Comparing Home Security Systems Can Be Tough.

My Utilities wants to give you raw data, not biased data. We want to do our very best to equip you with the facts to help you make the most educated decision on which home security system meets your needs the best.

Across the nation there are countless Home Security Systems available. As a consumer, this is excellent news for you. As technology has progressed over the years, Home Security companies have advanced their services to compete with their competition and deliver better services to consumers. The team at My Utilities understands that each person has unique needs and that the process of finding a Home Security System that actually meets your individual needs can be extremely confusing and exhausting.

We want to help you find the best system for you and your home. We would love to chat with you to help expedite the process of finding the perfect match. Visit MyUtilities.com, chat us, or give us a call at 214.420.0866. My Utilities agents are eager to help make the process of choosing a Home Security System enjoyable and bring you peace of mind as quickly as possible.

Before we get started on explaining some general facts about some of the leading Home Security Systems we wanted to share some interesting facts we discovered about Home Security Systems in the U.S..

Interesting Facts:

- Homes without security systems are up to 300% more likely to be broken into According to the Greenwich Study of Residential Security report, homes without a security system are 2.7 to 3.5 times more likely to be subject to a burglary.

- In the U.S. a home burglary occurs every 13 seconds

- 2.5 million+ home intrusions are committed each year.

- Insurance agencies can offer discounts up to 20% for homeowners insurance when a home security system is installed.

- A 2005 FBI study showed the average burglary will result in $1,725 in losses.

** The main and most essential reason to invest in a security system is to deter crime in your home. *

- According to the Electronic Security Association's "Home Safety Fast Facts" report, 9 out of 10 burglars said that if they encountered an alarm or home security system, they would not attack the home.

Thus, in addition to precautions like window locks and deadbolts on doors, a security system is a prime candidate for your home safety options

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Market Share Breakdown By Provider

ADT owns ~25% of market
Protection 1 owns ~4%
Monitronics owns ~3%
Vivint owns ~3%

Top Home Security System Pros And Cons

The following information is provided by A Secure Home. They do an excellent job dissecting the different companies and helping customers see what they would be getting with each company. We highlighted 6 different companies in alphabetical order that seem to be leading providers in the market.

2GIG/ Monitronics

• Protecting 1,000,000+ customers for 20+ years
• Free equipment installed by a pro at no charge
• Fast response through professional 24-hour monitoring
• CSAA 5-diamond certification
• Home automation: video, locks, lights, thermostat & more
• Remote home management via smartphone Peace of mind with medical monitoring

Pros

• Lifetime equipment warranty
• System can be relocated
• Offers home automation
• Interactive monitoring via alarm.com
• A- rating from the BBB

Cons:

• Not all dealers offer the same equipment – that means some sensors may not be available in your area
• Service plans vary by location
• Indirect access to customer service (which is dependent on your local dealer) can cause support issues
• The use of local resellers means your contract, terms, and pricing may vary based on location

ADT

• Remote Arm/Disarm
• Video Surveillance
• Burglary Monitoring
• Fire & Smoke Monitoring
• Garage Door Control
• Lights

Pros:

• 140 Years Old
• ADT’s Pulse is an inroad into the home automation industry (lets you control various aspects of your home via your cell phone – lights, door locks, garage doors, etc.)
• 24/7 phone and email support are available for customers -More than one monitoring station in case of an outage at one location
• Same day Installation is available
• Cellular monitoring is available but at an additional charge. - It is called CellGuard and will make your home safer from risk of intruders cutting landline or broadband line to stall communication with the monitoring stations
• $500 in theft protection A free, professional installation service for those not comfortable with the DIY (Do It Yourself) Security companies
  A+ rating from the BBB

Cons:

• Monthly warranty fee
• No DIY (Do It Yourself) or self-install option
• Spotty customer service record due to local dealers – but keep in mind that ADT is by far the largest security company in America (estimated to be 10 times the next biggest company), thus there will be a larger amount of negative reviews Relocation is not an option, but ADT does offer a “Mover’s Guarantee” which allows you to get a new System for free and you can purchase any additional hardware that is not included for 25% off. This offer is only available for 2+ year current customers and you must sign a new contract.

