Home Security Blog

One bright spot in the world right now is the perseverance of the DIY security industry. Most technical support agents, sales agents, and trained emergency dispatchers have made a seamless transition to working from home. It's impressive to see the industry weather the storm so well.

A positive trait for the DIY security industry is its ability to quickly adapt to changing global conditions and major ongoing events. Throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, people have had to make significant changes and compromises to their daily routines. Every industry is different, and the reality is that some sectors have had an easier time adapting and conforming to the evolving world we live in than others. We are proud to say that the DIY security industry has served as an ideal role model and example of how businesses should adapt to an unpredictable and ever-changing society.

When you consider the basic building blocks of the DIY security industry, it begins to make sense how companies like Alarm Grid are able to thrive during these times. In order for DIY home security to work, the end user needs an alarm panel with an activated communicator and enrolled sensors. With a wireless security system, all of this equipment can be physically installed by an end user. Most security system installations do not require a professional installer. The end user can follow a simple do-it-yourself process and complete the installation on their own. This eliminates the need for a physical person to come out to your home to perform your installation.

On the back end of alarm monitoring service, everything can be done remotely. Your system's alarm monitoring communicator sends signals to dedicated servers, such as those operated by Alarm.com and AlarmNet360 from Resideo. The signals are then re-routed to an interactive monitoring and automation platform and/or a central monitoring station. Traditionally, a central station operator needed to be on-site for regular operation. But in our advanced age of computing, the same tasks performed by an operator at a dedicated central station can now be performed just as effectively from home. This allows the operators to take precaution against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by working remotely and refraining from any large gatherings that may promote the spread of the virus.

As many people now have extra time on their hands and are looking to do stuff around the home, setting up a home security system has become a popular option. Companies like Alarm Grid make it possible to order all your equipment online, receive it at your house, and set it up all by yourself. From there, a trained activator can activate the system remotely. Activators from Alarm Grid are currently working from home, but they can perform the same necessary tasks as what they would perform from our headquarters office.

It's thanks to the amazing technology we have that companies like ours are able to thrive and success in spite of unprecedented health concerns. Our team is very fortunate and thankful to be able to succeed in these challenging times. We would also like to send a special thank you to the front-line doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals and scientific experts who are working so hard to help others. These incredible individuals have offered us all hope and optimism for a better, healthier future.

If you decide that you want alarm monitoring service for your home, then Alarm Grid is ready to work with you. There will be no need to have anyone come out to your home or interact with you in person. All of our support and assistance is handled over the phone and online, so you can safely practice social-distancing. To get started, take a look at our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring plans. You might also want to explore our website a bit to see some of the different security systems we recommend.

Remember, our team is best reached by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We have technicians on the clock from 9am to 8pm ET M-F, and they are happy to provide virtual help and assistance. You can remain in the comfort of your own home, and our technicians will so the same. Pretty soon, you will have a robust and complete security system ready for when we are able to venture out into the world again. For now, we are thankful that we can continue doing what we do best, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Back in May of 2018, we posted about Alarm.com discontinuing support for some older Z-Wave thermostat models. This meant that it was no longer possible to add these thermostats to an Alarm.com account. Only existing units that already been added were grandfathered in. But there's an update.

Before, you would lose access to these thermostats through Alarm.com if you ever had to have your Alarm.com account recreated for whatever reason. The most common reason for this is because you were switching to a new alarm dealer. Upon rebuilding the Alarm.com account, the Z-Wave thermostat integration was lost, and you would no longer be able to use the older unit with the platform. Many users were required to purchase new thermostat models as a result.

