Your Guide to Choosing a Home Security System
14 OCTOBER 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY CLAUDIA M. GREENHUT
Most of us are spending more time home these days and perhaps
focusing a little more on the things that make us feel comfortable
there. Some of our friends are investing in pools or home
gyms, since they aren’t going on their annual family vacations or visiting
biting the bullet on that new TV or fence. For my family, it was a home
security system. Isn’t adulthood exciting?
When we moved to the suburbs last year, the thought of being
Shortly after we moved, there was a string of car thefts which started
to make headlines in Monmouth County. In May, video surfaced of
thieves in broad daylight stealing a Range Rover from a garage in Middletown.
Then, in July, more reports surfaced of stolen cars in Holmdel.
Home security suddenly became a priority for me. Looking back, perhaps
it was the one thing that could provide safety and control during a time
of such uncertainty.
The previous owners of our home had an ADT system, so I thought
that would be the easiest choice for us in terms of choosing a provider. I
researched ADT and up came a phone number. I called and arranged for
a technician to connect the previous homeowner’s system. We discussed
the price for a plan, which would be around $50 a month, since the system
was already was installed. All we had to do was hook up the existing
system – easy. This price seemed reasonable and in line with what friends
of mine were paying, so I went for it.
The technician arrived at my home. Upon arrival, I was told all of my
$150 to $200 per smoke alarm, none of which was mentioned during
my initial call with the agent. Suddenly, this brought the original price
up $1,200. While not all authorized dealers conduct business this way,
-
tract with any provider. If you sign on with some authorized dealers and
become unhappy, it’s almost impossible to get out of some of those con-
ask if service visits are included in your plan. Many retailers charge
extra for this service.
Here are a few other things you may want to consider when
choosing a home security system:
Buy Your Own Smoke Alarms
If you are considering a new security system and your current
smoke alarms are expired, you may want to buy your own smoke
technician to come to your house. This can save you hundreds of dollars,
since a security company will generally charge you $150 to $200
for each smoke alarm replacement. If you purchase them on your own,
you can buy a six pack for as low as $60.
Utilize Those Apps
Many security systems have a user-friendly app that enables mobility.
I have the ADT pulse app and can arm and disarm my house with
ease from my phone in seconds, and from anywhere in the world. This
sort of mobility is something I found extremely valuable when choosing
a provider.
Inquire About a Personal Concierge
Ask providers if they offer a personal concierge system. This is a
great advantage! I have the cell phone number of a personal ADT employee
who will visit my home for free whenever I have an issue within
the time frame of my contract. That kind of personal customer service
Know Who You Are Calling
Be careful who you call. If you intend to reach ADT, don’t just look
up ADT. Many times, an ad for another security company will come up
and can easily be confused with ADT. If you want to
reach ADT, visit adt.com and call the customer ser-
If you would like to consider alternatives to ADT
and support small businesses, ask friends for referrals
and do your research. Going to local security
companies in your area could be an advantage because
they are generally based nearby and can get to
your home quickly if you experience any issues.
Be wary of any company that asks for your social
security number. Even if it is for a legitimate reason,
this credit check could affect your credit and could
compromise your personal information.
Take Your Time
Wait for a special. The longer I dragged my feet,
the better deal I got. I saved hundreds by waiting a
few weeks after my initial inquiry. There’s always a
sale down the pike.
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