Installing an alarm system will enhance your protection, but there are several options to choose from, and different methods operate in different ways. One issue is whether you want an alarm system that has a monitored security system or if you wish to an unmonitored process.
Regardless of your choice between a monitored or unmonitored way, both will provide better protection than having no alarm system at all. However, there is a significant difference between the level of protection provided. In this post, we are going to explain some of the differences between monitored and unmonitored security systems.
What’s the Difference Monitored Security System Vs. Non Monitored Security Systems?
The basic difference between these two options is that a monitored system connects to a safety monitoring center through some type of communication channel; it could be landline telephone, home internet, cellular communication, or any combination of the three.
Both types of systems will have some of the same components. Whether your system is monitored or not, it is going to have a control panel and security devices for homes like door contacts, motion detectors, fire alarms, and cameras.
When considering different types of alarm systems, you can also choose different levels of monitoring. You have fully monitored ways, self-monitoring, and methods that are completely unmonitored.
- Monitored Systems: These systems connect to a monitoring center. When the system is armed, it will send signals to the monitoring professionals and they can take various actions depending on the circumstances.
- Self-Monitoring: Newer smart alarm now has self-monitoring features. You can find these features with systems that have monitoring plans and those that do not. With this, the alarm system connects to the internet, and the user can monitor the system from a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Most systems also have alerts that can be set up to send notifications for different events.
- Unmonitored Systems: An unmonitored security system may have some of the same components as systems that have monitoring plans or self-monitoring features, but it is essentially just a noise machine. When the system is armed, it will trigger a siren if one of the devices is tripped.
Contacting Emergency Services
If your home experiences a break-in, fire, or any other protection/safety event, you want to know that the correct emergency service personnel are going to be dispatched to the scene. Depending on the type of home alarm services you have, you will experience different results in this regard.
With a system that has a monitoring plan, the safety professionals at the monitoring station will receive a signal from your panel. Depending on the circumstances, they have different protocols they may follow. For some alarm events, they might just go straight to calling for emergency services. In other events, they might try to call the phone number associated with the account, and if they receive no answer, then they move on to calling for emergency services.
With a self-monitored security system, the panel will send an alert to your phone. If you have a monitoring plan as well as self-monitoring features, you can still rely on the response of the professionals at the monitoring center. If your system is just self-monitored, you have to make the necessary calls yourself.
As I mentioned before, an unmonitored system is just going to make noise. The hope is that this will scare criminals off or that it will draw enough attention from neighbors. If you are not at home, you have to hope that a neighbor hears the alarm and decides to call the police.
Cost & Obligations
The one advantage to having an unmonitored system is that you don’t have to pay for a monitoring plan. Many homeowners do not want to commit to a monitoring contract and pay the monthly fees. For these people, an unmonitored system may be more attractive.
One thing to consider is alarm companies that offer no obligation monitoring plans. With this option, you can pay for monitoring on a month-to-month basis without having to sign a contract. You should also compare the cost of monitoring plans. The monthly fees can vary significantly from one provider to the next, so it is a good idea to shop with a few different companies.
Monitored Security System from Cornerstone Protection
Cornerstone Protection offers one of the best plans for monitored security systems for business in Kentucky. Our smart home automation and alarm systems can connect through home internet or over a cellular module and our systems have self-monitoring features that can send alerts to your phone and allow you to manage and monitor the system from your smart device.
With our monitoring service, your alarm system is connected to a network of three monitoring stations. Each station is UL certified for intrusion and fire monitoring and each station has a backup generator. This system guarantees that when your alarm panel sends a signal, there is always a professional ready to respond.
We also pride ourselves on providing a DIY monitored security system that is affordable and flexible. With Cornerstone Protection, you get low-cost monitoring options and we will not ask you to sign a long-term contract. Contact us today to learn more about your alarm system options and the monitored security system we offer.