The following Z-Wave thermostats were affected by this issue:

• 2GIG CT-100
• 2GIG CT-30
• GE TSTAT-300

Alarm.com has now provided an update so that you will be able to pair any of the aforementioned Z-Wave thermostats to an Alarm.com account. In other words, you can now use any of the models listed above with your Alarm.com Z-Wave Network. However, we generally recommend upgrading to a newer model, as the units listed above are quite old and may not offer all of the features that you would expect out of a newer thermostat. Newer thermostats also have cleaner, more user-friendly interfaces that make them easier to use. But if you have one of the aforementioned models, then you will now be able to use it in your home.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to learn more about the monitoring services offered by Alarm Grid, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has been beta testing the upcoming Honeywell ProA7 Panel. This will become the first newly released wireless security system from Resideo after being spun-off by Honeywell. The panel supports some nice new features, and it is expected to be used by DIYers and professionals alike.

The first thing we love about the Honeywell ProA7Plus Security System is how slim and non-obtrusive it is. Honeywell Home has recognized that a security system is no longer something you hide and tuck away. It is a fixture in your home, and it should look nice on a wall or standing on a table. With its tablet-like profile, this panel was specifically built with the modern homeowner or innovative business owner in mind. Once again, Honeywell has proven that home or small business security is a matter you can take into your own hands.

We have also confirmed that the Resideo ProA7 will have a built-in Z-Wave Plus 500-Series Chipset for supporting a variety of smart home automation devices. You can build around the system and add devices like door locks, smart lights, and thermostats for controlling the temperature. Resideo has also stated that the system will support partitioning, which makes it ideal for multi-family homes, rental properties, rooms with important documents, and so much more.

Beyond that, we cannot confirm any other major details. However, we do predict that HomeKit functionality will return for this system. It is also expected that Honeywell will release a new ProSeries Sensor lineup for exclusive use with this system. We can expect the sensors to utilize top-of-the-line wireless encryption and offer a longer communication range than previous Honeywell offerings. We have not received word if the ProA7 will be backwards compatible with Honeywell 5800 Sensors and/or Honeywell SiX Sensors. We also don't have any type of ETA, but we hope it will come fairly soon.

One last consideration for the Resideo ProA7 is that it will likely support IP-only monitoring service. Resideo tends to make cellular communication optional for their systems when it comes to alarm monitoring. The only requirement is that the panel is connected with the AlarmNet360 Servers. This can be through IP and/or cellular service. While cellular connectivity is recommended for superior reliability, many users elect to keep costs as low as possible by going IP only. This will likely make the Resideo ProA7 the top choice for anyone simply wanting basic low-cost monitoring service without cellular backup. We expect Resideo to sell standalone communicators that can be easily added if cellular monitoring is desired.

Alarm Grid will make sure to keep you up to date as we learn more about this exciting new panel. If you are looking for a new panel right away, then you might also consider the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. That is a great system for anyone looking to start new monitoring service. Another panel to look at is Honeywell's current flagship panel, the Honeywell Lyric Controller. The Lyric is ideal for HomeKit compatibility and IP-only monitoring. And if you want more information about these panels or our monitoring services, then the best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Anyone setting up a new wireless security system will definitely want to consider picking up a Honeywell LT-Cable for their installation. This is a pre-prepared wire that doesn't require any stripping or special tools. All you need is a screwdriver to connect the panel and the transformer.

Alarm wiring is needed to complete the connection between the panel and its plug-in power transformer. Traditionally, users had to strip and prepare their own cabling, which made the process more tedious and difficult. But with prepared cabling like the Honeywell LT-Cable, the process is made much easier, and it really will work with nearly any security system. With this wire, you can install your own security system with just a screwdriver, and without having to hire a professional installer.

There are two (2) parts to the Honeywell LT-Cable. There is a smaller cord that connects with the power terminals on the back of your panel. The other end of this smaller cord has the female barrel connector. Then the larger cord has the male barrel connector on one end and spade connectors for connecting with the plug-in transformer on the other. The larger cord measures eight (8) feet, while the smaller portion is seven (7) inches in length. All together, you get a little bit more than 8.5 feet of wiring with the LT-Cable.

