Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! We're back with another video recap. Sadly, our video team took a break a couple weeks ago, so there was no recap last week. But they came back strong last week with seven (7) new videos! The Alarm Grid boys Jarrett, Jorge, and Joe are all back. Let's check out the videos!

Cellular Communicators That Work With a Honeywell VISTA 20P

Our always helpful alarm technician Jarrett explains which cellular communicators work with a Honeywell VISTA 20P. The system needs an added alarm monitoring communicator to connect with the AlarmNet360 servers and Total Connect 2.0. If you decide to get a cellular communicator, then you must make sure that your monitoring plan supports cellular service. It is strongly recommended that you get an LTE cellular communicator for the system. These include the Honeywell LTE-XA (AT&T LTE), the Honeywell LTE-XV (Verizon LTE), the Honeywell LTE-IA (AT&T LTE & IP) and the Honeywell LTE-IV (Verizon LTE & IP).

Deciding Whether to Use 2-Wire or 4-Wire Smoke Detectors

Joe smiles and waves as he helps you make the decision of whether to use 2-wire smoke detectors or 4-wire smoke detectors with your hardwired security system. Most users will choose 2-wire smoke detectors because they can be used without extra equipment. But the downside is that 2-wire smoke detectors can only be used with a designated smoke detector reset zone, such as Zone 1 on a Honeywell VISTA Panel. A 4-wire smoke detector can be used on any hardwired zone, but you will need extra equipment, including a power supply and relay.

Reasons Why the Wired Alarm Contact on a Door May Not Work

Joe gives another big wave as he provides various reasons why a hardwired door and window contact sensor may not be working properly. A common reason for this is that the magnet is not properly aligned with the sensor. This causes the reed switch inside the sensor to remain open, even when the door or window is closed. Properly aligning the magnet with the sensor will fix this issue. Another possibility is that the wire leading from the sensor to the panel may be damaged or cut. In that case, you would need to re-wire the sensor.

Putting a 5834-4 Into High Security Mode

Three cheers for Joe, as he explains how to put a Honeywell 5834-4 Key Fob into its high-security mode. This key fob can be set for a low-security mode or a high-security mode. When the key fob is in high-security mode, the device is essentially "synced" with the system and using rolling-code encrypted communication. This makes it significantly more difficult for a savvy intruder to try and tamper with the device. The 5834-4 will use a green LED in its low-security mode, while it will use a red LED in its high-security mode.

Enrolling a PowerG CO Detector to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Joe graces us with a fourth video, as he shows how to enroll a PowerG CO Detector with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Adding carbon monoxide sensors to your security system is important. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that kills hundreds of people every year in the United States. Most of these deaths occur during the winter months when heaters are commonly used in homes. A faulty heater can lead to a CO outbreak. However, CO deaths can also occur due to other factors, such as accidentally leaving a vehicle running in an enclosed garage.

Learning the DSC PG9939 Key Fob to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge is here to show us how to enroll a DSC PG9939 Key Fob with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This key fob can be auto-enrolled like pretty much any other compatible sensor for the system. This is done by putting the system into its auto-enrollment mode and then activating the device to transmit a signal. You will need to choose a Sensor Group for the key fob. The most common Sensor Group to choose is 1 - Mobile Intrusion. The DSC PG9939 features four (4) buttons that you can use to control the IQ Panel 2 Plus System.

Finding the Serial Number on a Honeywell Key Fob

Jorge is the master of key fobs, as he shows you how to find the Serial Number for a Honeywell Key Fob. The Serial Number is used for enrolling the key fob with the system. The best way to enroll a Honeywell Key Fob with a system is to auto-enroll it. If you manually enter the Serial Number, there is a chance that you might make a mistake. Auto-enrolling will prevent this. It also ensures that the key fob can communicate the with panel properly. Once you auto-enroll the key fob, the Serial Number will automatically appear on the screen.

Hi DIYers! We know that it can be difficult to decide between all the available security systems on our site. Today, we're going to make that decision a little easier by presenting our list for the Top 5 Security Systems of 2019. We really have some great alarm panels to present!

A good security system is easy to use, supports many sensors, and offers some excellent features. In 2019, competition is stiff, as alarm systems are becoming more and more user-friendly, and they are stepping up their game in terms of capabilities. Any of the 5 systems on our list would make a very nice addition to your home or business. But make sure to stick around until the end so you can see our favorite system!

With that out of the way, here are our Top 5 Security Systems for 2019:

5. Interlogix Simon XTi-5i

Interlogix may be shutting down at the end of 2019, but at least they put out a decent panel to go out on! The Interlogix Simon XTi-5i is a solid budget alarm system that offers a pleasant 5-inch touchscreen display and a customizable UI. It supports up to 80 wireless zones and a variety of Alarm.com Communicators, including dual-path options. Adding an Alarm.com Communicator will also allow you to use Z-Wave devices with the system. There are even some new Interlogix Encrypted Sensors specifically designed for the Simon XTi-5i System!

