Useful Tips While Choosing a Home Security Monitoring Company
If you have decided that you need to install a security system in your home to ensure the protection of your family and your assets, it is now time to choose a home security monitoring company to provide the key component of your new system. Installing a security system is one thing, but making sure it is used effectively is another. As a homeowner, you know it is impossible to keep track of every little thing that goes on around and in your home, especially if you travel a lot. For this reason, you need to hire the right home security monitoring company to watch over your property when you can’t.
Begin your search for the right company for you by seeking the opinions of your friends and family members. They will be honest with you about what they like and don’t like about the companies they use. They will also be able to tell you how much they are paying for monitoring services, so you can begin to get an idea of how much you will need to spend for adequate monitoring. Some other questions you should ask your friends and family members is whether or not the company offers 24-hour monitoring and whether or not they charge for false alarms.
You might also want to contact your town’s police department for security company recommendations. They will let you know who they prefer to work with, which will go a long way if your alarm ever goes off and you need their help. You can also track down information about security monitoring companies from the Better Business Bureau and other watchdog organizations.
After you narrow down your choices to two or three security companies that can give you the monitoring services you need and are in your price range, give each company a call to make an appointment for one of their employees to come out and give you a quote based on your home’s needs. Typically, they will inspect your property and make suggestions about what kind of security features you need the most. These inspections should be free. If a company is charging for it, you should probably move onto the next one on your list.
There are several questions you should ask of the representative who comes out to inspect your house. Find out if the company has a backup monitoring center in the event that a power outage occurs. You will also want the system you purchase to include a back-up battery so that your service remains uninterrupted in the event of a power failure in your neighborhood.
Check out the security companies’ references and call a few of their current and past customers. Question them about their experiences with the company in terms of service and satisfaction. You should ask any and all questions you have to make sure you can make an informed decision as to which security monitoring company is right for you.
John is a shrewd consumer who writes about personal finance, home technology and home security topics like: wireless security Chicago and home security systems St. Louis.
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