Category: General

Have you wondered what happens behind the scenes when a home alarm is triggered?

Every alarm will set normal home security alarm procedures into action: When EMC Security’s monitoring center receives an alarm notification, it will immediately call to verify the alarm. If we can not reach anyone by phone (or by our new EMC Text-Alert response system), then the police and/or fire department will be dispatched to the home – whether it is an actual emergency or not.

False alarms can be quite costly to homeowners, depending on where you live. Many cities in Georgia require that homeowners register their alarms, and may charge homeowners false alarm fees ranging from $25 to $500 per incident. And while false alarms can happen, it’s important to take proactive measures to help reduce their occurrence.We’ve outlined five ways homeowners can prevent false alarms.

1. Make sure all users know how to arm and disarm the system.

It’s been reported that 32% of false alarms are due to lack of end-user training, so everyone in your household, including frequent visitors such as babysitters, needs to know how the alarm system operates, which doors and windows are connected, and the correct codes associated with the alarm system.

2. Stay connected with security cameras.

Know what’s happening at home at any time, from anywhere. Security cameras send clips to your phone so you can verify an alarm signal before authorities are dispatched.

3. Watch for stray objects near motion detectors.

If you have motion detectors, make sure there are no drapes or other objects that may move in front of them and cause a false alarm. Be especially aware of forced air heating/cooling vents and ceiling fans.

4. Plan for pets.

If you have a pet, you will need to install a pet immune motion sensor. This type of sensor can ignore movements caused by pets weighing 40 to 80 lbs. You can adjust the sensitivity based on how big or small your pet is.

5. Regularly check your security system and batteries

It’s recommended that you test your system monthly to be sure it’s operating correctly. EMC Security customers can visit our office for a free battery and can call us at 770.963.0305 to have us walk you through testing your security system. It’s also recommended to replace old alarm systems with more up-to-date equipment every 10 years.

So what should you do in case of a false alarm?

When your alarm is activated, a notification is sent to the central monitoring station for immediate action. This includes contacting you at a predetermined phone number. If you have EMC Security’s Text Alert, you and everyone on your emergency contact list will receive a text notification. If someone knows what’s going on, he or she can respond appropriately.

If you’ve triggered the alarm yourself, immediately contact your monitoring station to report the false alarm. Declaring a false alarm quickly can stop police from being dispatched unnecessarily — and save you from being hit with a fine by your city.

Contact EMC Security today to learn more about our home security options.

There are many home security system options on the market. Depending on the size of your home and options added, prices can range from $250 up. These costs include equipment, installation, and activation fees.

Below is a break-down of costs you can expect:

Equipment Costs

The equipment costs make up the bulk of your upfront charges. Depending on the system and the equipment you choose, the price can vary drastically. Some companies will advertise “new-customer equipment pricing” where you can get up to $1,500 worth of “free” equipment upfront. It sounds like a great deal, but make sure to read the fine print on these types of offers, because “free” is almost never free.

Monitoring Costs

Monthly monitoring costs vary widely as well. This monthly charge is for the service of having your home monitored 24/7 by an external monitoring center. Most companies start at a base price and adjust it as you add features or services, such as remote controls or cameras. According to the SDM Rankings, the national average monthly cost is $50.30. EMC Security has one of the lowest monitoring cost starts at less than $20!

Companies, like the above example, hide equipment costs in the monthly fee so the consumer has no idea how much their system actually costs. Typically, the monthly rate is based on a package price and that is what you pay for the remainder of your patronage with that company. Other companies are up-front about their costs – like EMC Security. EMC Security offers a 24-month commitment option where the customer can pay for the equipment in 24 monthly installments. Once the equipment is paid for, that debt is satisfied and the monthly rate decreases to include just the monitoring costs. There is no other company in Atlanta that offers this type of agreement. This is great for people who want an affordable home security option but can’t afford the heavy upfront costs of equipment.

Options

Self-install options have entered the market and are a great alternative to professional installation. With this type of system, you can install it when it’s most convenient for you – without taking off work or scheduling appointments. It’s also typically more cost-effective since you are not paying for installation. It’s important to note that not all DIY security systems are the same. EMC Security cautions against systems from the “big box” stores. We believe no one should trust their home and family’s safety to anyone other than a professional security company. Check out our systems from just $179.

Are you ready to protect your home with a professional home alarm system?

Knowing what to look for is key in finding the right fit to protect your family.

At EMC Security, we’re local and know who to trust when it comes to making the best purchasing decisions: Clark Howard. Recently, Clark shared a customer experience on his blog along with his recommendations for choosing the right home monitoring system. Here are his tips.

