What are the different alarm brands?
If you’ve recently started looking around for different home security systems and burglar alarms, then you’ll have realised that there are lots of decisions to be made. Wired or wireless? Monitored or not? How much can I afford to spend? And once you’ve thought about all of those sorts of aspects of buying a new home security system, the final decision is about which brand and products to use. When you’re not familiar with the marketplace and the different brands this can also be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be.
National Market Leading Alarm Brands
Even if you think you know nothing about alarms and home security, there will be some names you are familiar with. Perhaps the best two known names in the UK market are Chubb and ADT. Chubb has been around for over two centuries and has built its reputation first by making locks and safes, and over time has expanded into burglar alarms and smoke alarms. ADT on the other hand specialise in home and business security systems, and have a wide range of products so there will be something to suit your needs perfectly. One of the other advantages of choosing a system from such a well-known brand is that it won’t be difficult to find a local fitter who has experience with their products.
Local Brands for Home Security and Alarms
Although Chubb and ADT might be the big boys on the home security market, there are literally hundreds of other smaller companies who manufacture home security, alarm and CCTV systems across the UK. Some cover the whole country, whereas others have a specific region they work in. Look on the internet to find companies locally, ask around friends and neighbours, or just look around at houses and business in the local area and take note of the names of the companies on the alarm boxes you see. A local company might offer a more personalised service, and without the overheads and marketing spend of the larger companies, might be cheaper too, although this isn’t a definite.
Local and National Alarm Fitters
Remember also that choosing an alarm from a big, national brand like ADT or Chubb doesn’t mean that you have to use installers from that company, unless you particularly want to. Many independent alarm fitters will happily fit whatever brand you prefer, and there are very few installers who are limited to one brand. Always follow the golden rules of asking at least three different companies to quote for any work you are thinking of having done to make sure you are getting the best value for money.
Alarm Maintenance and Servicing
Another aspect to think about is whether you want to sign up to a package for an annual check and servicing package for your alarm. This usually gives you a discount off your home insurance policy, and it is more convenient to get a local firm in to maintain and repair an alarm. Weigh up the cost of any servicing package against both the savings you can expect, and any warranty given by manufacturers for new alarm installations.