It's surprising to consider that most security systems do not come with a power wire for connecting with a transformer. While the transformer is included, most users can expect to supply their own wiring. A notable exception to this rule is the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, which does include a power wire. As such, no LT-Cable is needed for an IQ Panel 2, though you might still add one if the original wire ever becomes damaged. But other panels like the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System and the 2GIG GC3e do not come bundled with any cabling, so the Honeywell LT-Cable makes for the perfect accessory.

One other advantage to the LT-Cable is that you can easily unplug the barrel connectors if you ever need to power down your system for adding new hardware or troubleshooting. This can be easier and more convenient than needing to unplug the transformer, especially if the transformer is screwed into the outlet. Remember that you will also need to unplug the system's backup battery to perform a power cycle. If you need a wire run that is longer than 8.5 feet, you might consider purchasing Genesis Alarm Wiring, which is also sold on our site.

We invite you to reach out to us if you have any questions about the LT-Cable or our monitoring services. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We maintain support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Our team looks forward to hearing from you!

Looking for a quick lighthearted laugh? Check out the blooper reel our video team made. It features some familiar faces and funny moments that occurred while our technicians shot some videos. Not everything comes out perfect the first time, and we make sure to put these outtakes on camera.

Remember though, we don't make these videos for laughs. We make them to help you learn about our products and services. But that doesn't mean we can't have some fun along the way. We make setting up your home or small business security system an easy and painless process. If you would like to learn more about our monitoring services, please visit our monitoring page or email support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We are eager to help you get started, so please reach out!

We are often asked about security system options for those on a tight budget. At Alarm Grid, we believe that everyone should have access to alarm monitoring, and we try to accommodate as many people as possible. We have found that a basic starter security system can start at under $250.

There are two main expenses you need to consider when setting up your own alarm system. There is the up-front cost of your equipment, and there is the monthly cost of alarm monitoring service. At Alarm Grid, our customers must purchase their own equipment. This is universal equipment that can work with virtually any alarm monitoring service. It is not proprietary equipment that will only work with a specific platform. If you ever want to switch monitoring companies you can easily do so. Once your system's communicator is released, it can be taken to nearly any company.

Some companies may offer you a free security system just for signing up for their service. That might sound like a great deal, but there are a couple of things to look out for. One issue is that the system they are offering might be a proprietary system. In other words, it will only work with their monitoring service. If you try to switch to a new monitoring company for any reason, you will be stuck finding new equipment. But perhaps even more concerning is that a company might lock you into a long-term contract for their services. This can make it tough to change or cancel your service.

With Alarm Grid, you own all your equipment outright. You can easily take your Alarm Grid Security System to a completely different monitoring company if desired. We will always release a communicator if requested, and we will never hold your system hostage. Additionally, all of our monitoring plans are month-to-month, and you can cancel your service before your next billing cycle to avoid paying extra. Also remember that we never change any extra or hidden fees, and there is never any additional fee for starting or stopping service.

The best way to get a low-cost security system is to consider both the up-front cost and the monthly cost. And we have a viable system option that will get you started for less than $250. We would like to recommend our Refurbished Honeywell Lyric Controller for anyone on a tight system budget. Add in a couple of VERSA-2GIG Door and Window Contacts and a Honeywell LT-Cable for powering the system, and you are still looking at a total cost of under $250. We are extremely confident in the quality of our refurbished equipment. More information can be found here.

The Lyric System is also ideal for keeping monthly monitoring costs low, as it can connect with the Reisdeo AlarmNet360 Servers through an IP-only connection. This is considerably cheaper than using cellular monitoring. However, you must understand that an internet outage will take your panel offline if you don't have cellular backup. But many users who understand the risks involved are happy to save money by going with IP monitoring. The Lyric already includes a built-in WIFI card, so you will not need to add anything to the system to do IP monitoring. And if you ever decide to upgrade to cellular monitoring later, the system has two (2) LTE options available.

