Tag: new emc

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.

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.

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Your home security system has three options to communicate with your monitoring service provider, such as EMC Security.

Those options are landline, Wi-Fi, and cellular. While each connection type will provide you with reliable home security monitoring, there are a few things to consider when deciding which is right for you.

In this post we’ll examine the reasons we believe a cellular connection is a great choice for most homes today, especially considering most households don’t have an operational landline as more and more people opt for cell phones.

But first, let’s discuss the differences between each connection:

Landline

Connecting your home security system through your phone line was once the only option. Lately though, it is least popular of the three. The main reason is because many people are remove the traditional land line from their homes, saving money. Additionally, with a land line connection, there is no way to access the security system using a smartphone, which is a feature most customers are looking for.

Internet

This type of connection communicates with the monitoring service via an internet connection. The benefit of this type of connection is that there is no transmission cost — as long as you have an internet connection, the service provider will only need to put a module in to allow it to communicate over the internet. There is a cost for the module, but it will also give you the ability to control the security system through a smartphone. It’s important to note that this type of connection relies on your IP connection, so if your internet goes down, the system won’t be able to communicate.

Cellular

A cellular connection communicates with the monitoring service provider via cellular towers and is considered the most secure because there are no lines that can be cut to prevent the system from communicating with the provider. There are equipment costs, however, as you’ll need to purchase a cellular communicator, and the cell carriers will charge a small monthly transmission cost for the cellular communicator. Because the technology will advance over time, you will need to upgrade your cellular communicator from time to time. EMC Security has upgraded all cellular customers to the current 5G at no additional cost.

Now that you know the difference between each of the connections, let’s discuss three reasons a cellular connection is the best choice for most home:

The Most Secure: Both landline and internet communication are susceptible to disruption: landlines can be cut, and internet relies on an active internet connection. A cellular connection communicates through cellular towers and is less vulnerable.

Gives You More Control: A cellular connection offers more interactive services, such as virtual keypad, live video, door lock, lighting and thermostat controls. You can also arm and disarm from your phone and have access to live-streaming video.

Convenient: A cellular connection can be controlled from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Perks include real-time alerts and monitoring.

Speak with an EMC Security expert to learn more at 770-963-0305 or complete this brief form to receive a call back.

According to The Verge, an American technology website, approximately 40 percent of U.S. homes have given up their landlines in exchange for cell phones, a statistic cited from the federal government’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). In previous years, many homeowners were reluctant to abandon their landlines because doing so, meant they would not be able to provide protection for their homes — as home security systems were dependent on landlines to communicate with local authorities in the event of a break-in. However, thanks to recent advances in smart home technology, new options are available — and by the looks of it, they’re here to stay.

Access & Control Your Home Security Remotely

This insight says a great deal about the modern world, in which people have more control over their homes than ever, in large part because of smart homes and smartphones. Recent advances in smart technology allow homeowners to remotely access and control their home security systems, door locks, thermostats, appliances, and other devices. As homes continue to increase in value, many homeowners are welcoming the wireless shift to smart homes with open arms. While technology continues to develop in other areas, home security systems and accessories are also getting smarter as well, and the smart alarm system now complements those advances.

For many, this technology finally fulfills the promise of allowing consumers to monitor, protect, and control their homes from the palm of their hands. The arrival of the remote services allows homeowners to surveil their homes themselves, which helps promote a sense of constant safety and accessibility. Smart technology homeowners have the ability to monitor their system’s arming status, remotely arm or disarm their systems, and receive email and text alerts related to security activity, all of which provides plenty of options for homeowners who expect the freedom that smart home devices provide.

As smart homes advance and grow smarter, it’s encouraging to know there are security systems that continue to evolve and deliver clever benefits of equal value.

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