Home Security Systems: Please share your experience, ADT, Brinks, GE, DIY, etc...

As one who travels a great deal, I'm interested in installing a system.

Several companies provide systems with a monthly fee from $29 but usually more.

DIY systems can include auto-dialers, so no monthly fee is required.

Please share any experiences or expertise you may have, I may commit to something at the end of the week.

TIA

NYC_SKP

:donut:

that won't help if you're out of town. (And doesn't help that often when you're home.)

Beware of the auto dialers-- had one and they work well but if they are set off accidentally the local gendarmerie wil be pissed. In the past, some have refused to answer the calls because of so many false alarms. And, if the thieves snip the phone line...

DIY can be expensive and a pain, too, if you want to arm every window and door. Proximity or infrared sensors might be a better choice, depending on your layout.

A huge alarm bell up by the roof has the same effect on the neighbors if it doesn't have an auto shutoff after an appropriate amount of time. From what I heard, though, it scares off most intruders, who generally prefer not to be noticed.

Most intruder alarms seem to be sold in conjunction with fire alarms, at least as important as burgler protection.

I'm leaning toward an autodialer but won't give a police number.

I'll make my cell number the first, a neighbor the second, etc.

I'm using a motion sensor combined with door sensor, not going to put a window sensor on every damned opening, half my windows are painted shut.

Adding an outdoor siren, I believe the auto-shutoff timing is programmable.

The only drawback is that someone could cut the phone line but that would also be a problem with a standard ADT or Brinks system.

LOL at the reply below, like I'm going to leave two dogs in the house while I'm away for a week.

That's what I get for posting in the Lounge!

Thanks for the serious and considered answer.

NYC_SKP

The sheltie is the early warning system and the border collie is the "I'll rip your fucking lungs out" alarm.

They do require maintenance, but it is worth it.