4. 2GIG GC2e

The 2GIG GC2e is a budget-friendly system that is perfect for users who are familiar with the old 2GIG Go!Control Panel. As an upgrade from the 2GIG GC2, the new GC2e includes a larger 5" touchscreen, Z-Wave Plus functionality, and support for the 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors. The GC2e supports up to 60 wireless zones and 64 user codes. Note that you will need to add a compatible cellular communicator to get the system monitored and connected with Alarm.com!

3. 2GIG GC3e

The 2GIG GC3e is the flagship system from 2GIG, and it includes everything you could want in an alarm system. It features encrypted sensor support, partitioning, integrated WIFI, built-in Z-Wave Plus, and a beautiful 7-inch touchscreen display. The GC3e is very robust with its support for 100 wireless zones and 100 user codes. Just remember that a cellular communicator is needed to activate the system for monitoring and connectivity with Alarm.com. Once you add a cellular communicator, the system will be dual-path ready!

2. Honeywell Lyric Controller

The Lyric has been out for a few years now, but it is still one of our favorite security systems. It is the only panel on this list that offers compatibility with Apple HomeKit, and the only one of these systems that can be monitored through WIFI only. The panel features built-in WIFI, but you can add an optional LTE cellular communicator to make it dual-path ready. The Lyric is also the only system on this list that uses the Total Connect 2.0 platform instead of Alarm.com. Another benefit is that the Lyric has its own lineup of encrypted SiX Series Sensors. And you will love its 7" touchscreen. Other features for the system include support for up to 128 wireless zones, classic Z-Wave, 48 total user slots, a built-in 2MP camera, 10 chime settings, and so much more!

1. Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is the best security system of 2019. There is so much to love about the IQ Panel 2 Plus. It has a sleek, crisp design with a 7" touchscreen display. It is dual-path ready right out of the box with a built-in LTE communicator (AT&T or Verizon) and integrated WIFI. It offers some outstanding features, including live-streaming for compatible Alarm.com Cameras, support for four (4) partitions, automatic Bluetooth disarming, a built-in glass break sensor, a 5MP camera, and so much more. There are three (3) versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, with each one supporting a different legacy sensor frequency (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, or 433 MHz). But the icing on the cake is that you can use DSC PowerG Sensors with ANY version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. These sensors offer a wireless range of up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus in open air, and they utilize 128-bit AES encryption for maximum wireless security. This is truly the best system on the market right now!

If you have any questions about any of these systems, or if you want to learn more about the monitoring services offered from Alarm Grid, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you're a business owner, then you need to do everything you can to protect your assets. Burglars know that unprepared businesses are great for making a quick buck. You must be prepared for anything. Knowing how burglars think can help. These are the top 5 ways burglars enter businesses.

Through the Main Entrance

What easier way for a burglar to enter your business than right through the main entrance? This is actually the most common way for a burglar to attempt entry into a business. The main entrance is usually the first area a business owner will know to monitor when setting up a security system. And monitoring the main entrance for your business is not difficult.

Assuming that your main point of entry is a door, then a simple door sensor will likely do the trick. These devices are extremely easy to install, and there are a plethora of great options available. You should have no trouble finding the perfect door sensor for your alarm system. Make sure you don't over look arguably the most important sensor for your system!

Through a Window

Does your business feature windows? Well you better monitor them! Don't think an intruder won't use one as an entryway. An unlocked window is a quick and easy way to gain access. And more aggressive burglars won't hesitate to smash one open. Either way, it can result in a burglar having their way with your company.

Motion detection sensors are a great way to monitor for a burglar entering through a window. This is true whether they open up an unlocked window, or do something less polite (aka, smashing a window). Just position your motion sensor in a spot where it can monitor your windows. If an intruder comes in through the window while your system is armed, an immediate alarm will occur!

Protective Casings

This isn't really a way for an intruder to get into your business. Rather, it's what they might go for when they're already in your business, whether it's during store hours or not. If you keep your products in protective glass casings, then some burglars will be gutsy enough to smash the protective casings and make off with a nice haul. Smaller mom and pop stores are often very prone to this, as a burglar might use an accomplice to cause a distraction or diversion to a lone worker.

The obvious solution here is to use one or more glass break sensors. These devices have built-in microphones that allow them to actively listen for the sound of breaking glass. Although these sensors are commonly associated with Perimeter Zones, you might give your glass break sensors a 24-Hour Response Type so that they cause immediate alarms whenever they are activated.

Forgetful Employees

Many business owners aren't the ones who usually arm or disarm the security system. This task is often left to the employees who are the first in and last out every day. If one of your employees forgets to arm the system at the end of the day. That's basically free entry for a burglar. It doesn't matter what security equipment you might have if your system isn't in the proper arming state!

