I think if you research them, you'll find ADT has a lot of horror stories from people trying to terminate contracts.

We have Guardian and could not be happier. Also about $35/mo but excellent service.

I thought about home security without monitoring...but I am single, travel alot and if it goes off while I am away..then what? I like the idea of a local security firm (hoping they have longevity) and have heard nightmare stories on ADT ripping off people (there is a website dedicated to it!).

Comcast/Xfinity is about $10-15/month.

Same here. :cool:

We had ADT about 16 years ago after our house was broken into. They outsourced the support staff to Mexico and it was very difficult to communicate when the alarm went off. We had the wireless system and it was reliable but we had too many false alarms and got rid of it when the contract (2 years, I think) was up.

Not ADT, but Protection One. Pay about $20/month for monitoring. We get a homeowner's policy discount, but it does require monitoring - and we had to provide proof of the service.

Same here, Protection One monitoring with a GE system. Very happy thus far. There is some trivial savings on insurance.

PM if you need a contact at ADT. I worked there for a number of years. They go to market thru 2 primary channels. Dealer network and Corporate. You receive the same service/monitoring but your upfront fees vary. Your hardware choices will also be different.

Its worth spending some time with an expert in their service. Smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, and burglar are all areas that you want to understand. its also important to understand the pro's and cons of wireless systems. There are also numerous keypad manufacturers with endless bells and whistles.

The monitoring is truly second to none. I have been in a number of different monitoring facilities, it makes a difference if something goes sideways.

Personally a system is worth its weight in gold simply for the fire/smoke protection.

As for the " Ive got a big dog " theory. A motivated burgler is more than happy to kill that big dog. I dont have the heart to sacrifice my dog. Course i just spent a small fortune at the vet so some would say i am a sucker.

Years ago, my cousin's house was burglarized. His pitbull was killed and lots of stuff, including a number of firearms stolen...no trace of the perps

These days an alarm system should be about protecting you whilst you are at home. I couldn't give a rats what they do when I'm not there...it's insured. Perimeter protection is a must with a bit of space protection. Set it up so you can sleep with it on.

Putting the alarm on when you leave is about knowing that the house is empty when you return.

Been in the biz for 20 odd years now. Know what your saying, but still better when you're there. At least if you're in a deep sleep and woken by the alarm it gives you time to grab for the gun instead of having some mofo at the end of the bed pointing one at you..

We put the alarm on when gone and when sleeping. When the alarm isn't active, the system still chimes every zone as something opens.

Xactly. I hate it when my wife forgets to set it. I can't get comfortable till I've walked the house.

Maybe I'm slightly paranoid but we've been robbed before so I have an excuse.

ADT yes for many years. No complaints. I wonder though if just having the signs and window decals in place would deter most would be vandals? Folks with more evil intent not so much.

Same here. I used ADT for years and never had any issues but when their prices went up TWICE I dropped it and just depend on the alarm and siren. Theres a house 10 foot away from the siren and they will come out if the noise stays on too long...

Its armed anytime I am not at home and all night long.

No service here. We employ the Stomachmonkey program. One mastiff (a, mutt and a retriever).

Our system:

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