-10, I've seen bad things happen to good people, unless you like false alarms I would stay away. I used to use their line carrier stuff for Home automation, although it is nice in principle it is what it is... a cheap solution.

Q: How a home security system with motion detector works?
Please provide me wiht information about home security system and how they work ?

A: Check out http://ucontrol.com. A lot of good info about alarm systems on that site.