Clark says…

Keep these pointers in mind when you’re shopping for a traditional home alarm system

• Know how many doors and windows you need protection before you get a quote.
• A basic system hooked up to a UL-approved station should cost $15-$20 each month for monitoring. Installation of equipment will be extra, usually $600 to $800 for a typical house. Beware of supposedly “free” equipment because the costs will be built into your monthly monitoring.
• Never sign a contract. Contracts with hidden rollover provisions are particularly dangerous. If you have a rollover provision, you must contact the company in a very specific way (sometimes even on a certain day) to break your contract without being penalized. If you fail to do that, you’re automatically renewed for high-rate monthly monitoring for a period of 1, 2, or 3 years.
• Most people sign up for monitoring following a crime in their neighborhood. The perceived risk you feel skyrockets when you hear about break-ins, robberies, and smash and grabs near your home. But that’s not the time to shop for a burglar alarm. You never want to make an emotional decision.

Have a question about our security services? Please give us a call at 770.963.0305.

We have seen an influx of DIY “Big Box” Security Systems enter the marketplace over the last few years.

Technology has proven to be easy to use and install, and cost effective for the consumer.

In fact, EMC Security launched our popular Self-Install Security System for these very reasons. Our customers love the option because it saves money, time, and it’s hassle-free. Additionally, the system works great. It’s the same professional system our technicians install in homes every day with the same great professional monitoring from 2 central monitoring stations, and all the benefits that every EMC Security customer receives: award winning service and 24/7 technical support.

Some DIY Security Systems can be down-right dangerous to rely on as a source of protection for your home and family.

Below are 5 Facts You Need to Know About DIY Self Install Security Systems

1. You are on your own when purchasing a system at a retail store. If you don’t know what you need for complete protection, how are you going to “build” your DIY system?

EMC Security’s DIY Security consultants work with you to determine exactly what you need according to your home specifications and safety concerns. We’ll even label the equipment for you so you know which piece goes where.

Once you install the system, our central station will test each sensor to ensure it works properly.

2. A system built for self-monitoring gives a false sense of security. A lot of the DIY home security systems on the market are built specifically for self-monitoring. While we are big fans of interactive technology that sends alerts and notifications to your smart-phone, we do not think you should rely on alerts alone when it comes to the protection of your home and family.

EMC Security’s self install systems are designed for professional monitoring by EMC Security’s central monitoring stations. If an alarm is triggered, EMC Security will notify you, and if you can’t be reached the authorities will be dispatched….within seconds.

3. Poor “cheap” equipment. One of the number one consumer complaints about DIY security systems on the market is the cheap, unreliable equipment. There’s something to be said for equipment manufactured by a leader in the industry.

4. Lack of technological support. If you have an issue with the installation, who can you call? What if something goes wrong with one of the sensors or the keypad? Does the company have service reps that can swing by your house to assist you? These are important questions to ask before buying from an online or “big-box” retailer.

Even though our DIY system is fast and easy to install, EMC Security has local, award winning service representatives available with just a simple phone call.

5. Who is testing the system? EMC Security runs alarm signal tests on every customer every month. If we don’t get a signal, the customer is notified and a service technician is sent out if necessary. A DIY system purchased from a retail store will most likely not provide any customer support after the purchase.

Give EMC Security a call today at 770.963.0305 to discuss your needs and how we can build a DIY Self Install Security System that’s right for you. OR order online now!

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With the introduction of advanced technology, there are many home security options available.

Most of them fall into two categories: professionally installed, and self installed/DIY systems.

Below we will provide the benefits of each to ensure you get the system right for you.

Professionally Installed Systems

When you purchase a professionally installed security system, like one from Atlanta’s own EMC Security, a security expert assesses your home and lifestyle to determine the security solution that is right for your needs. Once the system is customized for your home, a professional security technician will install and test the system. This includes installing the panel, keypad, sensors, and integrating remotes services on your mobile devices. A wireless system takes 2-4 hours to install and test every sensor to ensure it’s working properly.

Some homeowners decide to install a pre-wired system. Pre-wired security systems have wires connecting each device to the control panel (or hub of the system) and operate on electricity in the home. Installation could take a full day, depending on the size of the home and type of system.

There are some companies that make outrageous offers for free security systems with professional monitoring. If you choose to evaluate these companies for your home security, pay attention to the fine print and contract terms. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A reputable security company will charge a fair price for equipment, offer payment terms, and keep monthly monitoring costs affordable.

Is a Professionally Installed Security System right for you? Find out here.

Self-Install/DIY systems

A home security system you install yourself, like EMC Security’s Self-Install System, can be a more affordable, convenient option for many people looking to secure their homes. With this type of system, you can install it when it’s most convenient for you – without taking off work or scheduling appointments. It’s also typically more cost effective since you are not paying for installation.

