1. Does a home alarm system really reduce my chance of being burglarized?
Yes! Studies have shown that homes with alarm systems in them are 3 to 4 times less likely of being burglarized. Burglars look for places without home alarm systems because it’s easier and they have less chance of being caught.
2. What about pets in the home; will I still be able to use my alarm system motions?
All of our home alarm systems come standard with pet friendly motions. So pets up to 35 pounds will not be detected. But it’s always a good idea that when you get an alarm system to let your pet run around in front of the motions to make sure they aren’t detected. Even when your home alarm system isn’t armed, the motion will still have a small red light show when it sees motion.
3. What if my home alarm system loses power because of a power failure?
Every home alarm system from AVS Systems, Inc. comes with a backup battery already installed. This means that during power outages the alarm system will automatically switch to the backup battery. The battery will keep your home alarm system powered for up to 24 hours, depending on how much you use the system during this time. After the main power of your home comes back on, the alarm system will begin recharging the backup battery until it is at full power again. During this time the alarm system will report that the battery is low until fully charged.
4. Does having a home alarm system really make my homeowners insurance cheaper?
Yes! Insurance companies know that you are 3 to 4 times less likely to be burglarized by having a home alarm system in your home. This means they are less likely to have to pay large insurance claims on stolen property and are willing to give significant discounts to their customers that get monitored security alarms in their homes. The level of discount depends on the coverage of the alarm system and the area you live in, for more information contact your insurance company.
5. How do Wireless Alarm Systems work?
Wireless alarm systems are fully wireless and have built-in power supplies; even if the phone, power and Internet connections are down, your Wireless Home Security System will continue to monitor and protect your property. This feature will come in handy if an intruder cuts the power and phone lines, or there is a blackout and burglars are on the prowl.
6. Why AVS over ADT?
AVS is a local company with over 30 Years experience. As a general rule, ADT representatives are merely subcontracted sales people; meaning that your contract will be sold to ADT for monitoring and collection. ADT does not have a local Pensacola office but services from a center in Mobile, AL. Their monitoring and billing departments are located in Chicago, IL or other northern cities. Unfortunately, for the homeowner, the likelihood of having the same service technician or sales representative in your home is extraordinarily small. AVS, however, has only one office and my technicians have been with me for several years.
7. What is the service contract length?
By signing a contract, you are locking in your rate. Our terms run from one to three years depending on client preference.
8. SentryNet, the monitoring station, is located in downtown Pensacola; were they monitoring all of their clients after Hurricane Ivan?
Yes. SentryNet, the UL listed central station, has a sister station in Greenville, MS. During and following Ivan or any other major disaster, communication is routed there in order to ensure that no client is ever without protection.
9. Can the Motion sensor be swapped for a glass break?
Yes.
10. I don’t have a home phone. How much extra would it be for cellular equipment/monitoring?
This has become a very common concern as cellular companies have become more competitive. Several new alarm panels come pre-equipped with cellular communication capability. The additional installation fee is $179.00 and $32.95 for monthly monitoring.
11. Does the cellular system use my minutes?
No and the monthly charge is already included in your monitoring fees.
12. Was the cellular protection system working after Ivan?
As mentioned in number 3, Communication is automatically routed to MS in the event of any disaster to prevent a lapse in client protection.
13. How does AVS’ equipment differ from ADT’s?
Aside from aesthetic differences, i.e. company name or color selection they are essentially the same. Chevy versus Ford; if you raise the hood they’re functionally identical.
14. What is the equipment warranty, i.e. parts, labor?
The equipment comes with a one year warranty, labor is 90 days. AVS offers a service plan for a low $6.95 per month covering all parts and labor 100%.
15. How are my windows protected?
Windows can be protected with contact sensors and/or glass break sensors in the room. Remember too, that 96% of all burglaries are through doors. Even when a window is used as a point of entry, in most cases the intruder will open a door to exit the home.
16. Can my garage be monitored/protected?
Yes. A simple adjustment to the entry/exit time allotment will easily allow you to leave and return through your garage.
17. Do you offer a battery backup?
Yes. A fully charged battery will continue monitoring for a full 24 hours. In the event of prolonged loss of power, such as following a hurricane, the battery should be charged or changed to prevent any disruption in the protection of your home.
18. What happens in a false alarm call?
AVS works closely with the local authorities to prevent our clients from incurring any fines due to false alarms.
19. If I have a problem with my system, how long does it take to get service?
AVS has four local service technicians who normally service all calls within one business day.
20. How difficult is it to get a real person on the phone in the event of a problem?
You always speak to a person when calling AVS. Also, should a problem arise you can always speak directly with the President of the company.