Alarm Grid offers its Bronze Level Plan for just $15 per month. This plan will allow your Lyric System to connect with the Honeywell AlarmNet Servers for central station monitoring service. This is all you need to get a Certificate of Alarm for potential savings on your homeowner's insurance. You might also consider adding at least one smoke detector to your system for further savings with your homeowner's insurance. Currently the least expensive wireless smoke detector for the Lyric System is the Honeywell SiXSMOKE Smoke Detector. Another nice accessory is the Honeywell LCP500-DK Desk Mount, which will allow you to use the panel without mounting it to a wall or lying it flat on a surface.

For just $250 up-front and $15 per month, you can get central station monitoring service and a state-of-the-art security system that is perfect for building around as your budget grows. And if you lack funds up-front, then we offer financing options that we are happy to discuss. Please email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you want to learn more about our products or monitoring services. We answer emails during our regular support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you bored during the social distancing era from COVID-19 outbreak? If you're going crazy, wondering just what to do with yourself, you might try testing your home security system. It can be a great feeling to know that everything is working properly. And you can do it yourself!

A complete security system test involves checking all of your sensors and making sure they report to the panel properly. This practice of testing a system is also sometimes referred to as a Walk Test. Many systems have a designated Walk Test mode for this purpose. This mode is often most convenient, as the faulted zones will appear on the screen. You can have a friend stand in front of the panel, while you go around and fault various sensors. This can be a good way to keep track of zones on your system in the event that you ever lose your zone list.

Before conducting any security system test, you should make sure to put your system on test mode. This is very important if you have monitoring service with a central station. If an alarm comes through on your central station account while your system is not in test mode, the central station operator will think that it is a legitimate alarm. This could result in unnecessary dispatch to your residence, and you may receive a fine from your local jurisdiction. Please do not waste the time and resources of your community, and always put your system into test mode when testing equipment!

The best way to put your system on test mode is by using the MyAlarms.com feature from our central station partner, Criticom Monitoring Services. This complementary service will allow you to put your system on test mode by yourself, without needing to receive verification or have someone else do it for you. We have a blog about the MyAlarms.com service, which you can view right here. Other ways to put your system on test mode include contacting us between 9am and 8pm ET M-F by emailing support@alarmgrid.com or by calling (888) 818-7728, or by contact CMS directly.

Each sensor will be tested in a different way. Some common examples include:

• Opening and closing doors and windows to test door and window contacts.
• Walking around a room to make sure motion sensors activate. Have your pets walk around too if you are using pet-immune motion sensors.
• Use a glass break simulator to test your glass break detectors. For Honeywell FG-701 users, this FAQ may help you.
• Use canned smoke to test your smoke detectors.
• Use the test button on a standalone heat detector. Do not use a hair dryer to test a standalone heat sensor, as those are one-and-done devices.
• You can test the heat detection function on a combination smoke and heat detector by using a hair dryer. Unlike a standalone heat detector, you can safely activate the heat detection function on a combo device.
• Use canned CO gas to test carbon monoxide sensors. Be very careful when using this equipment!
• Press each button on a key fob or medical alert sensor to make sure it transmits successfully. Remember to also test multi-button inputs if your key fob supports them.

A regular system test is a routine affair that you should perform often. It is the best way to ensure that your system is working properly. And also remember that if you need an updated Certificate of Alarm (CoA) for a homeowner's insurance discount, then you must perform an annual test to prove that your system is working properly. Each CoA is good for one (1) calendar year, so make sure to keep up with this so you don't lose out on your insurance discount. We have more information on Certificate of Alarms that you can click here to view.

If you need further help testing your system, or if you are interested in learning more about our products or services, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com. Although our support staff is currently working from home, we are still committed to providing you with the very best customer service and technical support. Our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F, so keep that in mind when contacting us. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Cincinnati Police Department has begun limiting police response for non-urgent matters in an effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Calls deemed to be non-urgent are being redirected for online or phone reporting. The temporary policy took effect Tuesday, March 24th.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Chief of the Cincinnati Police Eliot Isaac stated, "I want all of the residents and visitors to Cincinnati to understand that the Cincinnati Police Department is ready and able to respond to any emergency call from the public... Our recently implemented Differential Response Plan is intended to limit the exposure of our officers and the public to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and our desire is to continue to provide the highest level of police service, while maximizing our efficiency and effectiveness."

