Question: Hi, we live in Toronto, Canada and we are considering to install a
home monitoring security system. In the market, there are ADT, Sears,
AlarmForce etc., any recommandation? Do you need the home security
system wireless?
Answer:In general, Sears has contracts with other companies in the area. Their service
may be ADT or one of the others, but their pricing may be different (better or
worse).
ADT and Protection One are reputable [inter]national companies. There is likely
one or more local companies also, with local (instead of national) monitoring
stations.
Invite 4 or 5 to your home to give the sales pitch. DO NOT sign any contracts
on the first round -- hear them all first, regardless of any "one-time-only"
specials. Decide what equipment (brand name, features), installation (wired,
wireless, hybrid), price (equipment and monitoring), and contract terms suit
you.
Note that initial monitoring contract terms are usually higher because you also
pay for some of the "free" equipment and sales commissions for the first 2 or 3
years. After that, you can likely switch monitoring contracts without
installing new equipment (unless some firms have proprietary equipment).
For reference, I contracted 7 years ago with a local company with local
monitoring for an installation of First Alert equipment (combo wired and
wireless). I now have a monitoring contract with Protection One.
