Stand-Alone
Alarm System Monitoring
The second alarm system monitoring option to consider is the stand-alone option. This is when your DIY security system is not connected to a central monitoring station.
It operates independently and sends emergency notifications to a pre-programmed list of contacts via the broadband Internet, the mobile network, and/or a land line.Of the
three home security monitoring options
available, stand-alone monitoring is the least expensive (usually at zero cost to you). It’s also referred to as self-monitoring. (Click here for a more detailed look at the first and third monitoring options). © abdone | istockphoto
Stand-alone, self-monitored alarm systems can save you money in the following ways:
Hidden Alarm System Costs - There may be hidden costs associated with signing up for an alarm company’s monitoring service. These costs usually show up on the final bill. Depending on the company you’re dealing with, they may be the following: © gchutka | istockphoto - Connecting to the central station
- Activating the connection
- Maintaining the connection
- Canceling your connection
With stand-alone alarm system monitoring, there is no connection to a central station and therefore are no hidden costs. There are no surprises.
Monthly Monitoring Fees - This is the obvious one. This is the reason why many people are opting for DIY home security systems and stand-alone monitoring. The savings can run anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars a year. These are big savings. Once again, no connection to a central monitoring station means no monthly monitoring fees. © Photo_HamsterMan | istockphoto
The Advantages - Stand-alone alarm system monitoring offers certain advantages over other monitoring services and options. 1. The control of the home security monitoring system remains in the hands of the owner. 2. There are no contacts to sign. You will not be locked in to a one-to-three year contract as with a monitoring service.3. The flexibility to upgrade your connection. In most situations, you can add a better-developed component at any time. © esp_imaging | istockphoto These changes are not always possible when your home security system is monitored by a central station.
The Disadvantages - For some people the disadvantage is that the monitoring is (after all) stand-alone. They question its effectiveness. What happens if there is a break-in or an emergency, and they miss the alarm system’s email, call, or text message? Don’t forget that aside from yourself, you can also choose the people closest to your home to by notified at the same time. If you’re unable to respond, the can check your home for you. © Hofmeester | istockphoto If you think about it, in the event of a problem, the central station will call you first. If you don’t respond (or give them the correct password), they will then notify the local police to dispatch officers to the home. By this time, whoever broke into the house is long gone.
Stand-alone self-monitored alarm systems can save you money and provide reliable protection for your home.
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