Home security systems. Opinions?
Friday, July 23rd, 2010 at
10:04 pm
I’m interested in installing a home security system, but am unsure about which kind to get. I keep coming across a company called Protect America that has good prices but I see bad reviews on the Better Business Bureau website. Any opinions about this company compared to ADT, Brinks, or Life Shield? Opinions please. My girlfriend is 7 months pregnant with our first child. I’m interested in installing one soon. Thanks.
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Filed under: Home Security Reviews
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Protect America does get bad reviews, however they are a large company and anytime you have a large company, there will be a lot of customers and so you will see some bad reviews. ADT has a lot of complaints at the BBB as well. Here is a breakdown of Protect America’s Copper package which is one of their more common packages:
http://www.teepeetech.com/wireless-security-systems/protect-america-copper-package-review-22.html
As a comparison, I’ll discuss ADT below because that is what I have.
The basic cost of a security system will be the install fee which starts around $99 (for ADT) and the monthly fee (starting around $30). Monthly fees vary from company to company. Protect America has a cheaper install fee for some options.
Cost comparisons: http://www.teepeetech.com/home-security-systems/home-security-systems-cost-comparison-11.html
ADT monthly costs: http://www.teepeetech.com/home-security-systems/how-much-does-adt-cost-month-31.html
2. Security companies require you to sign a contract. They usually check your credit. The contract is typically for 3 years. This is much like a cell phone contract which allows them to get back some of their money and make some money too.
3. You do have some options of purchasing your own security system from some place like SmartHome and choosing an independent company to monitor it. This is a lower monthly fee. Places like Monitronics charge around $12 / month – http://www.teepeetech.com/home-security-systems/monitronics-alarm-system-review-27.html which compared to ADT’s $30+ per month will save you some.
ADT is buying Broadview, so rule out Broadview. I think their costs are higher anyway than ADT’s and Protect America’s. I would be leery of installing a security system myself if it was the first one I had. You don’t want your girlfriend to have any problems with the system while you are not there. Basically the companies are all very similar. I would go with the lower cost one. They will make you sign a contract like all the other ones. Don’t be forced into a really long contract though. As I have heard of 5+ year contracts.
Congratulations on your first child and best of luck!
Check out the page listed here, and other pages linked to it. That should give you all the information you need to decide. In my experience, ADT is excellent.
Wonderful news about the new arrival, and now is a great time to get an alarm system. This is also a really good time to think about what you want the system to do, as in, do you really want it work? Most of the alarm companies (in fact almost all) are still selling "old news" systems that look inexpensive, until you dig a little. In the first place, over 90% of the systems out there are based on a land line (which many people do not have!) or an internet connection to notify the central station, which is the most important reason to have a system.Intruders cut phone and internet lines all the time – then what happens? It is all about peace of mind. Secondarily, today’s systems are capable of much more than most companies offer. You can do better, especially when it comes to Interactive services: remote arm/disarm, special apps for hand-held devices, text and email notifications, and even video and smart home features. In other words, the game has changed, and the traditional "big boys" are way behind. This is one reason why ADT purchased Brink’s/Broadview. When researching, I strongly recommend that you look at all the reviews you can find, and Google is a good place to start. One of companies mentioned has over 1,000 complaints on BBB, so shop hard. Some companies do offer DIY systems that you can add to and even move with you – ADT has not even thought of that! Look for safer, smarter, simpler, and more affordable – you will be happy you did! Oh, and by the way – make sure you get fire monitoring at no additional monthly cost. You have a family now…