Reviewing Home
Security Companies
Television commercials, print
ads and the Internet are full of advertisements for
home security companies. Some provide complete home
security systems while some just provide alarms.
When choosing a home security method, price is not
always the first consideration. Here’s a look at
some of the best home security companies and what they offer.
ADT
The largest alarm company in
the country, ADT provides installation and
monitoring of alarm systems from homes and
businesses. ADT has five monitoring stations in the
United States that receive signals when an alarm is
triggered.
ADT’s prices are comparable to
the competition. For around $350 homeowners can
monitor for burglars with an installation package
that includes window sensors, a motion detection and
yard signs. After the installation, homeowners pay a
monthly monitoring fee. For additional monitoring,
homeowners can purchase a Premiere Services Package
which includes fire safety monitoring. This package
averages around $800. ADT often runs specials online
so the prices can fluctuate.
ADT is not just known for its
alarms. For senior citizens, ADT offers Home Health
Security which provides 24 hour a day monitoring.
Businesses and government agencies like the video
surveillance that gives business owners access
wherever they are.
Brinks
While ADT focuses on homes and
business, Brinks Security focuses on homes. Since
1983, the company has provided installation, service
and monitoring. Brinks is recognized for "An
Outstanding Customer Service Experience" by J.D.
Power and Associates, a leading consumer
organization. Some of the features that attract
customers to Brinks include:
·
The easy-to-use keypad with simple
instructions.
·
Emergency repairs can be made in 24
hours.
·
If you move, you can transfer your
alarm system.
·
Brinks systems can also monitor carbon
monoxide levels.
·
The one-touch instant arming feature.
Installation costs begin at
around $99. Extra features include strobe lights,
exterior sirens, wireless remotes and heat sensors.
First Alert
While First Alert does not
provide home security systems, it is known as one of
the leaders in safety products. The company was the
first to put out a residential smoke alarm,
introducing it in 1967. The company also offers
carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguisher and remote
alarms.
One of First Alert’s newest products, “OneLink
Alarms” is an alarm system that speaks. The company
has also partnered with LifeLock to provide identity
theft protection.
GE Home Security
Like ADT and Brinks, GE
provides a variety of installed security services
for homes and businesses including:
· Residential security not only for
single family home but for apartment complexes.
· Fire protection.
· Carbon monoxide monitoring.
· Video surveillance.
The company has two very
popular products. GE Interlogix is designed to allow
homeowners and business owners to tell the
monitoring agency that an alarm is false without
having to pick up the phone. The system is voice
activated, saving the alarm owner the embarrassment
of having the police or fire department come out for
a false alarm. GE also offers a do-it-yourself alarm
kit that allows you to save on installation fees.
Honeywell
Honeywell security services are
only offered to homeowners through a dealer.
Guardian Alarm Systems offer Honeywell alarms
through its company. The company offers complete
home security packages that include intrusion alarms
and video surveillance. In August 2009, the company
began offering an I-Phone application that allows
homeowners to monitor their homes from their cell
phone.
Guardian
This company has earned a reputation for its great
service. As mentioned above, this company installs
Honeywell systems. The features include:
·
Motion detectors that won’t go off
every time your pet walks through it.
· Window and door sensors.
· Monitoring.
· Panic buttons.
· A keychain remote
· Yard signs and window decals.
The
company is based in Texas but offers services
nationwide.
Protection One
This home security company advertises a
custom alarm package that includes an evaluation to
determine what kind of alarm you will need. The
company claims to provide services to more than one
million homes and businesses. While all of the
company’s systems rely on a working telephone line,
the company has a feature that allows alarm owners
to use their cell phones to respond to alarms. The
company promotes wireless bundles for as little as
$36.95.
Choosing the best home security
company for you
When deciding on a home
security system, look at all of the advantages the
company has to offer. You may choose to install a
burglar alarm with a company like ADT or Brinks but
use First Alert smoke alarms to help protect you
from fire. If you have pets, you don’t want the
alarm going off every time they get in front of the
motion sensor. And check to see what type of
monitoring system the company has. Will you be able
to respond to emergencies from your cell phone?
Remember that many of these
companies are franchised to local dealers. If you
have a question about their service record, contact
your local Better Business Bureau.