The department went on to add that the following calls will be redirected for phone and/or online reporting:

• Assaults not requiring medical attention where suspect is no longer present.
• Auto collisions, except those w/ injuries and/or vehicles that are no longer drivable
• Breaking and entering w/ no suspect & no possibility of property recovery.
• Criminal damaging reports.
• Dog bites.
• Found property
• Lost or stolen license plates.
• Menacing reports, unless suspect is expected, threatens to return, or is associated w/ domestic violence.
• Phone harassment.
• Property damage.
• Theft reports w/o possibility of “immediate apprehension or property recovery”, unless value is equal to or greater than $5,000 and/or the stolen property involves a firearm.

Cincinnati residents are encouraged to report crimes online via the Cincinnati Police Department website, which can be accessed here. Another option for reporting any of the crimes listed above is to contact the Cincinnati Police Department Telephone Crime Reporting Unit (TCRU) at (513) 352-2960. The TCRU will accept reports from 8am to 5pm The Cincinnati Police Department also operates a non-emergency phone line at (513) 765-1212 for non-urgent matters.

If you have central station monitoring service in Cincinnati, then you should understand that the Cincinnati Police Department will still be responding to dispatch requests like normal. Cincinnati is not a verified response community, meaning that a dispatch request from a certified central station operator is sufficient for warranting an emergency response. An alarm from a security system is considered to be an emergency, and the appropriate authorities will still respond ASAP. However, Alarm Grid would like to remind all of its monitored customers to do their part in preventing false alarms by saving the CMS telephone numbers in your phone, setting appropriate entry/exit delays for your system, knowing your false alarm passcode, and placing your system on test mode before testing sensors.

It is presumed that the change in policy will be temporary and last until measures relating to COVID-19 are relaxed. No official or expected end date has been provided at this time. Please continue to check our blog for more information relating to police response policies in major cities and metropolitan areas.

Alarm Grid customers in Cincinnati who would like to learn more about this change in policy are invited to reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We are available to respond to emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Nortek and 2GIG made waves last year with their release of the 2GIG GC3e System. This panel is known for its exceptional build quality and its robust and powerful features. It is a great option to consider if you are new to alarm monitoring. Here are five (5) things we love about the GC3e.

1) Many Sensor Options

When you get a 2GIG GC3e System, you will have the choice of many sensor lineups. Arguably the most powerful are the encrypted 2GIG eSeries Sensors. These are the only encrypted sensors available for the system, and they offer an impressive wireless range of 350 nominal feet. Other wireless sensor options include the 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and the Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors. And if you have hardwired sensors, you can bring them over using a Honeywell 5800C2W or a 2GIG TAKE-345.

2) Partitioning Support

Referred to as "Smart Areas", the 2GIG GC3e provides support for up to four (4) individually controlled partitions. If you aren't familiar with partitioning for alarm systems, it basically means splitting the system up into different sections that can each be armed and disarmed individually. Each Smart Area Partition can be assigned its own selection of zones its own set of user codes. This is perfect for businesses, multi-family homes, guest homes, rental properties and more.

3) Z-Wave Plus

The 2GIG GC3e features a built-in Z-Wave Plus controller for using smart home automation devices. You can add a variety of devices, including lights, locks, thermostats, and more to create a truly customized smart home that meets your needs. These connected devices can be controlled directly from the panel, and it is even possible to establish smart scenes to have multiple home automation devices activate automatically based on a set schedule or with certain system events.

