In the last edition of the Frontpoint Experience, we took a look some items from the home security category from the Consumers Electronics Show 2015. One of them was the Netatmo Welcome, another addition to the growing self-monitored security system market.
It’s not hard to see why self-monitored systems have increased in popularity: they’re all-inclusive security systems, they feature cool technology and they have some awesome designs. We’re huge fans of these devices – after all, protecting your home and belongings is what matters the most.
However, there are key differences that separate self-monitored systems from traditional ones that are professionally monitored (like Frontpoint’s), ones that may be hard to ignore.
What is Self-Monitoring
Self-monitored systems serve the same purpose as those with professional monitoring: sounding the alarm, alerting you of issues and protecting your home. But when it comes to giving you peace of mind, a big question comes to the forefront.
Can an alarm system that requires you to monitor it yourself give you complete peace of mind?
As the name implies, self-monitored systems require the user to do all the monitoring. And this can turn out to be a big problem, especially when it’s alerting you to something as serious as a break-in or a fire. When the alarm goes off, you’ll get a notification, but you’re the one that has to make the call to the proper authorities. If you miss the notification for whatever reason – misplaced phone, watching a movie, sleeping, etc. – you’re out of luck. But this potentially costly mistake won’t happen with professional monitoring.
Role of the Monitoring Center
With professional monitoring, you get the services of an alarm monitoring center, a team that focuses on watching your system’s activity and status. When the alarm is triggered, they contact you almost immediately to verify the situation. If you don’t answer, they’ll immediately contact the authorities to make sure help is on the way as quickly as possible.
Essentially, the monitoring center acts as your home security’s middleman, maintaining a constant connection between your alarm system and the authorities. You don’t have to worry about missing a notification; you can sit back and enjoy your movie.
Why Professional Monitoring Matters
Home alarm systems that are protected by professional monitoring offer a level of security that can’t be matched by self-monitored systems. We’ll watch over your home 24/7 so you don’t have to, and that’s what home security is all about – having peace of mind.