How to Choose the Right Alarm Monitoring for a Home Security System

Make sure the monitoring agency monitors your alarm 24 hours per day.

Select a company that offers free or discounted installation. A company eager for ongoing monthly revenue should discount your installation or offer it for free.

Research the company's references and reputation. Good alarm-monitoring agencies should offer you references. If you know friends who have signed up with home-security monitoring services, find out the name of the company and if they like the service they receive. Finally, you can call your local sheriff's department and see who they recommend.

Ask about the training the company provides to customers. For instance, the service representative or sales representative should provide you with in-depth training. You should know how to set the alarm, disarm it, and how to enter your passcode. You should also know what to say when you answer the phone if the monitoring agency calls.

Find out about the company's infrastructure. For instance, you should ask if they have redundant monitoring capabilities. Redundant monitoring capability simply means that the company has backup monitoring facilities if their primary location loses power.

Review their certifications. For instance, security monitoring agencies should belong to the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA).

Review the company's training. Make sure the employees receive ongoing training for handling both emergencies and false alarms. Many home security monitoring companies provide home owners a standard password and a coercion password that indicates a current threat. Employees must receive training on handling standard or coercion password situations.

Make sure the fees fit your budget. For instance, installation fees range from $0 to $200. Monthly monitoring fees cost from $8 to $35. Initial purchase costs range from $500 to $1500. Try not to sacrifice features or diligence to save money upfront.