Home Security Systems

[airborneranger]

With the thread going on about a home burglary and my upcoming trip overseas, I am in need of a home security system. I don't know jack about these things. I went on USAA and they have a deal with ADT but it still costs over 300 for installation and then the monitoring fee. I found some places with free installation but I don't know how legit it is.

What are your suggestions? I live in the Springs.

Thanks.

[275RLTW]

Comcast now has a security system with wireless cameras that you can access online. I've been looking into it for my home. I'm sure it's expensive, however being able to check on it anywhere is a big comfort.

http://www.comcast.com/homesecurity/index.htm

[Sharpienads]

I can't really help you, but some guy tried to sell us a home security system. I told him no thanks, we already adopted a rescue panther. He just looked at me with a blank stare for about 10 seconds until I told him I was joking.



Dangit, my video isn't working, here's a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O1SX4x7uUE

[Monky]

The installation fee from ADT is dumb. They contract out to installers (you've probably gotten the crap in the mail). The big thing is the 'up sale'. The 'basic' free package is shit. 2 door sensors... one Motion detector... or a glass break or whatever.. then you pay out the ass. for each new area..

Honestly, I got ADT and as SOON as my contract is up they're out. W/in a month one of the sensors went out and i fought with their CS for months to get it repaired.

I've been looking at the comcast one, but comcast gives me chills. Their CS isn't any better.

I know there are better ones out there.. I was just in a hurry to get one.

[airborneranger]

The installation fee from ADT is dumb. They contract out to installers (you've probably gotten the crap in the mail). The big thing is the 'up sale'. The 'basic' free package is shit. 2 door sensors... one Motion detector... or a glass break or whatever.. then you pay out the ass. for each new area..

Honestly, I got ADT and as SOON as my contract is up they're out. W/in a month one of the sensors went out and i fought with their CS for months to get it repaired.

I've been looking at the comcast one, but comcast gives me chills. Their CS isn't any better.

I know there are better ones out there.. I was just in a hurry to get one.

That is how I feel about it as well.

[BushMasterBoy]

http://keyalarms.com/


I have used them since 2007. Great install, was $140. $26.25 a month monitoring fee. Only problem I ever had was a backup battery started dying after 4 years. I called and they came out and replaced battery the next day! The have an office in Pueblo West. Offices in Pueblo and La Junta too.

Sometimes I am late for 3 months on payments, and they never complain. No late fees, no annoying phone calls and no price increases. I'd give details of my security, but I think it is just bad OPSEC.

[ruthabagah]

ADT install can be pricey as is Comcast. But no matter what system you want/need let me just point out that If you are not at home an alarm system will do nothing to you if it is not monitored by a central station....

A bad guy can/will enter your house by breaking a door/window, grab whatever you have that is of immediate resell value for him, then be gone in less than 3 minutes with your alarm screaming!

Monitoring and having good locks / protected windows will make a huge difference. Just having flower pots on the window sill will act as a deterrent! It is more important to prevent entry than detect once they are inside.

DISCLAIMER: I used to work for ADT

[esaabye]

We use peak av at http://peakavelectric

They have been good by us for 5 years now. Local owner, reasonable monthly rates and the install was done well.

[Great-Kazoo]

ADT install can be pricey as is Comcast. But no matter what system you want/need let me just point out that If you are not at home an alarm system will do nothing to you if it is not monitored by a central station....

A bad guy can/will enter your house by breaking a door/window, grab whatever you have that is of immediate resell value for him, then be gone in less than 3 minutes with your alarm screaming!

Monitoring and having good locks / protected windows will make a huge difference. Just having flower pots on the window sill will act as a deterrent! It is more important to prevent entry than detect once they are inside.

DISCLAIMER: I used to work for ADT

This. Plus having all your ducks lined up so mail, newspapers, weekly flyers, and other misc crap doesn't scream NOT AT HOME. Do you have timers on your lights, someone who will be stopping by the house at different times, in case someone is scoping out the neighborhood etc?

[airborneranger]

This. Plus having all your ducks lined up so mail, newspapers, weekly flyers, and other misc crap doesn't scream NOT AT HOME. Do you have timers on your lights, someone who will be stopping by the house at different times, in case someone is scoping out the neighborhood etc?

I have all of that established as well. I am not a believer in security systems but the wife wants it for when I am gone.