4) Alarm.com

If you want to truly unlock the potential of your GC3e system, you will want to get it set up with an alarm monitoring plan that includes access to Alarm.com. This is an interactive service platform that you can use to control your GC3e from anywhere using a web browser or a mobile app on your phone. Once you have accessed Alarm.com, you can arm and disarm the system, control Z-Wave home automation devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com Security Cameras, and more.

5) Great Build Quality

While this is hard to measure, we are honest when we say that the 2GIG GC3e arguably has the best build quality out of any alarm panel we have ever seen. The panel is extremely tough and very well-made. It doesn't feel flimsy like some other security panels, but it is still sleek and compact enough that you will be proud to display it on your wall. If mounting an alarm panel isn't your style, then the 2GIG CP-DESK can be added to rest the system on a sturdy table or desk.

Get a 2GIG GC3e System from Alarm Grid!

If you have decided that the 2GIG GC3e System is for you, then we would love to help you get started! You can email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions about the GC3e or our monitoring services in general. Our technical support specialists are available from 9am to 8pm ET M-F to provide you with the help you need. We look forward to hearing from you!

One of the best security systems on the market right now is the Honeywell Lyric Controller. While it's clear that Resideo is currently hard at work on their next-gen alarm panel, the Lyric still remains a viable option for many users. Here are five (5) things we love about the Lyric.

1) HomeKit Compatibility

As of March 2020, the Lyric is hands-down the absolute best HomeKit compatible security system on the market. This is great news for iOS users who are looking to control their system remotely using Siri voice commands, as well as users who want to have their HomeKit smart home devices activate automatically with certain system events. For more on getting a Lyric set up with Apple HomeKit, we encourage you to check out this helpful FAQ.

2) IP-Only Monitoring

Don't get us wrong. We always recommend dual-path monitoring with both IP and cellular. But we also understand that some users will want to save money by going IP-only. The Lyric is the newest and most advanced security system that can be set up for alarm monitoring using an IP-only path. This makes it eligible for the less expensive Bronze and Silver Level Monitoring Plans from Alarm Grid (Self or Full). You don't even need to add a communicator, as the system already has a built-in WIFI card. Of course, you can also add a Honeywell LYRICLTE-A (AT&T LTE) or a Honeywell LYRICLTE-V (Verizon LTE) if you want to use the system for cellular or dual-path monitoring. This will require an upgrade to one of the Gold plans.

3) Total Connect 2.0

Total Connect 2.0 represents one of the best features for the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. You can use this robust interactive platform to control your Lyric System from pretty much anywhere using a web browser or a mobile app on your smartphone. By accessing Total Connect 2.0, you can arm and disarm the system, control programmed Z-Wave devices, view the live feed for Total Connect IP Cameras, and so much more. Make sure that the monitoring plan for your Lyric includes access to this great platform.

4) Backwards Compatibility

The Lyric proved that just because you get a new security system doesn't mean you need to throw out your old sensors. All of the uni-directional 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Sensors work with the Lyric, which is important for users upgrading from older Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels. And users with hardwired sensors could easily bring most of them over using a Honeywell 5800C2W Wired to Wireless Converter. Either way, users have a good option to set up the Lyric without having to buy new sensors. And if you do want to buy new sensors, the encrypted Honeywell SiX Sensors are an excellent option.

5) Ease of Use

If you are familiar with other Honeywell Security Systems, then you will have no problem making the jump over to the Lyric. The system features a very similar UI to that of the LYNX Touch Systems, and its programming has been largely retained. While there are some minor updates to freshen things up and to provide a more user friendly experience, the Lyric System is almost identical to its predecessors. Overall, it is very easy for end users to set up, thereby making it the perfect DIY alarm panel.

Get Your Lyric Controller Now!

Our team is happy to help you get started with a brand-new Lyric Controller! If you want to learn more about the Honeywell Lyric System or the monitoring services we provide, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our support team is available from 9am to 8pm ET M-F to help you find the perfect alarm system for your unique needs. We look forward to hearing from you!