Security System - ADT vs Guardian (Pittsburgh, Warren: sales, house, buying)

[PittBrowser07]

Any thought on the 2 companies (ADT and Guardian) for security systems? We're in Wexford (if that makes a difference).

Thanks

[NYCTelevisionWriter]

I use ADT.

*Knock on wood* I haven't had any problems.

I've always seen ADT as the gold standard of security systems, but frankly I could be wrong. As long as the house is secure, as far as I'm concerned, it "works".

[Copanut]

I had Guardian for about 10 years, they kept asking me to update my system and when I declined had two false fire alarms sent out. Got home just in time to stop the firemen from breaking in the front door. Don't know if it was a coincidence or not, but after the 2nd time in 2 weeks I cancelled service. So far just having the sign in the yard is working well!

[PittBrowser07]

Anyone else? Guardian is local company and I would like to hear more about them but want to make sure they are not heavy-handed as mentioned above.

Thanks

[youngabe]

I have Guardian. I'm approaching year 3 of having them. So far, I have no complaints at all with the system or the interactive features. The few times I've had a question or wanted to tinker with something in the system and I call--I get great service on the phone too. I like the fact that they're headquartered in Warrendale. When I say, "Crafton Heights," they know where I am versus asking me what state that's in.

The interactive, alarm.com features seem to work well. I can control my thermostat and equipped door locks from my iPhone and computer from anywhere. You can also add the ability to control equipped lights and cameras.

All in all, I really would recommend Guardian to others.

I do NOT recommend the Comcast/Xfinity security system however. When I first bought my home, I had all Comcast services for barely two weeks. They simply couldn't get any of their services working in my home, so that was a deal breaker. But, there is some weird contractual loop hole with the security system. The contract becomes active after a certain amount of business days, effectively voiding Comcast's own "Money Back Guarantee." Then you're looking at early termination fees, etc. The contract also requires you to have Comcast Internet as well...so it's a very "sneaky" set up, in my opinion. Things may have changed in 3 years, but I will never have another overpriced Comcast or Xfinity service in my home again...even if they could get it working!

[8YearsinPittsburgh]

Our home was broken in to on the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend last year. We considered offers from both Guardian and ADT. The Guardian sales rep made me feel like we had another criminal in the house. He tried to get us agree to a 600 dollar installation, and in desperation, kept lowering the cost until he got to 99 dollars. The fact that he was attempting to get over 600 out of us when in the end offered the same service for 99 made my decision easy.

[szug-bot]

Originally Posted by 8YearsinPittsburgh

Our home was broken in to on the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend last year. We considered offers from both Guardian and ADT. The Guardian sales rep made me feel like we had another criminal in the house. He tried to get us agree to a 600 dollar installation, and in desperation, kept lowering the cost until he got to 99 dollars. The fact that he was attempting to get over 600 out of us when in the end offered the same service for 99 made my decision easy.

Thanks for the anecdote. I may be close to actually buying, and I will know Guardian's rep, based on a few comments here, at least.

[gortonator]

we have guardian and all has been excellent. And we've not been robbed either ...

[NYCTelevisionWriter]

Weighing in again. After reading some of these Guardian horror stories, I can say the ADT people were completely upfront with me, absolutely no pressure, and they even talked me out of expensive options I didn't really need.

[Geeo]

I've had Guardian for about 25 years and never had a problem. I've only called customer service a few times and had good service. It's nice that they are local and the people I've talked to on the phone have always been helpful.