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March 11, 2008
security systems...
yea or nay?
we're looking for a system that reports to our local precinct and/or fire dept. the security guy that's working with our contractor is recommending a brand (DSC) i've never heard of -- not slomins, adt or any monthly pay systems. his install cost (hardware incl) is $2150.
i'm pretty sure we want a security system but don't know if this is the right one for us. plus (and i know this is a bit silly) i think the DSC keypad is dated and ugly.
you guys have any suggestions/thoughts? thanks in advance
Comments
I think you are confusing the monitoring services (& corresponding brands) with the hardware (/brands). As I understand it you always need a monitoring service / central station to receive your alarm call and then direct it to one of the emergency services depending on the type of call. Hardware is the actual physical electronics installed in your house.
SLomins etc are monitoring services that also install hardware. DSC is a brand of hardware. Check out www.homesecuritystore.com for info on hardware - they also have an interesting forum.
Posted by: going4broke at March 12, 2008 6:52 AM
PS I expect the setup your contractor is recommending would also require you to pay a monthly fee for monitoring. This is standard for this service but you want to know:
1 how much (can range from $8-$40+/mth), 2 who is monitoring, 3 do they have a good reputation (ask google etc), 4 do you have a fixed term contract or can you change providers any time at no cost...
Posted by: going4broke at March 12, 2008 6:56 AM
thanks, going4broke. i had assumed, since no monthly fee was quoted to me, there wasn't any. i'll talk to the installer today about it.
Posted by: 5onsackett at March 12, 2008 8:36 AM
5onsackett,
I agree, the DSC equipment is not at all aesthetically pleasing - worse, it's not user friendly. Security contractors partner with manufacturers typically and are only allowed to sell 1 maybe 2 brands. If you're comfortable with your vendor ask him if he can use a Honeywell system. It's user friendly and the new keypads are a little nicer looking, they even have an affordable touch screen keypad. You will need central station monitoring if you want a response from police and fire. There is always a monthly fee associated with this service, usually paid quarterly. It is against the law in the state of New York to have an alarm system contact the police department directly with very few exceptions.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at March 12, 2008 1:00 PM
You won't get the discount on your homeowners insurance if your alarm and fire and police response aren't connected to a central station monitor.
Posted by: guest at March 12, 2008 1:03 PM
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