| With the increase in crime over the years, home | | | | Burglar and Fire Alarm Association. Interview only |
| alarm companies have been cropping up all over the | | | | those companies which are bonded and insured and |
| country, offering both wired and wireless home alarm | | | | make sure the company can show proof of |
| systems to protect your home. But how do you | | | | compliance for city requirements. |
| know you are choosing the best home alarm | | | | 4. Quality of home alarm system |
| company to meet your needs? Here are 5 things to | | | | Some smaller companies will charge little for a home |
| look for when deciding between security companies: | | | | alarm system, but the quality can be sub-par. |
| 1. Longevity | | | | Whether the system you choose is wired or |
| A company who has been in business for many | | | | wireless, you want a security system that has reliable |
| years generally means that they are stable and have | | | | features that will meet your needs. Besides the |
| a solid customer base. This does not mean that | | | | control panel, your home alarm system should include |
| newer companies are not reputable; however, if you | | | | at the very minimum: Door sensors for your exterior |
| choose a newer company, there is a greater chance | | | | doors, window sensors to cover windows at the |
| that they will be gone the next day. Look for | | | | back of your home and motions sensors to cover |
| security companies that have staying power and | | | | large common areas. Most home alarm systems can |
| indications of reputation and performance. | | | | also provide fire, flood and carbon monoxide |
| 2. Monitoring Center | | | | protection as well as glass break sensors. Do |
| When interviewing companies, you should ask if they | | | | research online and ask friends and family for |
| have a monitoring center that is open 24 hours per | | | | recommendations so you can find the best home |
| day and seven days per week. You will also want to | | | | alarm system for your budget. |
| see if they have a backup monitoring center just in | | | | 5. The Contract |
| case the main center experiences a power outage. | | | | It's vitally important when researching companies that |
| Some companies will use third-party or non-local | | | | you find out what they say in their security |
| monitoring centers, so know where the company's | | | | agreement. Most home alarm companies will require |
| monitoring center is located and what their average | | | | you to sign a 2-3 year contract so they can offer |
| response time is. | | | | their services at a reduced cost. Some will require |
| 3. Certifications and credentials | | | | you to renew the contract or pay if you to decide |
| When choosing a company, always make sure they | | | | to move. Always read the fine print and be sure to |
| have a business license, ask if they are UL | | | | get a written quote on the system and monitoring. |
| (Underwriters Laboratory) listed and double check | | | | What appears to be a great deal, may be too |
| with the Better Business Bureau to verify if any | | | | expensive for you in the long run if you don't |
| complaints have been filed against them. Reputable | | | | understand the contract details. |
| companies will also be a member of the National | | | | |