FrontPoint

• 100% Cellular Monitoring
• Crash & Smash Protection
• Remote Access, Thermostat, Light & Video Control
• Phone, Email & Text Alerts

Pros:

• Top 5% Angie's list customer service award. Editor's Choice.
• GE wireless hardware - camera, & mobile app options
• Best reputation in Home Security 30-day free trial then 3-year term
• Top quality monitoring, from $34.99/mo
• Excellent customer service
• Receives an “A+” from the Better Business Bureau
• DIY = lower cost (no installation fees) & more customized pre programmed equipment Supports Z-Wave (door locks, thermostats, plug-in lamps, etc.) for home automation
  Interactive services via alarm.com
• Uses General Electric (GE) monitoring equipment
• Crash and Smash Protection
• Daily Pinging to notify alarm owner if the alarm goes into a “not responding” state
• Top winner of our coveted Best Home Alarm System Awards
• Easy and free relocation
• 100% wireless and dedicated cellular monitoring 24-hours a day

Cons:

• Not available in areas without cellular reception
• No 2-way intercom
• Not licensed to work in Las Vegas, NV; Henderson, NV; and the Canadian province of Quebec, however, they chose not to sell in Las Vegas due to the city’s non-response policy
• 3 year contract

Protection 1

• Local service offices
• Live person answers the phone
• Company owned monitoring
• 90+ Branch Locations

Pros:

• A+ Rating Accredited Business BBB Rating
• High Customer Satisfaction
• Two way voice technology
• Color Touchscreen keypad is standard in all packages
• 3 year warranty
• All packages include monitored fire and carbon monoxide protection, environmental and life safety, intrusion protection and 24/7 monitoring.
• Several package options including or excluding video surveillance, energy and home automation, web & mobile control, camera integrated motion detector, 2-way voice, cellular communication.

Cons:

• No self installation options
• Very limited pricing information on their website. Quotes are built based on the customer and location
• 3 year contract
• Not all systems are cellular
• The team at My Utilities is ready to help you find the perfect match for you today.

Protect America

• Cellular, Broadband & Landline Systems
• No Activation Fees
• No Equipment Fees
• Lifetime Equipment Warranty
• Award-winning Home Security from $19.99
• Affordable yet effective equipment
• Quick setup with no installation fees
• 3-year term
• Expect to pay $19.99-$42.99/mo

Pros

• Lowest priced plan: the Copper Landline package is a low $19.99 per month
• General Electric (GE) monitoring equipment with lifetime equipment warranty
• Only company in our top three picks with free activation and no standard equipment charges
• Good customer service with live chat, phone support, videos, and forums
• Home automation available via Z-Wave
• Receives an “A” from the Better Business Bureau
• System can be easily relocated
• Affordable monthly monitoring with five different options to choose from 14 day trial period

Cons:

• Not 100% Cellular monitoring
• Reputation for aggressive sales tactics
• 3 year contract

Vivint

• Complete Home Security & Automation System
• Remote Electronic Door Locks
• Remote Video Surveillance
• Remote Thermostat, Lighting, & Appliance Control
• Highest Quality Home Security and Automation
• Up to $1500 in Free Equipment
• 4-Year Term
• Easy Online Quotes

Pros:

• Home automation options (controlling door locks, lighting, thermostat, etc.)
• Lifetime free equipment replacement, but service fees after first 120 days
• Notification if the alarm loses communication with the monitoring station
• Daily Pinging to notify alarm owner if the alarm goes into a “not responding” state
• B- BBB rating
• Offers 100% wireless communication of their alarm systems

Cons:

• "Aggressive sales tactics. Resellers will knock on your doors to sell products and are quite pushy. Phone reps will go to lengths to up sell and close a sale"
• They use varied equipment manufacturers
• Expensive monthly monitoring

Learn more about your options from an expert at MyUtilities.com or by calling in 888-554-4609.