How to Compare ADT & Brinks Home Security Systems

An alarm system only works as well as the homeowner uses it.

Home security is packaged and sold with the understanding that it makes the homeowner safe from harm. Knowing which company truly offers the better deal is often hard for a consumer to determine. Once the sales agent gets in the home they press for an immediately decision, with offers of discounts and savings if only the homeowner signs up "right now." A homeowner who wants to compare the two best-sellers, ADT and Brinks, must be strong-willed enough to withstand the hard sales technique long enough to get the information necessary to know which is best for the home. Local dealers can run specials, which can make their service financially more attractive. The sales agent or sales manager also may be willing to wheel and deal on costs and equipment in order to close a sale.

Instructions

1. Compare the two installations fees to see which is less. The installation fee might be labeled in various ways, which may cause the sales agent to deny that it is an installation fee, but it is still money from the homeowner's pocket that must be paid upon signing the contract. Often times, a dealership may offer a special that discounts the fee to zero.

2. Test the offered equipment to see how easy and intuitive it is to use. Ask if the monitoring station offers advance features, such as voice control, outside-the-home monitoring, and continued operation even if the phone line is not working. The package should come with enough monitoring points to cover all the necessary doors without any extra charge. Some dealers charge extra for additional monitoring relays.

3. Ask if the ADT or Brinks installer is certified through the state or any national programs. Some states require a certification before the installer can work, and if the dealer does not offer a certified installer it might be better to choose another.

4. Compare the contract lengths, total costs, and penalties for breaking the ADT and Brinks contracts. Some dealers will give extra, free time on the length of the contract if the homeowner pays the full amount of the contract upfront.

5. Examine the procedures for monitoring response when the alarm sounds. Depending upon the sequence of required events at the monitoring station, it may take as long as several minutes before someone responds to an alarm. If a certain response time is guaranteed, then look for other places in the contract that may negate that guarantee if "circumstances" allow.

References

• HomeSecuirtyTopics.com: Home Security Companies Comparison, Home Security Systems, Alarms & Monitoring
• AlarmSystemReviews.com: Home Security Reviews
• Schools in the USA.com: Security Alarms Installer

Resources

• Buyer Zone: Myths About Burglar Alarm Systems