Will My Home Alarm Work Without Monitoring?

The home security industry has long presented consumers with a straightforward two-part package: the equipment to monitor their property and 24/7 professional monitoring. The equipment typically incurs a one-time upfront expense, varying from affordable to pricey depending on the chosen company and the number of devices integrated into the smart home security solution. The monitoring cost, on the other hand, often proves to be a point of confusion for consumers. Nevertheless, a monthly charge ensures the presence of trusted professionals when needed the most. That being said, despite the reliance on professional monitoring, the answer to the question "Will my home alarm work without professional monitoring?" is yes.

Why Do Customers Stop Paying for Monitoring?

Inflation reportedly peaked in 2022, which has customers reevaluating what they are willing to spend or budget for their monthly expenses. Understanding why customers cease payment for monitoring involves considerations of extremely enticing introductory rates that some companies offer. These rates are almost always initially extremely inexpensive but are structured to increase over time. As a result, this frequently prompts consumers to choose not to continue with the monitoring component of their home security system when their contract expires because they feel they can simply no longer afford it.

In many cases, when customers call to cancel the service, they will still owe any remaining balance on the equipment, which is theirs to keep. However, not all of the equipment will work without professional monitoring. Once the service has been canceled, the home security equipment often displays an error message. In some cases, the keypad may beep every 30 seconds or every minute. To stop this beeping, customers often have to unplug the panel and remove the batteries, making it essentially useless. This is not advised because without the security panel, your alarm system will not be connected to itself, nor can it protect your home.

Will Home Alarm Work Without Monitoring?

A home security system could potentially continue to work without monitoring, depending on the security company you have chosen. However, not all equipment functions without professional monitoring. Once the monitoring service is terminated, the home security equipment may display an error message, with keypads beeping intermittently. To halt this beeping, customers may resort to unplugging the panel and removing the batteries. However, self-monitored systems are unable to dispatch first responders in an emergency, which raises concerns about their effectiveness in situations where immediate action is crucial. In contrast, a professionally monitored home security system provides a reliable monitoring service that can dispatch first responders in case of an emergency, even if you’re away from home and unable to receive an alert of a break-in. This ensures that your home is always protected, and you can have peace of mind knowing that your home security system is being monitored by professionals.

Keep in mind, too, that the police in many states charge homeowners a fee for false alarms. The first time the alarm goes off, many homeowners are paranoid and want the police to be sent to their home. However, after a few false alarms, many homeowners prefer that the police aren’t automatically sent to their home. With the proper security services and equipment, you can rely on 24/7 monitoring to alert you and the proper authorities to potential dangers or threats to your home to avoid a “boy who cried wolf,” scenario. That way, you can enjoy your peace of mind without having to frequently check on your home for any potential danger.

Self-Monitoring Checklist 

Examining the upsides and downsides of having a home alarm without monitoring requires several considerations. While avoiding professional monitoring attracts some homeowners with potential monthly cost savings, there are other pros and cons to contemplate. For instance, the flexibility to relocate security equipment within the residence is a positive aspect, allowing users to uninstall and move devices easily. However, self-monitoring may not be the best choice for those living in regions with poor internet connectivity, as many self-monitored security systems rely on robust Wi-Fi for optimal functionality.

Additionally, some self-monitored systems lack audible alarms to alert homeowners when an intruder breaches their home. This limitation underscores the importance of thoroughly evaluating the features and capabilities of self-monitored systems before opting for this approach. In essence, while self-monitoring presents opportunities for customization and cost savings, it may compromise the speed and efficiency of response in critical situations, highlighting the intricate balance between affordability and comprehensive security coverage in the realm of home protection.

Find the Right Security Options for Your Family with Brinks Home™

Brinks Home puts your safety within reach whether you’re home or away, thanks to our around-the-clock advanced security monitoring. You can rely on our 24/7 professional monitoring at a locked-in price for the home protection your home and family deserve. For more information about home alarm systems and professionally monitored home security, don’t hesitate to contact us and get a free quote today!