It’s important to note that not all DIY security systems are the same. EMC Security cautions against systems from the “big box” stores. We believe no one should trust their home and family’s safety to anyone other than a professional security company.

Here’s why:

1. You are on your own when purchasing a system at a retail store. If you don’t know what you need for complete protection, how are you going to “build” your DIY system? EMC Security’s consultants work with you to determine exactly what you need according to your home specifications and safety concerns.

2. A system built for self-monitoring gives a false sense of security. A lot of the DIY home security systems on the market are built specifically for self-monitoring. While we are big fans of interactive technology that sends alerts and notifications to your smart-phone, we do not think you should rely on alerts alone when it comes to the protection of your home and family. EMC Security’s self install systems are designed for professional monitoring by EMC Security’s central monitoring stations. If an alarm is triggered, EMC Security will notify you, and if you can’t be reached the authorities will be dispatched….within seconds.

3. Some are Poor “cheap” equipment. One of the number one consumer complaints about DIY security systems on the market is the cheap, unreliable equipment. There’s something to be said for equipment manufactured by a leader in the industry. EMC Security sells Honeywell Security equipment. Honeywell is the #1 security equipment provider in the world and you can count on this technology being the most advanced, best quality in the world.

4. Lack of technological support. If you have an issue with the installation, who can you call? What if something goes wrong with one of the sensors or the keypad? Does the company have service reps that can swing by your house to assist you? Even though our DIY system is fast and easy to install, EMC Security has local, award winning service representatives available with just a simple phone call.

5. Who is testing the system? EMC Security runs alarm signal tests on every customer every month. If we don’t get a signal, the customer is notified and a service technician is sent out if necessary. A DIY system purchased from a retail store will most likely not provide any customer support after the purchase.

When purchasing home security, most people don’t realize there are many options currently available to them: from choosing between a wireless and hard-wired system, to deciding if you want that system to communicate via landline, Wi-Fi or cellular network, there’s a lot to consider. Want to control everything on an app? We’ve got that, too!

But first things first: You’ll need to decide if a wireless or hard-wired system is the right choice for your home. The distinction may seem obvious at first, but there’s actually a lot to consider.

Hard-Wired Security System

In a hard-wired security system, the contacts on the doors, windows and motion sensors communicate with the control panel via powered lines that are wired throughout the home. It relies on electricity to operate (with a battery backup).

Pros

Because it works off a power source, a wired home security system is considered very reliable. In addition, the signal from the system to the control panel is more consistent due to the hard-wired system.

Cons

All of the equipment (contacts and motion sensors) in a wired system are connected via wires that run through the walls of the home, so in most cases this type of system requires that the home have a basement or unfinished area for the wires to connect together. Because of all the wiring, these systems are more expensive than a wireless system to install. Hard-wired systems are permanent and cannot be easily uninstalled or moved.

Reasons to choose a hard-wired system

1. If you want a more hands-off system: If home automation isn’t as important to you, and you will require your security company to install the system, a hard-wired system might be best for you.
2. If it’s already in place: If you move into a home with a hard-wired system already installed, count yourself lucky and stick with what you have. Contact EMC Security to see if you’ll need a takeover (simply reprogramming the existing system to allow EMC to take over) or a conversion (replacing or modifying the existing equipment, such as the control panel, keypad and sensors).

Wireless Security System

Wireless security system components communicate with the control panel via Wi-Fi or cell towers.

Many confuse the term “wireless” with “cellular communication”. A wireless system refers to the way the security components communicate with the brains of the system. A cellular communicator allows the system to communicate with the monitoring service provider via cellular towers.

With all of the advancements in technologies, wireless systems are becoming just as reliable as hard-wired systems — if not more. Due to the easier and quicker installation, a wireless system is commonly the more practical choice for most homeowners.

Pros

It is quicker and less expensive to install a wireless system since there isn’t as much equipment (i.e., wires) to install. And because there are no wires, this type of system is portable and easily uninstalled. It’s also more technologically advanced and offers features such as home automation (keyless door lock, surveillance camera monitoring, thermostat controls, etc.).

Cons

While it’s uncommon, wireless systems can be vulnerable to interference. They are also battery operated, so the batteries will need to be replaced from time to time.

Reasons to choose a wireless system

1. If flexibility matters: A wireless system is easier to install and uninstall, so you can take your wireless system with you in the event you relocate to a new home. Because of their portability, they can also be easily adapted to remodels.
2. If you’re a techie: If home automation and controlling your system through an app are on the top of your list, then a wireless system is your best bet.

If you’re ready to purchase home security but aren’t sure which system is best for you, download our Free Guide to Buying Home Security to learn more about the available options.