Broken Home Security: Outdated Alarm Systems That Won't Work

Why Monitored Home Security Systems Have Stopped Working

by Arby Babaian: All About Security 1111 East 54th Street #113, Indianapolis, IN 46220             (317) 559-3500

Have you had your security system for more than three years? If you have, you may want to call your security company and test your system to make sure your alarm monitoring is working.

Are You Paying For Alarm Monitoring For Nothing?

Because of some changes in telephone and cellular technology, there are thousand of homes that are paying for a service that isn't working.

     

Home security systems are a great way to protect your home and help you sleep better at night. No doubt about it. But what if your system isn't working? Even worse, what if you think it is working, but it isn't?

Well, guess what? There are a lot of homes with old alarm systems with monitoring that aren't working.  Plenty more that won't be working in the near future and I'm going to tell you why.

Technology changes rapidly.  For the most part, that's a good thing. With alarm systems, there have been a lot of big advancements in the last 5 years.  Especially when it comes to wireless security systems and alarm monitoring in general. If you have had your system for more than 3 years, or so, you'll want to have your system inspected to make sure your alarm is doing more than making noise.

Just because your alarm is physically working doesn't mean it's communicating with your alarm monitoring company.  There are 2 main reasons why your old security system may not be working and we will go over them both.  That way, you can make the need changes, update your system, and make sure your home and family is protected. Not to mention the fact you may be paying a monthly monitoring rate for nothing!

Even though an alarm system can deter and detect an intruder, it’s important to make sure the system is fully functioning and kept up to date. There are many home that are equipped with a faulty system because of maintenance issues. We recommend a system check that is done annually to avoid a potential disaster. That goes for alarm systems and any type of video surveillance as well.

Why Upgrading Your Home Phone Affected Your Home Security

Traditional phone lines are going away. A true landline can cost $50 a month, sometimes more. Let's face it, most of us don't have a home phone anymore. Lot's of folks have gotten rid of them and use their cell phone as their primary means of communication. However, there are lots of people who have some type of landline phone in their homes. With good reason too.  If your cell phone stops working, whether its a carrier issue or of the battery is dead, having a 2nd phone at your house can come in handy. 

But just because you want the security of having a second phone for emergencies, it doesn't meany you have to pay a crazy monthly bill.  With advancements in broadband technology, there are great alternatives that are a lot more affordable.  From cable companies to big carriers like AT&T, alternative phone lines are becoming more popular options for everyone.  

Most carriers will be switching to a digital platform in the next few years. The technology for land lines isn't getting any better. Using a landline phone for your alarm monitoring is kind of like using dial up for your internet service.It's outdated!

Professional burglar can easily cut a phone line and even disable your system. Even worse, some can disable the system and put it back together so you never know they were there to set up a better opportunity later.bout Security, we don’t recommend traditional alarm systems. In fact, we avoid them if at all possible! There are many reasons your system may fail. 

If you switched from a traditional landline phone to a less expensive option, like U-Verse, or if you are using your cable company to bundle the service, your alarm system will need to be upgraded. If you haven't contacted your monitoring company and verified the system is working, it probably isn't.

There are thousands of Indianapolis families who are paying a monthly fee for a service they don’t have. Even worse, many won’t find out until their alarm is triggered. Whenever making any changes to your phone line, or even your internet, you’ll want to have your security provider test your security system and make sure it’s compatible with the changes.

Cellular Technology for Alarm Systems and the 2G Sunset

If your system is a true wireless system that is older than 3 years, you’ll also want  to have your security provider make sure your system is fully functional. This is because AT&T is discontinuing their 2G service. Most older wireless systems use this type of service, and if your security company doesn’t make the necessary changes, your alarm system wont be working either.

These are all issues that can be addressed so there isn’t anything to worry about. As long as you make the needed updates, your system will be fine.  If you aren’t sure, you can always call All About Security at (317) 559-3500 and we will be happy to help.

Before getting locked into another long term contract compare other providers to your current alarm company.  Ask the right questions, see what upgrades are available, and make sure you're getting the best value and protection for your home and family. Don't waste your money on broken home security, there's a better way!

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