10 Points for Choosing a Home Security Company

1. Real people on the Line

If you need help with your security or just have a routine question about your account your security company’s employees should be easily reachable by phone. Ideally, the company will be a locally owned business that is focused only on security.

2. Local UL-Listed, TMA Five-Diamond monitoring center

Monitoring is the essential function in an emergency. Seconds make the difference. Your home should be monitored 24-7 by a local Five-Diamond and UL Certified Central Station (the top credentials in the industry). It should be owned by your security company, not some distant third-party. It should be staffed with experienced people who live in New England, know your community, and can document rapid response to priority alarm signals: 20 seconds or less is best-in-class.

3. Instant alarm signals

If someone breaks into your home, your security system should send the alarm immediately to the monitoring center. It is hard to believe, but true, that some security companies purposely build in signal delays because their systems are prone to false alarms. Never accept alarm signal delays.

4. Wellness Inspection

Peace of mind is knowing that your security system will work when you need it most. Smoke detectors need periodic cleaning. Back-up batteries need to be checked. Your company should provide a wellness visit to inspect the system and identify any problems before they lead to trouble.

5. Technology experts

A leading security company has in-house technology experts. They evaluate new products and only deploy the right mix of devices and applications that are proven to be effective and secure. They can use both hardwired and wireless components, with back-up communication channels to customize systems for your home and lifestyle.

6. Licensed technicians with security clearance

Your security provider should only employ licensed technicians with security clearance to install or service your system. They should understand the building codes and regulations in your community and obtain all required permits. A best-in-class company will have a strong apprenticeship program to train the next generation of security professionals who will care for customers.

7. Service in 24 hours or less

To protect your home and family, your system must be working at all times. If something goes wrong, and you need priority service, your security company should pledge to have a technician at your home within 24 hours of your call, or less.

8. Credibility with insurance companies

With the increasing value of homes in New England, insurance companies often demand specific elements of a monitored home fire and security system to provide or maintain coverage. Your security company should have extensive experience designing and installing systems (or system upgrades) that meet insurance company requirements.

9. No Outsourcing

A best-in-class company should take pride in personally handling every aspect of your security system and customer relationship. Too many so-called security companies outsource installation, monitoring or customer service operations which can lead to substandard services and finger pointing if issues arise.

10. Lifetime Warranty

A company should stand behind every home security system they install. If there is a technical defect, they should fix it for free as part of your monitoring service.

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