Home Security System

[Elektrishun]

Decided to test the home security system and discovered that the signal does not go through to the alarm company. Likely reason is that it's a very old analog system installed in the late 90s and is no longer compatible (yes, we still have a landline). After discussing options with the company representative it appears that our only option is to upgrade. I could've got into it with the rep about being left in the dark as to when support for our system discontinued without us knowing, but I get it - big company, small customer service, nobody cares, give me your money....

Instead I will focus my energy into deciding is it worth sticking with a company that really doesn't monitors and contacts the police?

Or install my own self-monitoring system?

Looking for feedback from anyone who has experience with one or the other.

Thank-you

 

[trlvn]

I think the highest value part of an alarm system...is the signs that say you have an alarm system. So the would-be thief goes to another house. After that, a nice loud siren.

YMMV

Craig

 

[Chicken lights]

One of our members has a cannon on his front lawn, per the "boss". Plus a large target on some plywood by a berm about 60 yards down range

Could just be a coincidence but says he's never had issues 😀

 

[slow-poke]

We had similar problems with our old alarm at the cottage, we were with Chub, useless service much like Telus.

At home we were with the monitoring centre for the last six years. Service was excellent, phone they answered right away. We have never had a break in 40+ years but a few years ago sump pump float activator got hung up and they called while we were out of town re high water in sump. Got there in time.

Cost (initially) was excellent compared to everyone else, $100 year, then after five years jumped to $200, then slightly later they sold to Telus. Service went from 10/10 to 1/10 this time the sump pump actually failed. We were home and I just gave the motor a little rap and it emptied the water, so either the switch is wonky or the motor brushes?

I had a new sump pump waiting, so swapped in the next day, but this is what happened with Telus......

Automated message saying there is an alarm at our house (non specific), press 1 for details, pressed 1 and it hung up. Tried calling the number, recorded message this number is for outgoing calls only, hangs up.

Now I'm thinking what if I was out if town?

So I look up the Telus alarm number and after listening to countless stupid recorded messages about Canada post and every other nonsensical thing and ten minutes of press this and press that I finally get a response from someone in the Philippines.
The lady knows there was an alarm but has no clue what alarm, even after escalating to the tech people another 20 minutes. End result we have no idea what input initiated the alarm. Three days later get a email from Telus stating that there is a problem with the alarm and Telus takes no responsibility going forward if another problem occurs and they will not be liable for any issues with our insurance company.

Obviously we need to change companies. I just don't understand the egregious attitude of companies like Telus. The oligopolistic market in Canada needs to change. No more direct dealing with monitoring centres. From what I can tell there are only three in Ontario and they all require you to deal with a middleman alarm company that basically does nothing and charges an extra $20-30 a month on top of the monitoring center fees.

.

I'm all ears for a better solution.

 

[Susquatch]

@slow-poke - Try Security One. I've been with them for 13 years and they have been like your first outfit. They are not affiliated with a phone company. Their only business is security. They have a local monitoring desk who call me any time there is a problem - even when the system is disarmed. I'm not sure if they service the Ottawa area.

They charge me $50.83 a month which includes HST. That is less than the associated insurance discount so it's a no brainer.