Category: General

More homes than ever before have pre-installed security systems, or the home is pre-wired and ready for security equipment to be installed.

This begs the question that is often confusing to consumers, “Do I have to use the company that installed the equipment to monitor it?”

No, you don’t.

With just a few exceptions, EMC Security can monitor most existing home security systems. This is good news if you’re happy with the existing security system in your home but dissatisfied with your current monitoring service, or especially if you’re moving into a home with a pre-installed system.

What is Monitoring?

When your alarm is activated (by a sensor striking on a door or window), an alarm is sent to the central monitoring station for immediate action. This includes contacting you at pre-determined phone numbers (EMC Security’s alarm response is less than 14 seconds on average) and relaying your address and the type of emergency to police, fire, or medical authorities.

Some systems are only supported by the company that installed them. These systems are called proprietary systems. Some well-known companies block other companies from monitoring their systems with proprietary systems. However, there are many other system types that are non-proprietary which makes choosing a monitoring provider much easier.

If you’re moving into a home with an existing security system, the control panel should give you a make and model number to assist with your research. This information is all EMC Security needs to determine if we can monitor your system.

How to Switch to EMC Security

As part of our process of activating an existing security system, our customers receive:

• A full system diagnostic
• Reprogramming to communicate to EMC Security monitoring centers
• Full system communications test
• Panel battery replacement if needed
• Homeowner training on full system operation
• Yard signs and window decals

The reality of the world-wide microchip shortage, global labor shortage and other supply chain disruptions has manufacturers – from consumer electronics and appliances to automobiles and industrial capabilities – in a bind trying to fulfill demand. Simple economics proves that when demand is high and supply is low, prices go up. It’s happening in every aspect of our lives.

Security technology manufacturers have announced at least one, but in some cases, two prices increases in 2021. Home security companies all over the U.S. are facing price increases and are passing the cost to consumers.

EMC Security has a plan to protect our low prices.

• Internally, our team is negotiating exemption and/or lower percentage increases with our manufacturing partners.

• Our famous “no contract” option provides more value to consumers than ever before. We give our customers control to decide if they want to do business with us. Because customers can cancel any time, we work hard to ensure our level of customer service is at its highest for each and every interaction.

• EMC Security protects our customers and gives back to the community we serve.

1. As a local company, we hire local people to service local families and businesses – we are part of this community and we do all we can to buy local and support the community.
2. Every employee passes background checks, drug screens, and driving records.
3. We notify customers if we don’t receive a test signal in more than 30 days. Customer security systems are tested for signals to confirm the system is properly functioning. Other companies don’t provide regular testing like this.
4. We employee a team of 7 in-house technical support representatives. Trained security technicians are available at no cost to our customers to provide telephone technical support. This could save our customers time and money associated with a site visit to trouble-shoot or repair their system.
5. Free EMC Text-Alert is a service no other company offers at no cost. This service allows customers to make a decision quickly with those on their contact list whether to dispatch or cancel an alarm – speeding up the process.

A few years ago a friend told me, “I don’t need security, I don’t even have to lock my doors way out here.” Fast forward to 2021, their large barn with thousands of dollars of equipment and family valuables was broken into, and my friend is now installing a professional security system with cameras. Unfortunately, there are desperate people everywhere that will stop at nothing to claim what’s yours.

It’s time to be prepared. Below is a list of solutions to keep you and your valuables safe:

1. Video surveillance—a must have!

Many rural properties are situated on acres of land with additional structures such as barns and sheds. A security system with video surveillance is the best defense against potential threats since you can keep an eye on your entire property, prepare yourself for whatever the cameras may see, and notify the proper authorities before things escalate.

If a thief is successful, the video could come in handy in identifying and catching the culprit.

Rural property owners use video cameras to view everything else that lives on the property. For example, you can quickly act on weather damage to property or unwelcome wild animals bothering your livestock or getting into the vegetation.

2. Shine a light on intruders

Burglars can’t stand lights, so when it comes to keeping your rural property safe, auto-lighting came make a huge difference between keeping your house, equipment, or even livestock safe. When looking for a motion-sensor lighting system for your rural property, look for one that can be accessed remotely from anywhere.

3. Lock it up

The more layers of security you add to your property, the safer you and your family will be. Smart door locks are smart decision because they go far beyond remotely locking and unlocking your doors. For example, you can create an emergency automation that immediately unlocks your doors in case of a fire.

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. Some are Poor “cheap” equipment. One of the number one consumer complaints about DIY security systems on the market is the cheap, unreliable equipment.

3. 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.

Customize Your System and Get a Quote Now >

Would you be happy purchasing security equipment from a company and being stuck using their service exclusively, even if the service is poor or the price keeps increasing?

It could happen, especially if you purchase ADT, Xfinity (Comcast), or Simplisafe security equipment. Simplisafe and Xfinity even claim a benefit of not requiring a monthly contract. But the fact is, if you aren’t happy with their service, you’ll need to throw the equipment in the trash – because no other company can take it over and monitor it. Their technology is proprietary.

These companies make their proprietary equipment quite attractive with huge sales or “free” equipment.

But that comes at a cost:

1. A lengthy contract that rolls the equipment cost into the monthly payment
2. No way out because no other company can take it over

Let me ask the obvious question:

If the company locks you into a monthly contract or locks other companies out of monitoring the equipment, what incentive do they have to offer you good service once the sale is complete?

The answer is simple – They have no incentive.

For these reasons, EMC Security gives proprietary equipment a thumbs down. We want our customers to CHOOSE to do business with us. That’s why we give them the freedom to cancel at anytime for any reason – with no penalty. The equipment is non-proprietary so many companies can monitor it.

Click here to schedule a quick, easy takeover today.