Category: General

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.

Have you ever sign up for a subscription or on-going service and then get surprised by a renewal charge that shows up on your credit card bill weeks later? Have you gotten discouraged when you can’t figure out how to cancel? Or it’s too late to prevent the charges?

It’s called automatic renewal, and the practice is showing up more frequently in consumer contracts for all sorts of services and products. It’s happening everywhere from entertainment subscriptions to gym memberships to home security.

If you’re unwittingly auto-renewed into a new contract with a home security company and want to challenge the agreement — you’re not alone.

Georgia law requires every customer to be notified between 30 and 60 days of the original expiration date of the contract. The notification must clearly state that the contract is renewing. It must also provide clear instructions on how to cancel service if they do not want the contract to automatically renew for any term more than month to month.

Most companies are following state regulations on notification of a contract term in the original agreement. However, fewer are properly following the requirement of notifying customers that their contract is automatically renewing for more than a one-month term.

If you find yourself in this situation, check to see if you’ve received this type of written notification within the required time period. If not, you can dispute the auto-renewal and get out of the renewal without penalty.

Once you’re free from the binds of the agreement, you can resecure your home protection with EMC Security’s no-contract required policy.

Click here to download a full copy of the Georgia Auto-Renewal Law.

With many states, counties, and cities still in semi-lock down, people are spending much more time at home. Rather than binge-watching your favorite TV series, again and again, we’ve come up with some amazing DIY projects to keep you occupied during COVID.

1. Add a Splash of Color to Your Walls

This can be as simple as retouching an existing paint job or as complex as painting every wall. Consider how each room makes you feel and what colors evoke positive and happy emotions when you see them.

2. Rearrange Your Home

Whether you are into altering the vibes or just want to refresh your bookshelves rearranging your things can be a great project. It allows you to re-evaluate what you have and reconsider how you’d like to have them displayed.

3. Eliminate the Dust

This may be a daunting task but the time has come to clean the random things we forget about. This would include, blinds, vents, fans, the oven! Deep cleaning can be done in segments so don’t feel overwhelmed thinking about the last time you got to it.

4. Organizing

Now that you know where things are, it’s time to organize inside your cabinets and closets. Take time to purge your home of some of the things you’ve been collecting subconsciously.

5. Go Through Your Storage

Practically every household has a junk draw or in some cases, a junk room full of random things. Now is the perfect time to go through what you have been storing and decide if those things still need to be in your life.

6. Wash Everything

Wash all your linens, curtains, towels, cars, dishes. Take time to just make sure everything in your home is freshly laundered or clean. It can be a project you take on day by day. Now you won’t have to question when the last time something was washed.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope you continue to stay safe during these uncertain times. We hope that you enjoyed our list of DIY projects to do during COVID.

One of the most important decisions when buying a home security system is whether to pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring or save money and self-monitor your system.

Although self-monitoring is a cheaper option, there are reasons to consider a professionally monitored system from EMC Security:

1. The EMC Security central monitoring service is watching around the clock, every hour, every minute, every second your alarm is armed, to ensure authorities are notified as quickly as possible. Average response is 14 seconds!

2. Two words – Fire Protection. Did you know that EMC Security monitors customers homes for smoke and heat at no additional monthly cost? Simply add an EMC Security smoke detector and integrate with your security system and if there’s a fire, you’ll be notified whether at home or away.

At home or away, awake or asleep, EMC Security’s got your back. Call today to set up professional monitoring at your home today.

Most homeowners experience excitement when installing their first home security system but as time goes on, they tend to overlook the evolution of truth – in order for home security to be and remain efficient, they need to be upgraded every so often.

Nevertheless, some homeowners keep their same security systems for decades and tend to think as long as it functions, there’s no need for a new one. In some ways, you could argue that they have a point, right? As the old adage goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But if there’s anything that life has taught us all it is that change is inevitable, which is why it’s important to consider essential options to raise the efficiency of your home security system by upgrading.

One of the biggest threats for any homeowner with an older security system is that most of them still rely on a landline in order for them to work properly. Savvy burglars can easily disable the entire unity by severing the line, thereby leaving your entire house unprotected. Upgrading to a modern home security system would bring your home security up-to-date and make it independent from the landline by using wireless monitoring via cell towers instead.

In addition to making your home safer, newer security systems provide unparalleled convenience compared to their predecessors.

For example, upgrading an older alarm panel board will allow you remote access to your home security system via smartphone.

Even small things like keypads can be upgraded to a whole new level. Say goodbye to those plain rubbery buttons and exchange them with new features like fully colored touch screens, date, time, and even weather forecast.

Cameras are also a popular addition to a security system. Add a video doorbell or few cameras around the house and never wonder what’s happening again.

Security System Upgrade with EMC Security

Ready to take the plunge into the latest advances in home security? Contact EMC Security to schedule a visit from one of our technicians or shop our line of smart home security devices by visiting us online.