Dream Spa

I need a home alarm system

kooley

meh
Oct 7, 2002
1,230
0
36
toronto
Can anyone reccomend a comapany who will install a good alarm. i have priced out all the big guys and don't mind paying but the longterm monitoring kills me, especially since even after my 3 year contract expires they can take the system back. My plan was to go with the monitoring center for 9.99 vs the 29.99 the big gys want.
 

kooley

meh
Oct 7, 2002
1,230
0
36
toronto
Sheik said:

I am quite friendly with several of the managers at Chubb and they have helped me with improvements to the original alarm.
not to mention circumventing othere peoples alarms :D
 

Meridian

Member
Sep 9, 2003
203
0
16
Where am I?
I use ADT at home for a long time. I never had any problem with them. About 2 month ago, I've talked to AlarmForce since they are a lot cheaper as far as money goes. However, I decide to not to go with them because of their vunerability (architecture level) in security system.
 

LeatherDoll

More Than U Want Me to Be
Lets Start with Why:

I have an alarm system because I was violently assaulted in my home.

I know that the invaders would not have entered had there been an alarm. They were confident that they would be safe in what they were doing.

I use Protection One, but I am not thrilled. Any alarm that requires a response but does not involve a perpetrator is considered a "false" alarm, even when you are not there, and are charged a fee about $200. I was away, my alarm went off twice, I was charged for both calls.

I pay $35 per month and I don't think I get anything except a reduction on my insurance rates for having a monitored system, including fire alarm. (A value that should not be overlooked)

I am considering the voice response system at $25/month. Honestly, the phone back system is completely useless. It takes minutes to get the call back. Someone could be completely through my house and have me subdued and bound before the phone call came through -- although I still doubt they would with the damed alarm ringing. They would, however, try to make me turn it off. The voice response may sound cheesy, but would have prevented both of my "false" alarm calls -- the person who entered my home had misentered the code and couldn't hear the phone ring under the alarm.

Its a toss up. I still believe in my case, because of the circumstances, the alarm would have prevented my home invasion. Everyone has to do what works for them. I will keep the alarm for its deterrent effect, I think it is better than without an alarm. On the other hand, I don't really believe it will stop a truly determined offender - I'm not sure anything can.

I'd love to hear what others have found. I'd really prefer something other than my current provider.
 

Speedo

Senior Moment
Oct 30, 2002
1,148
1
38
Here and there
I have a "Beware Of Dog" sign in my door window, which keeps, not only burglers, but salesfolk, Jevovahs Witnesses, politicians and ne'er-do-wells away.

Of course, if someone were to break in, she'd convey three messages: 1) let's play; 2) where's my treat?; and 3) don't forget the stereo...
 

kooley

meh
Oct 7, 2002
1,230
0
36
toronto
Re: I was in the business

Winston said:
There are lots of quality independents out there.
i agree about the wireless it looks cheesy i told the guys i was willing to let them put some small holes in the walls to run wires if needed, and can you reccomend an independant.

thanks
 

RogerRabbit

New member
Jul 7, 2003
1,792
0
0
Canada...
www.alarmforce.com

eyeofthedragon said:
Ouch I have AlarmForce at home
Do you like them, any problems:

www.alarmforce.com/faq.html

I need it for an apartment, therefore the 2 door contacts, one motion, a panel is enough and a smoke detector goes for an extra $150, in this wireless package. They charge $25.00+ $4.95 (alarmplus)+2.95 (guard service)+ tax/ per month for 48 months. I don't want to spend $500-$2000 on 'equpment' (I have in the past e.g. ITI, DSC, etc.), as it is a rental apartment.

It seems competitive...thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

:confused:
 
W

WhOiSyOdAdDy?

kooley said:
Can anyone reccomend a comapany who will install a good alarm. i have priced out all the big guys and don't mind paying but the longterm monitoring kills me, especially since even after my 3 year contract expires they can take the system back. My plan was to go with the monitoring center for 9.99 vs the 29.99 the big gys want.

Depending on what you want from your home, you may think about upgrading your alarm panel to an an HAI panel, which can integrate HVAC controls as well as control of lighting & outlets (via UPB) with your alarm panel as well as do much, much more...
if you like expensive toys... then this is a must!
http://www.homeauto.com/
 

a 1 player

Smells like manly roses.
Feb 24, 2004
9,722
9
0
on your girlfriend
After 2 successful breakins with 2 different companies I have found a couple of Mastiffs works pretty well. As a bonus they can be used as a car alarm. :D

Cheers,

a 1 player
 

kooley

meh
Oct 7, 2002
1,230
0
36
toronto
RogerRabbit said:
Do you like them, any problems:

www.alarmforce.com/faq.html

I need it for an apartment, therefore the 2 door contacts, one motion, a panel is enough and a smoke detector goes for an extra $150, in this wireless package. They charge $25.00+ $4.95 (alarmplus)+2.95 (guard service)+ tax/ per month for 48 months. I don't want to spend $500-$2000 on 'equpment' (I have in the past e.g. ITI, DSC, etc.), as it is a rental apartment.

