How to Compare Alarm Systems

Home alarm systems secure houses.

Choosing the right alarm systems for a new home or apartment takes time and research. Alarm systems save lives, and because of their importance consumers should compare alarm systems before making a final decision. Finding an alarm system is about more than making an affordable choice, it is about locating a reputable company that offers a system with a consistent performance history.

Instructions

1. Find out which alarm systems your friends, family, and coworkers are using. Making a list of systems that people you know use helps reduce the number of systems you need to compare. Focusing on comparing four or five systems makes the process less confusing. If friends and family all use the same alarm company, ask your homeowner's or renter's insurance agent to recommend a few alarm companies.

2. Call each alarm company on your list to find out about its licensing and training. Ask if the company is locally licensed and bonded. Also, find out how the company trains its employees, and if new employees complete background checks. Be sure to find out what emergencies the alarm systems respond to. Some systems only respond to fires and break-ins, while others also give carbon monoxide warnings.

3. Contact your state government and make sure the companies you contacted have current licenses. Check with your state's attorney general and consumer agencies for any consumer complaints. Visit the Better Business Bureau and Electronic Security Association websites and search the company's consumer interaction histories. Be on the lookout for any unresolved complaints or issues.

4. Make inspection appointments with two or three companies. During the appointment, ask questions about the company's wired and wireless system options. If no wireless option is available, find out how many cables the technician will run during a wired instillation and how the system will respond to a power outage. At the end of the appointment, have the technician give you any quote or information about contract terms in writing. Also ask the technician to note any special package features or time-sensitive promotions.

5. Call each company and verify the information the technician gave you during your inspection. Focus on contract lengths and fees charged for cancellation, moving or other services changes. Do not let a sales representative pressure you into setting up an appointment if you are not ready. Talk to each company before making a final decision, and do not be afraid to mention the promotions or offers of one company to its competitor. Some alarm system companies will price match if necessary.

6. Create a checklist that includes pricing, wireless versus wired installation, contract options, control panel features and extras such as remote access or video camera options. Go through the quotes and brochures gathered from each company and check off all applicable features. Use the checklist to do a side-by-side comparison of the companies and choose which company best serves your needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Read your final contract carefully, and do not sign it if the terms differ from what you were told by company representatives.

References

• Electronic Security Association

Resources

• Better Business Bureau
• NAAG- Current Attorneys General
• Consumer Agencies and Organizations