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You can check these resources: [url=http://www.home-security-stores.net]Home Security Systems[/url] [url=http://www.home-security-stores.com]Home Security Decisions Made Simple[/url]
APX has been the leader in the industry for the last few years. This is the reason. JD Power and associates award-winning customer service and monitoring. Nobody compares right now. I would choose APX.
One of the most important things about home security is will they come out within a day or so if there is a break down or malfunction. A lot of the companies mentioned do not have local techs and you may be days or even weeks without a working system. Check with your local BBB. A lot of companies, even national ones have different reputations in different markets.
As for wireless vs. hard wired, a hard wired system requires more experience to install and has a lower cost per device. They also have hundreds of fewer components at each location in the transmitters ( the more components there are the more to go wrong or fail ) as well as a costly part that will either fail or require replacement every couple of years (Batteries). Honeywell the most commonly used wireless use a CR123 battery (and at least 1 in each devise ) costing $6-8 each at your local store. When these batteries fail it can cause a false alarm.
The up side of wireless is fewer wires.(They still need to wire to AC power, the siren, ground the system, and to the phone) They are easier to move, or repair, but are pricier.
I also like to speed my money with LOCAL companies, or franchises, they answer to a corporation, ( who can negotiate on your behalf to solve problems ) and it keeps my money invested in my area, which is good for the local economy.
APX Alarm is what I have as of 3 months ago. They gave me a touch screen panel that works really well and is easy to use. I have never heard of APX until one of there sales reps knocked on my door one day. It made sense what he explained to me and I agreed to let them monitor my new system and do away with the company I was with before. I accidently triggered the alarm one day and the response time was actually much faster than my old system. So far I really like APX Alarm.
I looked into this and found that if you go to a system that just monitors your alarm system, you won't have anyone to service your system if something goes wrong. Companies won't service a system they don't monitor, and companies that are just for monitoring don't offer service. I am with American Alarms in Raleigh, NC, and their price per month is $24.95. The company is local, so you don't get someone in outer Mongolia or something, and they know exactly what you have and who you are. You get email or text messages whenever a code is entered or an alarm sounds. Sometimes, you get what you pay for.
I looked into this and found that if you go to a system that just monitors your alarm system, you won't have anyone to service your system if something goes wrong. Companies won't service a system they don't monitor, and companies that are just for monitoring don't offer service. I am with American Alarms in Raleigh, NC, and their price per month is $24.95. The company is local, so you don't get someone in outer Mongolia or something, and they know exactly what you have and who you are. You get email or text messages whenever a code is entered or an alarm sounds. Sometimes, you get what you pay for.
I wonder if ol' Sidney got an email saying not to pimp the security company you work for!?
I'm shopping around and would like some suggesstions, good, bad and ugly.
I have no interest in ADT - if anyone sells these systems outside of ADT please send me a PM and maybe we could talk about a possible sale.
Thanks,
XNYgirl
I always have to laugh at the commercials for these systems. A guy tries to kick in the door and the woman and child run to pick up a ringing phone immediately? Please. When you are scared out of your wits, you may not even hear the phone.
When you are home, a .380 or a sub nose .38 does the job fine. Not comfortable with firearms, a German Shepard does a fine job of frightening off intruders. Last resort, also have the security people rig up an old school bell to go off loud and clear if someone breaches the security of your home.
I haven't done it but I always thought that installing loud sirens and maybe even some strobe lighting going off INSIDE a house would be enough to scare off an intruder.
They are gonna be nervous and wary while breaking in and then to have 150db of sirens and loads of flashing lights going off will probably make them **** themselves as they run for cover.
It'll wake up the neighbours and bring the police running too.
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