Test Signals—We want your system to operate correctly!

For most ADS customers, an essential component of your alarm system is monitoring. Monitoring is what gets you help in the event of an emergency. Monitoring works by communicating (typically through the phone) with ADS’ Monitoring Station.

Your monitored alarm system can and should be programmed to send a test signal to Alarm Detection Systems’ central station at least once per-month (though the requirements vary depending on the nature of the system and jurisdictional requirements). The test signal confirms that the line-of-communication between your alarm and ADS is intact and functioning. It does not test the operation of your alarm devices such as keypads, door/window contacts, smoke detectors or sirens.

During the test, the alarm panel contacts the Monitoring Station through the phone line or other method of communication. The test is silent and does not require any action from the owner. Often, the test is programmed for the middle of the night so as to not disrupt the phone line during the day. At the scheduled time, ADS looks for a successful receipt of the test signal. If no signal is received or if the signal is late, it may show that there is a problem with your alarm system. In this event, we will contact you to remedy the communication issue.

Why might an alarm system fail to communicate properly? Sometimes, a homeowner (or previous homeowner) cancels the phone line that the alarm system needs for communication. Another reason can be a switch from a landline to a cable supplier who uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Finally, equipment or line failure may be the cause of lack of communication.

Even if you do not use your burglar alarm (yes, we know this happens), you need functioning communication lines for your fire alarm to work properly. Often, people do not realize this.

If you do not know whether your ADS monitored alarm system is sending test signals, you should call Alarm Detection Systems at 630-299-1131. Within a few minutes, we can check our systems to determine if your alarm has been sending a regular test signal.

If your ADS system is not communicating properly, the problem can often be fixed by programming or connecting a phone line, which is relatively easy to do. Under most circumstances, we do not charge to program your alarm or take simple steps to restore a solid connection between move the monitoring to a different phone line.

Please contact us to verify your test signals! A regular test signal is an important diagnostic test for your alarm system. We want your alarm system to function properly!

Increasing home value with an alarm system (Part 2)

Many readers come to this blog interested in a post from a couple of months ago, which discussed the idea that a home alarm system can increase a house's value. In that post, I pointed out a few articles that say that a home alarm can increase you're house's value. The premise is simple: Many people want an alarm system and having one can add value to your home and make it more attractive to prospective buyers. However, the cited articles and previous blog post stopped short of a key detail in increasing home value with an alarm.

In order to increase your home's value with an alarm, you must buy a quality system and have it installed in a professional manner. Otherwise, the alarm system that you install will not last or be an attractive feature at your house.

What distinguishes a quality alarm system?

1. Quality components vs. Cheap components--It can be difficult for a consumer to determine the quality of the components of an alarm system. However, you should look for a few things. First, the alarm components should be UL Listed. Next, even if you don't want to have your system monitored, it should be capable of communicating with a central monitoring station. You may change your mind and want to have the alarm monitored or the next home owner may want to have the alarm monitored. Third, the alarm panel and components should be capable of "supervision", which means that they can self-report operation issues. Finally, the alarm should be fully-programmable and capable of expansion.
2. Custom designed alarm vs. one-size-fits-all--An alarm professional can design a system that takes into account your needs and budget. Different house layouts, house construction, family budgets, safety concerns, and family make-up require that an alarm system be tailored to fit. A one-size-fits-all alarm can be a recipe for headaches due to poor quality and ill-fit if there is no abilitiy to customize the alarm.
3. Professional Installation vs. Unprofessional Installation--For many people and businesses(including Alarm Detection Systems) a neat, professional installation is important. Wires that are run poorly look sloppy. Equipment that is not mounted square and level is distracting and can ruin appearance. These finer details are important when you want an alarm that improves the value and appearance of your house.

At ADS we pride ourselves on professional and quality alarm systems. Do not assume, though, that we're more expensive than the cheap alarms offered at big box stores. Often, we're not, especially when you consider the value of a quality alarm system over the long-term. A free security evaluation is available from one of our professionals. Simply call 630-844-6300 or go here http://www.adsalarm.com/switch_ads/ScheduleEvaluation.aspx