Hey folks...

I'm thinking about having a security system installed that goes through ADT. It would involve each lower floor door and each window (for a total of 8 points). I'd get this system free but, the catch is that I have to sign up for 3 years of monitoring.

IS THIS WORTH IT TO ME?

It's a pretty nice verbal activated GE type of system. Thoughts?

RP

 

I bowl with 2 guys that work for ADT. The 4th guy on the team doesn't work for 'em, but is switching from his crappy company to ADT. All in all, they seem like a decent company as long as the installer is good. They have union issues and cost cutting has been going on BIG TIME the last year or to. Why? ADT is owned by Tyco (CEO scandals baby!). I can't speak on their response time... but like the rest of the monitoring/alarm companies it can vary...

How much a month? And do you have adequate deterrants around your home now? Like motion sensing lights, prickly bushes under the large windows (that people can crawl through), electronic smoke alarms, fire estinguishers, etc...

I'd save my money and get the stuff that would really help me out in case of an emergency. Live in a high crime area? Travel alot? Do you really need it?

Food for thought...

EDIT: oh yeah, make sure they use ADT recommended 16ga wiring and not that inferior 18ga wire!!

 

RP,

I use CPI, neighbor next door has ADT. We've both been happy with each company.

I have several features that are worth having:

Smoke alarms connected to CPI
Glass break sound detectors
Motion detectors
voice activated emergency buttons

The smoke alarms work with CPI therefore if a fire starts while I'm away from home, the alarm system notifies fire and police depts.
Glass break for those tricky crooks that don't bother to pry open a door or window to break the sensor.
Motion detectors are the only thing I don't bother with using much. Too sensitive to reflections, animals, etc. Mine is set to bypass the motion detectors most of the time.
Voice activated emergency buttons: no more dialing a phone and waiting for an answer, then explaining the problem and giving directions. If you are giving CPR, treating a wound, whatever... just press one button, the CPI operator answers immediately and does all the work for you, dials police, ambulance, etc and gives directions, while keeping an open line with you over the speaker system. We have two receivers/speakers/keypads in the house and they have been testing at normal speaking voice from anywhere in the house, including closets (5500 square feet). Works beautifully! The company requires quarterly checks which we do via telephone, then the receiver/speaker/keypad systems. I had one problem with a magnet falling off a window sash, and they were out here that day to fix it.
I think the cost is 35-40 bucks a month, but I'm not sure, I don't pay the bills around here, someone else has that duty.

John

 

My alarm system is a big dog and a big gun.

 

Do not sign a three contract. In fact dont sign a contract at all. That is one of the biggest scams, you will regret it.

 

I did the free ADT thing, 8 points, wireless panel, signed up for 3 years, after the 3 years was up, cancelled the service, everything still works (including the LOUD alarm). Im glad we did it.



Depending on what YOU want, nothing wrong with signing on the dotted line. There was no hidden fees or tricks in the contract with ADT.

 

We've had a monitored ADT system for about 8 months now and like it. We paid a couple hundred dollors to ADT for the system and the monthly monitoring but did not sign any contract. Right now it's just the window & door contacts and a motion detector, but we can add things to it.

 

I've had ADT for about 5 years and there service is great. I paid for the system, and the bill is like $25 a month or so. They can also set up the motion sensors to not be triggered by small dogs and cats. It is nice for piece of mind and comes in reall handy if you travel much.

 

 

Thank you for the response but, if you're going to make a statement of this stature, please support it with some back up and some factual information that you're aware of or have experienced. If you'll note, the majority of the folks who have responded have really given a great explanation on why they did or didn't like it.

RP

 

Thanks for the input folks.

Mike -- very good point as I recall one of my buddies in Atlanta mentioning that he had to get a permit to have his installed. Something like $25 for a permit... I'll double check that.

I'm leaning towards going with this system. I've done alot of research on this particular set up (made by GE and called the SIMON 3). From most all that I've read here and there on the internet, it looks to be a very nice system for the money. The only thing I don't like is the look of the sensors mounted above the doors as they are in plain view. The window sensors can be hidden by the 2" blinds but, those door sensors just scream "look at me... I look odd!".

I do have some 'prickly' bushes below the windows at the front of the house but, the rear is what I'm worried about most. I have a large field and windows that are easily accessible as well as a full glass rear door that would be cake to come through if someone really wanted to do such a thing.

I don't really have a problem signing 3 years for something that I know I'm going to utilize and reap the benefit of simply having the piece of mind. I do travel frequently and I can recall my wife saying that she basically freaked out one time when I was gone as she really thought she heard someone downstairs when she woke up late one night. She was so scared, in fact, that she had the phone in her hand waiting to push the last "1" for 911. That sent a message to me that maybe this might be the way to go for security and, like I mentioned, piece of mind.

So far it looks like a pretty solid show of support for ADT. Some have mentioned that their neighbors even spoke highly of it and, in my opinion, that says something. Neighbors never hesitate to gripe about something that they hate to a fellow neighbor (I know I sure don't and have experienced much of the same feeling). Hearing that they like it definately counts in my book.

I'm leaning towards doing it...


THANKS A BUNCH FOLKS! I really appreciate your opinions and supporting data.

RP

 

I worked a 911 dispatcher part time several years and have had numerous calls from ADT. Better than 90 percent of the time these were false alarms and ended up costing the residents money in fines. Most of the times the home owners would call after getting several fines and state that they were having problems with ADT and since they were locked into a contract were unable or unwilling to cancel the service. They just asked that if we were to get a call from ADT about a alarm that we ignore it.

Here is a link yiou may want to take a look at. This is off one of our local talk radio,s web site. http://adt-sucks.org/

Hope this helps.

 

 

Did it seem to be a problem with the equipment though? That's certainly not something that ADT could control.

I opted to not get a motion sensor as my 55# pooch would be setting it off all the time. Instead, I've secured each and every entry on the lower level of the home. Further, I plan on adding a keypad in the bedroom as well as some X10 devices so that I can control my interior/exterior lights. That might be a little bit down the road though.

RP

 

I think that the point has been made here that this is really a personal preference. I have been lucky enough to own my first home now for a little over a year with no problems. I would like to add an alarm system, it's just not high on my priorities right now.

HOWEVER! If I were in your shoes, I'd be all over it. It seems as though your wife has had the crap scared out of her. If she's told you about one specific time, it's probably happened a few more. I don't want to sound macho, but women like the security of having a man around. When he's not there, that security (to an extent) is gone too. Whether you or she realizes it or not, I'll bet she doesn't sleep as well when you're gone.

I think it would be well worth the investment for you to do it. Whether it be with ADT or a different company. The piece of mind alone would pay for the system in a very short time.

Think of the worst case scenario...you're out of town...and someone gains access to the house. I'll stop there. Whether they actually steal something, vandalize your possessions, or harm your wife, you'll feel guilty/stupid/responsible for the rest of your life.

Maybe it's just the Risk Manager coming out in me, but I say go for it.

:steps down, removes soap box: