Home alarm system/company (Baltimore, Columbia: sales, how much, home security)

[herenia]

Sorry to bother you all again but i've read through some of the old posts here and i know some of you here have home alarms.
Which company do you use?
How much is it per month?
Which other good companies do you know?

I need recommendations on a good home security system/ company and would appreciate all input. In terms of economics, i'm looking at this in terms of cost and effectiveness.
Thanks.

[rudy_d]

It should run about $30 a month for a basic system (sensors on doors and a motion detector). It would probably be higher if you wanted to install glass break sensors on the windows or opted for a wireless transmitter that couldn't be cut off by cutting the phone line.

I use Slomin's because they offered free installation in exchange for signing up for a monitoring contract, but I think a lot of companies do the same. ADT seems popular.

I can't say much about the effectiveness other than the police responded quickly the one time it went off, which was my own fault!

[ceejay2005]

Well, if you're really into it, why not just look into some directories and also look for the prices for each service that they offer. home alarm systems.

[Michael21214]

I use Maryland Security. They are basically a mom and pop operation and don't have their own web site, but some info is available here. The few times I have had to call for service, they have been very responsive.

All first floor windows and entry doors are monitored, and the alarm monitoring service calls the police or fire department if needed. I pay $20 per month - previous owners had the system installed and I just continued with it. It's not the latest and greatest system, but it does what I need it to do.

Just a FYI - I think you can generally choose your own monitoring service (after any contractual obligations are met) so you don't necessarily have to purchase monitoring from the company that sells and installs a system. It might save you some money if you install the system yourself (or hire an independent installer) and then shop around for an alarm monitoring service.

[Woodlands]

I use ADT now and thinking about switching to Guardian... ADT was in the home from the previous owner put in a system in 1995. I called ADT to get an upgrad and they wanted to charge me like $600 to upgrade to a wireless box... Guardian will be about $300 to $400 which includes my penalty to ADT for breaking my contract. Both companies offer a similiar monthly plan.

While we are on this topic.. I am hearing more and more that wireless is they way to go..not the pad and "dialer" combo kits that groups like ICON sell but the key pad with the wireless box "dialer" which is usually concealed someplace else like a closet or basement. I am not an expert on these systems but have been told if your phone line is cut your done unless you have a wireless system. I was advised against the ICON all in one system because they can be yanked off the wall and smashed with a baseball bat and no signal or siren would sound. Also I would advise an exterior siren (Sorry neighbors gotta do it).. Seems like most people break in and spend less than a few minutes in your home and then they are gone... If no one can here the siren.. then they may not stir to even look out the window and possibly get a glimps of the perps.. The flip side is if it goes off all the time.. they just complain and not even look... so keep those pets locked up when you are way so they wont set of the motion detectors

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by Woodlands

I use ADT now and thinking about switching to Guardian... ADT was in the home from the previous owner put in a system in 1995. I called ADT to get an upgrad and they wanted to charge me like $600 to upgrade to a wireless box... Guardian will be about $300 to $400 which includes my penalty to ADT for breaking my contract. Both companies offer a similiar monthly plan.

While we are on this topic.. I am hearing more and more that wireless is they way to go..not the pad and "dialer" combo kits that groups like ICON sell but the key pad with the wireless box "dialer" which is usually concealed someplace else like a closet or basement. I am not an expert on these systems but have been told if your phone line is cut your done unless you have a wireless system. I was advised against the ICON all in one system because they can be yanked off the wall and smashed with a baseball bat and no signal or siren would sound.

That is odd because ADT came out and switched mine to a wireless for free. I didn't even ask them.

[Woodlands]

That is strange ....Is your sales rep based out of Columbia,MD? I live in North Baltimore and that who they said covers my area... Are these folks independent contractors which allows them the flexibility to arbitrarily set their own rates?????

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by Woodlands

That is strange ....Is your sales rep based out of Columbia,MD? I live in North Baltimore and that who they said covers my area... Are these folks independent contractors which allows them the flexibility to arbitrarily set their own rates?????

I'm not sure. The alarm system came with the home. When I bought the home, I wanted to add a basement window alarm. They came out and did it. Then they called about a month later and said they wanted me to change to the wireless-no charge. The guy that came out and did the work lived in Frederick. Knock on wood, I haven't had to call them for anything since.

[KennyP]

I use Protection One, and have been very happy both w/ the security consultant they sent over, and the products installed.

[Woodlands]

Before I switched to Guardian... I was talking with the ADT sales rep and he stated that security systems very rarely deter criminals from breaking in...He said that they are mainly there to minimize the amount of time that they are in your home..thus reducing the haul and to alert you that someone is in your home especially if you are there.....

He did say you should absolutely have a wireless back up.. just in case your line is cut. Thank goodness home invasions havent increased all over Baltimore...security systems are your first line of defense... we all should all have a second line of defense in one form or another