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Big Name Home Security Gimmicks

March 8, 2019|fsstechnologies

We talk about choosing between a national home security company and a local company, DIY Security systems’ weaknesses, and video doorbells. Choosing a security system can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you and your family’s security is at stake. So how do you choose a home security system?

Do Your Homework

It’s critical to do your homework when considering purchasing a home security system. While the current technology is advanced, it’s not as easy as pushing a button, and suddenly a magic web of protection appears.

Check your home security products to ensure they are certified by OSHA’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) program. Research any company you will do business with thoroughly across multiple reputation and review sites.

It is also vital to find a company that offers everything you require or want to secure your house. For example, not every company provides the type of security cameras you may need to secure your home. Maybe due to weak internet service, you need something that allows you to control the video resolution, or the camera can’t be wireless. Make sure to find a company that will suit your needs and will work best for you.

What’s The Catch?

National companies’ costs can quickly escalate beyond what you originally intended to pay.

A six-month-long investigation by CBS news in Chicago revealed hundreds of homeowners who have complained about gimmicky tactics and misleading information from an ADT home security reseller. Essentially they are overselling products. One technician from the company said his boss sold a client about $12,000 in equipment when they could meet their needs with $3,000 of equipment. The story is an important one to watch.

Why Choose Local

The truth is that home security technology today can be complicated. Signal transmission alone is one of the most difficult to understand yet critical features of any home security system for most homeowners. How do you make sure all the components of your system are communicating reliably based on the unique location and features of the space you are trying to protect?

Suppose the elements of your security system can’t communicate with one another. In that case, the system will ultimately be useless, and you’ll end up smashing it with a hammer, like a homeowner in Chicago did.

Trust the Team at FSS Technologies

If you have any questions about the different home security options available, our specialists are someone you can trust and are happy to help you figure out what works best for your situation.

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