Blog

Local Alarm System vs. National Home Security Company

March 5, 2018|fsstechnologies

When looking for home security, you may find yourself stuck between local alarm companies and national home security. Find out why more and more people are turning to local home security companies.

Knowledge

One of the biggest advantages of using a local company is that they will be familiar with local safety concerns, any jurisdiction regulations you need to follow, and will be able to adjust your security alarm system based on your needs.

Local companies typically offer several products, and their employees are trained to suggest the right product for your needs and budget. Local companies are more apt to utilize your existing system and retrofit it so that you can use the equipment you already have in place to save you money and provide a higher level of security at a lower cost.

Equipment

National security companies usually offer one product line that are not compatible with other systems. This means that if you have an existing system, you may be at a disadvantage and a national company could require you to completely replace it.

A local alarm system company can work with you to custom design the best system for your home and family.  They are more likely to offer multiple product lines and can make expert recommendations to find your perfect solution.  They take pride in offering a system that will benefit their customers for years to come and remaining in contact with any updates or system changes that arise over time.

Pricing and Contracts

Both local and nationwide companies require customers to sign long-term contracts. While you may be hesitant to lock in a multi-year contract with a company, you may feel more at ease when you have the opportunity for a security expert to walk through the wording with you. In fact, a contract protects both you and the security company. We explore some of the advantages of signing a contract in our blog here.

The individuals who work for local alarm firms are your friends and neighbors.  Their priority is to serve you and to keep your home or business safe. A local company is more likely to be empathetic and willing to work with you on your contract and pricing, as well as have more flexible customer service if you need to renegotiate.

Response Time

National firms can have one technician that will service an entire region or a general customer service line that can get busy with many customers.  If you have a problem and need someone to come to your home, you will have to try and squeeze yourself into their already packed schedule. Finally, once a technician does show up, those service techs likely aren’t familiar with your area, and you’ll find yourself on the phone talking them through directions and delaying your service.

Local security companies are near you and can reach you quickly and easily.  They have multiple service technicians and can usually get you scheduled within 48 hours. Because they are close, they can make emergency calls if need be and will already be familiar with the area itself.
 
We love our local customers, and we guarantee that when you call FSS Technologies, you will speak to a real person. Schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable service providers today.
 

Contact a Security Expert Today

Explore Our Other Blogs

Hero-RingDoorbell-min

Ring Doorbell Cons

Video doorbells are a great addition to home security, and Ring is the popular choice for many who prefer wireless security. Although there are some pros to the Ring Doorbell, it has some cons you should be aware of before purchasing from Ring.   Monthly Fee for Storage The cheapest Ring doorbell is $59.99, with…

Continue reading
Hero-fireclass-min

What Are the 5 Classes of Fires?

While it can be hard to tell the difference at first glance, different types of fires occur based on the materials that fuel them. Just as you wouldn’t try to put out a grease fire with water, specific ways to extinguish each fire class exist and depend on what sustains it. Some atypical classes of…

Continue reading
3-types-of-lighting-hero-min

3 Types of Security Lights

Your security system is only useful if you can see what is going on when you can’t be there. This also means that when it gets dark, your cameras need to be able to capture the image clearly. To do this past dusk will require that you set up security lighting. Additionally, check out the…

Continue reading
monitored-security-system-Hero

Monitored vs. Unmonitored Security Systems

If you’re thinking about installing a security system, you may be wondering if monitoring is a necessary feature. While an unmonitored system is better than nothing at all, there are some critical things you should consider before making a decision. The Benefits of Monitoring  The noise and commotion caused by the sirens and lights associated…

Continue reading
FSS_safest-in-chicago_hero

Choosing a Safe Neighborhood in Chicago

There are a lot of great places to live in Chicago. From the historic vibe of Printers Row to the ultra-stylish River North, there are neighborhoods to fit every personality. But are they safe?   It turns out, many of them are. According to Niche.com—which ranks neighborhoods based on crime, schools, cost of living, etc.—the short commuting…

Continue reading
selfmonitoring-vs-monitoringcosts-hero

The Cost of Professional Security Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring

We recently talked about the various codes required for your security and fire protection systems. We also talked about why monitoring is vital as part of a business’ fire safety system—mainly because the code may require it.   This blog will address the pros and cons of self-monitoring your business’ entire alarm system versus the cost of professional security monitoring.  First, what is the difference between the two? Professional vs. Self …

Continue reading
Heroalarmbeeping-min

The Top 5 Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Is Beeping

Do you hear a faint chirping noise coming from the back hallway or the basement? Don’t ignore it. It might be your smoke detector. Smoke detectors are designed to chirp or beep when they need servicing. Common Reasons for Smoke Alarm to Beep When the battery in your smoke alarm is starting to get weak,…

Continue reading
206516~1

Can You Get in Trouble for Breaking into Your Own House?

Is it legal for you to break into your own house?

Continue reading
monitoring-apartment-hero-min

Can I Install a Security System with Monitoring in my Apartment?

The most recent FBI data estimates that there are over 1.2 million burglaries a year, resulting in around $3.4 billion in property loss. Although property crime as a whole has been on the decline, the rise in popularity of video doorbells and more comprehensive and integrated home security systems shows that Americans are no less…

Continue reading
Hero-smoke

Winter Fire and Security System Maintenance Tips

Winter weather often comes with operational headaches and hazards for business owners. Long periods of cold temperatures and snowfall can impact companies in different ways, from reducing foot traffic to extending process timelines. One of the most noticeable impacts is an uptick in fire safety and security device issues, especially if you have yet to…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us