It seems competitive...thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

:confused:
here is a thought

Alarmforce is a gimic, like those flea maket alarms you install yourself, also wireless security is no where near the level of security that wired is, stay away from it, I did alot of research and even the alarm companies will tell you to not go wireless if you can. I went with adt they actually came in and wiered my whole house (4 floors and a rooftop patio entrance) it took them 2 days with 2 guys running wires and the only charge i paid was for the exrtra sensors i wanted. I pay $29.99 a month for 36 months at which point i ownthe equipment and will sitch to the monitoring center for $9.95. If you move ADT will ven re-install a new system inyour new home for free as well.
 

kooley

meh
Oct 7, 2002
1,230
0
36
toronto
RogerRabbit said:
Thanks for the feedback, however for some reason their stock is doing well:

www.tse.ca ticker symbol 'AF'

Sounds like you got a good system!

:cool:

it's easy to sell a gimick when you prey on peoples safety, how many rape whistles were slod in the 90's, every woman had one on their key ring and did you ever hear of a rape being stopped because someone blew their whistle??
 

Doctor Zoidburg

Prof. of Groinacology PhD
Aug 25, 2004
1,155
23
38
How much are alarm rental?

I heard that Alarm Farce charges $29.95 a month for the basics installation included. Is it true that if you put 5 motion detectors and door/window contacts you will be charged $100 per place for installation and a rental of $8 per month per extra device? example 2 motion detectors + 2 window contacts and tranmitter + 1 back door contact and transmitter = $500 extra for installation and $8 per month per device $8 x 48 months (duration of contact) x 5 devices = $1920 Putting the total cost of these rental systems at $3860 for 4 years.
 

shakenbake

Senior Turgid Member
Nov 13, 2003
8,198
2,658
113
Durham Region, Den of Iniquity
www.vafanculo.it
Alarmforce

Been with them for almost 6 years and felst so good about them that I renewed two years ago. It's nice to have wireless sensors so that you don't bash your wall up. Also, if there is any problem with the equipment, they fix and/or repair it within a few hours, from my experience.
 

shakenbake

Senior Turgid Member
Nov 13, 2003
8,198
2,658
113
Durham Region, Den of Iniquity
www.vafanculo.it
Wired?????

kooley said:
here is a thought

Alarmforce is a gimic, like those flea maket alarms you install yourself, also wireless security is no where near the level of security that wired is, stay away from it, I did alot of research and even the alarm companies will tell you to not go wireless if you can. I went with adt they actually came in and wiered my whole house (4 floors and a rooftop patio entrance) it took them 2 days with 2 guys running wires and the only charge i paid was for the exrtra sensors i wanted. I pay $29.99 a month for 36 months at which point i ownthe equipment and will sitch to the monitoring center for $9.95. If you move ADT will ven re-install a new system inyour new home for free as well.
That's funny, I believe that Chubb and ADT are now also offering wireless alarms. It is the alarm companies that DON't offer wireless who will try to tell you wireless is not good.

As for gimmic alarms at flea markets, try to tell me that when the attendant at the other end of the line asks for your identity when an Alarmforce system kicks in.

As for extra monthly costs for extra sensors, I have had extras installed in my house system by Alarmforce and only paid a reasonable one-time fee.

just my humble opinion and experience with Alarmforce.

shakenbake
 

shakenbake

Senior Turgid Member
Nov 13, 2003
8,198
2,658
113
Durham Region, Den of Iniquity
www.vafanculo.it
Doctor Zoidburg said:
I heard that Alarm Farce charges $29.95 a month for the basics installation included. Is it true that if you put 5 motion detectors and door/window contacts you will be charged $100 per place for installation and a rental of $8 per month per extra device? example 2 motion detectors + 2 window contacts and tranmitter + 1 back door contact and transmitter = $500 extra for installation and $8 per month per device $8 x 48 months (duration of contact) x 5 devices = $1920 Putting the total cost of these rental systems at $3860 for 4 years.
Motion sensors were $100 each, and door/window sensors were $69 each, and NO extra monthly fee. That was what was offered to me. This seems to be the par for the industry, isn't it?
 

onca

New member
Aug 16, 2003
28
0
0
Alarms

I've been in this industry for several years, and a lot of what has been said so far has been very correct...although some info isn't entirely correct.

I've been the installation manager of one of the largest dealerships in the business, also the number one sales rep across canada. I have just opened my own dealership...I got tired of making everyone else around me rich :)

If anyone has any questions, feel free to pm me. I'm not going to bash any other company, but do stay away from "alarm farce", they really are a joke.

If anyone is interested in getting a system, pm me and I'll give you the TERB special...hmmm, maybe I should put that on my business card. Seriously, I will give any fellow terb member a good deal...hey, we all have better places to spend our moiney right.

But in my opinion, the company I am afiliated with now does offer the best service and price in the industry...that is why I joined with them. I could have set up my dealership with any company in Canada, but I picked the one I am with becasue they are the best.

Feel free to contact me about any questions you may have...

Maybe I should offer a free door fee to your favorite MP...


PS...I offer a free alarm, with monitoring under $30.00 per month
 
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