Julia just moved into what’s considered a nice neighborhood--good schools, leafy green avenues, low crime rate.
The only thing missing are the white picket fences and friendly milkman to complete a Norman Rockwell picture of Americana.
Yet Gina Williams, from four doors down, was recently burgled.
And so was Gabriel Washington, on the next street over.
Luckily, Julia’s home has a built-in security system, which she thought was kind of overly cautious at purchase time, but is now super-grateful for. However, there’s one small catch.
It doesn’t have a monitoring service.
What now?
The Importance of Alarm Monitoring For Your Home Security System
The above is just one of the scenarios in which you might want to add alarm monitoring to an existing system.
Other reasons could include:
- wanting to convert an existing system to smarter tech
- dissatisfaction with the existing service
- or even just wanting to add more devices (which a professionally monitored system can cover more efficiently)
In any case, the following guidelines can offer some help into your decision-making process.
How do you choose a monitoring service for my alarm system?
If you’re like Julia and have an existing system that needs to be monitored, there are various options available to you.
Before even beginning to shop around, though, there are some things you should ask yourself and steps to take:
- Exactly what system do you have? Take a walk around your house and check the equipment, jotting down the brand and model names, as well as the screen and button layout. If it’s older than ten years old, it’s best to scrap it and look into a new home security system.
- Find out which companies can activate your existing equipment. This should be relatively easy to do with a quick Google search. Companies such as GE, Honeywell, and 2GIG (among others) manufacture equipment that is usually compatible with a large amount of monitoring services.
- Decide if you want a smart home, with all the accompanying bells and whistles. Remote-activated thermostats, locks, speakers, lights, and tvs. Some older equipment can’t adequately accommodate these features, so if this is a priority for you, it’s best to check with the manufacturer before you get your hopes up.
If, on the other hand, you are purchasing completely new home security equipment, it’s important to follow some simple steps and ask yourself some questions:
- How big is your home?
- How many windows and doors?
- Which should have sensors?
- Do you only want to monitor the possible entry points to your home?
- Do you want to include extra sensors, for flooding and carbon dioxide, for instance?
- If you’re installing a new system, would you rather it be wireless and connected through WiFi, or wired?
- Do you want to receive text alerts?
- How important is an easy-to-navigate app to you?
- Are you thinking of making your house a smart home, with automated locks and remote temperature regulating?
- Are you okay with signing a two to three-year contract, which is fairly standard in home security, or would you prefer to pay as you go?
- And most importantly, what does your budget look like?
- How much can you afford to pay on a monthly basis?
Put On Your Detective Hat
Once you’ve answered all those questions, and have a clearer picture of the type of monitoring service you’re looking for, it’s time to do some research.
Whether you’ve already looked into which companies can activate your existing equipment, or are installing completely new equipment, it’s important to consider the total cost of your home security monitoring.
Ask about monthly fees, activation costs, and whether you’re willing to commit to a standard multiple-year contract.
Remember that adding alarm monitoring to an existing system, even if you’re adding some new equipment, is likely to be much less expensive than purchasing and installing completely new home security.
When researching different monitoring services for existing systems, there are basically three choices: either re-activating the original serving provider, going with a third-party alarm company in a takeover of your existing system or simply to convert to DIY monitoring (by far the most difficult to execute option with an existing system).
Should you choose to re-activate with the original provider, the odds are in your favor.
They already know your system with an unparalleled degree of familiarity, and can usually install new components easily and quickly.
Which Companies Activate Existing Systems?
This second option can work out to your advantage if the original service provider’s plans and features don’t fit your needs and wants.
Though not all alarm monitoring services can take over existing systems, there are many top-rated companies that do.
For instance, Vivint, XFinity, ADT, LiveWatch, Link Interactive, and SimpliSafe all activate existing home security equipment.
Prices between each company vary, but monthly fees average between $30 and $50, depending on the company.
Let's talk about each one.
XFinity
One small disadvantage to this company is that it only services select regions.
Though they advertise being able to take over existing systems, make sure that it can do so with yours--if it isn’t compatible, they may need to install a completely new system.
The company offers 24/7 professional monitoring, as well as a proprietary app for homeowners looking for an added measure of control, and the possibility of upgrading an existing system to include automation technology.
Vivint
Though it’s monthly price tag is slightly higher than its competitors, the company makes up for it with its exceptional customer satisfaction.
Specializing in smart homes, Vivint is compatible with Google Home, Amazon Echo, Nest Thermostat, Element Thermostat, Philips Hue, and its own smart-home app.
This is an excellent choice for people looking to upgrade their home, incorporating technology like smart locks, camera, and CO detectors.
ADT
Apart from being one of the most immediately recognizable names in home security, ADT has parlayed its over 140 years of solid experience into reliable service.
The company hasn’t been slow to embrace new technology, featuring home automation, cameras, and fire and other home safety measures.
LiveWatch
Now known as Brinks Home Security, this company has a considerable amount of experience in transitioning existing systems and adding alarm monitoring.
With their own equipment, Brinks pre-configures the equipment, leaving the small tasks of plugging in and activation up to the homeowner.
Usually, Brinks employs a two-prong approach to security, combining indoor motion sensors with securing outside doors, but can incorporate an existing system’s shortfalls, when necessary.
Simplisafe
This is a top-rated system with excellent service ratings. If your new home came with a relatively new version of these systems already installed, count your blessings.
Just call the company, read them the serial number at the bottom of the base, and a representative will walk you through the process.
Prices start as low as $24.99 for the interactive package.
Link Interactive
Link Interactive offers a handy form with steps to follow in order to determine the correct technology and monitoring plan for your existing equipment.
However, consumers should be aware that some components may not be compatible--these can include video cameras, smoke detectors, CO detectors, and sirens--so conversion is not recommended for systems with less than seven sensors, or more than ten years old.
Converting to DIY Self-Monitoring
While definitely among the available options, converting an existing system to DIY is by far the most difficult proposition.
The reason for this is that most control panels will have to be essentially hacked in order to program them to send alerts and messages to the homeowner’s cell phone, via third-party platforms.
This process usually requires a fair bit of coding knowledge, as well.
In any case, it’s not for the faint-hearted, or technologically-challenged.
Well, I’ve Narrowed It Down, Now What?
Once you’ve picked the service that’s best for you, after evaluating all your options, the final step is giving the company a call.
It’s always a good idea to obtain quotes from a minimum of three different companies, though, and make absolutely sure that you’re getting the best deal for your budget and your needs.
If you’d like to read some more about different home security options, feel free to check out how we rated and evaluated a large variety of companies and systems.