home security systems phoenix
The new base station integrates a 802. 11n 2. 4GHz Wi Fi radio, adding another layer of connectivity with SimpliSafe's monitoring service. The Wi Fi is a boon for those living in rural areas who wouldn't be able to use the monitoring service because of
patchy cellular coverage. If you're concerned about IoT threats, you don't have to connect SimpliSafe to
your Wi Fi network, the monitoring works just fine without it, though you won't receive firmware updates. Inside the base, there's a siren, a backup battery the company claims will last up to 24 hours, and a SIM card for cellular communication. The entry sensors are also redesigned, and are much smaller about half the length they were before, squarer, and modern looking. They're powered by inexpensive, user replaceable CR2032 coin cells that should last an average of five years, and the system will warn you when they need to be replaced. Installation requires no wiring or drilling; I simply pulled off the battery activation strips, peeled the backing on the 3M Command like strips, and adhered each component after naming and pairing it with the system more on that below. Components are easy to move around without damaging your walls, and you can take the system with you to your next home, which is a welcome feature. The keypad, also available in black or white and powered by four standard AA batteries, sees the biggest design improvement, with a 2.
If you don’t buy the equipment outright, Vivint requires either a four or five year contract — a long time to commit, especially given that you only have three days from the date of install to cancel. Afterwards, you’ll have to pay out the remainder of your contract. If you may be moving in the near future, it’ll cost you $99 to take the system with you. You could alternatively renew your contract, but then you’d be locked in for even longer. Vivint will waive any cancellation fees for extenuating circumstances like death, military circumstances, bankruptcy, or a move to assisted living. Still, it’s best to be intentional if you decide on Vivint. ADT doesn’t have the strongest customer service reputation among the companies we considered, racking up more than 3,000 complaints on its Better Business Bureau page. While we chalked most of this up to the fact that ADT has several million more customers than its competitors, our tester began his call with low expectations. He was pleasantly surprised, saying, “My needs drove the conversation. And once I finally had the quote, he explained the purpose behind each device I was receiving and what the installation might entail. He took extra time to help me weigh whether I needed home automation or not — and I’m almost positive it wasn’t scripted.