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Choosing the Right Security System and System Provider

08 June 2020

Choosing the Security System That's Right For You

When it comes to security, everyone is concerned! We want to know that when we are home, we are safe inside and when we are away, we want to know that our belongings are safe.

It seems that with all the new products on the market home security has become a DIY project. Just pick up a system at the hardware store, read the instructions, place the sensors on your doors and windows, download an app, and voila! - security system in place. It's also seemingly cheaper than a professionally installed, traditional security systems.

What's The Difference Between A Traditional, Professionally Installed Alarm System and A DIY Alarm System?

Our mission today is to compare DIY systems with the traditional alarm companies.

DIY Security Systems Are Really Popular

Rosie on the House Security Out of Service

DIY security systems are inexpensive, relatively easy to use, and can be installed anywhere there is good internet service. Most of the significant difference comes in the form of the quality of monitoring. DIY alarm systems are tempting; you can install one for $400 to $600 and pay a monthly fee for monitoring or you could opt out of monitoring and monitor it yourself.

Monitoring the system ranges from $25-$55 dollars depending on the monitoring services provided and uses your Wi-Fi for access. Almost all DIY systems work on Wi-Fi via the internet. Big companies host the servers and if they go down, as they have done from time to time, your system goes down, too. Units have a backup battery, but it does not compensate for the lack of an internet connection. The system is only as reliable as your internet.

These systems are not a viable option for those who live outside of good internet service. If a burglary happens while the internet is down or you have lost connection, you basically have no alarm system. This also disables all the features that you may be relying on, like opening the door for repair men or opening your garage door.

Professionally Installed, Traditional Home Security Companies

Most people are familiar with professionally installed, traditional home security companies. Jared Wright, owner of Rosie on the House Certified Tekna Security & Smarthome, says his company has made some positive, innovative changes in their security systems in the last 15 years, updating from a landline or internet connection to cellular based technology.

Cellular based systems do not rely on the internet or traditional phone lines, so it is a great option if you are in a remote location or have forsaken your landline or do not want to be dependent on internet services for security. In Arizona, landlines and internet connectors run along the outside of the house and can be compromised. Lines can be cut or damaged and the internet can be hacked. Once a cellular alarm is installed, you can rely on it to work.

Rosie on the House Tekna Home Security These systems are proactive, meaning that when the alarm is triggered, the police or fire department are called depending on the sensor that was triggered. You as the homeowner are always notified of these events by phone call or text notification. Depending on your system, the security panel in your home actually allows you to talk directly to the person who is monitoring your system. A homeowner can then give their password to let the security company know all is well or, for instance, if someone is threatening them, they can give a false password indicating that something is wrong.

Monitor Activity From Your Phone

The newer alarm systems also have mobile apps allowing connection with features that alert you when the kids get home, if they're home late, or if someone is at the door, etc. The apps can be integrated with virtually any smart locks, smart lights, temperature controls, or any other smart house technology!

Landline based systems can easily be modified to switch to cellular. The wiring system is simply left in place and the switch happens in the alarm control box. Some companies, like Tekna, will make the change free of charge with a 3-year monitoring contract. If month to month is preferred, homeowners can pay $400 to $500 for the switch and pay the same for the month to month monitoring service.

Choosing The Right Security System Provider

Choosing a security system provider is similar to choosing a contractor. For example, Tekna is licensed by both AZROC (AZ Registrar of Contractors) and AZBTR (AZ Board of Technical Registration), both of which are required by Arizona State law.
Do your homework when you hire a contractor of any type. Whether you find them through a neighbor, an ad or a home show – be sure to do your own research. Never assume that a contractor is legit unless you have done your own research. Be sure to check out Rosie’s How To Choose A Contractor Consumer Guide.
Choosing a system that works for you and your situation is key to success with any security system. You can better monitor your home for safety if it is equipped with a quality security system.
Find a thoroughly vetted security contractor here.

Home Maintenance To-Do | #RemoteHomeMonitoring

Tekna Security & SmartHome

The longer you go without a top security system, the greater the risks. Keep your home, family, business, customers, employees and valuable assets safe with the # 1 rated company for security systems in Arizona. You're one step closer to creating a smarter home with intelligently designed products that reduce your risk and simplify your life. Contact Tekna Security & Smarthome today for a free consultation!

Valid NOW (6/25/20) through the 4th of July (7/4/20)! Tekna would like to offer the following deal to Rosie listeners so be sure to tell them Rosie sent you!:

First three(3) months of service at no charge, all monitoring rates waived.

If listener currently has an active service with another security company, to encourage a switch to Tekna, we will increase that 3 months free to 6 months free

Camera of choice by customer (doorbell camera or driveway camera or interior camera). Only one camera. ($225 value)

Monitored fire and smoke detection system at no additional cost ($75 value). This smoke detector is a photoelectric smoke detector, a rate-of-rise detector and a heat detector, all in one. A very unique smoke detector.

All 3 of these above items will be provided to Rosie listeners at no additional cost.

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