Fortunately, there are ways to check and make sure your business security system was armed at the end of the day. This way, you're not going to lose sleep at night wondering! You can have an interactive monitoring platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com send you a text and/or email alert so that you know the task took place. And if your employees did forget to arm the system, then you can just use the TC2 or ADC mobile app to do so from your phone!

In Broad Daylight

Shoplifting is a serious crime, and most culprits operate right under the noses of business owners and their employees. Remember that a burglary does not require forced entry. This is perhaps the most difficult type of burglary to detect, as these culprits will be trying to be as discreet as possible. But with the right measures put into place, you can put a stop to shoplifting in your store.

Putting security cameras in your store is a great way to monitor any activity that might occur. Another less popular, but still extremely effective, strategy is to position expensive products in a certain section of the store. Then make it so that the only way to get to that section is to fault a ceiling-mount motion sensor. You might also consider placing asset trackers on your most valuable products to find out if anything is taken.

Our goal at Alarm Grid is to help you keep your business safe and your assets protected at all times. We have all the equipment and resources you need, whether your business is big or small. If you ever need help selecting the perfect security equipment, or if you want to learn more about how we can monitor your business, please contact us. The best way to ensure we receive your inquiry is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 for assistance over the phone. Just remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F We look forward to helping you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're presenting our own guide for installing the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This system is very easy to use, and it can be installed by virtually anyone using nothing more than a screwdriver! This is the perfect security system for your home, office, or apartment!

Most of the information presented in this post can be found in the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 DIY Installation Manual. You are free to follow along with that manual, which can be found here. We also have three (3) videos that we will include along the way. Feel free to follow along with those as well. All of this information applies to both the original IQ Panel 2 and the newer IQ Panel 2 Plus. With that out of the way, let's get started!

The first thing you will want to do is power on the system. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus comes with everything you need to get started. Once you have opened up the box, you should locate the panel, the power supply transformer, the power wire, the panel back cover, and the table stand. You will also want to have a screwdriver on hand.

Start by connecting the spade lugs of the power cable to the transformer. The IQ Panel 2 Plus uses DC power, so you must make sure to follow polarity. That means connecting the positive (+) wire and negative (-) wire accordingly. The positive and negative ends on the IQ Panel 2 power cable are marked for this purpose. The positive (+) wire has grey dashes and ends in a red spade connector. The negative (-) wire is solid white without grey dashes and ends in a black spade connector. Make sure that the wires are connected with the proper terminals on the transformer. You can see the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals marked on the transformer. The connection should be nice and snug, but not overly tight.

From there, you can connect the other end of the power cable to the IQ Panel 2 Plus System. There is a simple barrel connection for this purpose. The transformer can then be plugged into a wall outlet. When applying the panel back cover, make sure to run both the power cable and the thin RF receiver cable out from the indentation on the back cover. The back cover should snap nicely into place. The convenient table stand can be installed by putting it into the keyhole slots on the back of the panel and then sliding up. You can power on the system by pressing and holding the side power button until the system LED remains lit.

After the system powers on and boots up, you will be greeted by the Setup Wizard. It is recommended that you go through the Setup Wizard, as it will walk you through the entire setup process. Note that some steps of the Wizard will require you to activate the system for monitoring service. This involves registering the panel's built-in cellular communicator with Alarm.com. This is optional for initial set up. You can always register the cellular communicator with Alarm.com later.

Remember that activating the system is something you will definitely want to do before too long, as that is the only way for it to send out signals to you and/or a central station. Remember that you will need to provide the IMEI Number for the system in order for your monitoring company to activate the cellular communicator. This can be found on a sticker on the back of the panel. It will also be shown as you move through the Wizard.

You will do several things as you go through the Setup Wizard. You will connect the system to a WIFI network, run an initial check for the system, add sensors, perform an initial sensor test, set up the built-in panel glass break sensor, add Z-Wave home automation devices, pair your phone for automatic Bluetooth disarming, pair secondary IQ Remote Keypads, and add system users. Remember that you will want to have a good idea of Sensor Groups when enrolling sensors. You can learn all about the IQ Panel 2 Sensor Groups in this helpful FAQ.

The last thing you will want to do is install your sensors. We only focused on door and window contacts and motion sensors, but many of the same principles apply across any sensor type. What's great about wireless sensors that are used with the IQ Panel 2 Plus is that they can be mounted without drilling holes into the wall or using any power tools. You can safely mount and secure these sensors using double-sided foam tape. Most wireless sensors come with their own double-sided tape for this purpose, or you can buy some off our site!

There are a few general tips when mounting these sensors. When mounting door and window contacts, you should have the magnet on the moving structure of the door or window, and the sensor itself on the door or window frame. Make sure the magnet is aligned with any indication marker shown on the sensor. Also remember to keep the magnet spacing gap in mind. Most Qolsys Door and Window Sensors allow for a magnet spacing gap of up to 0.75 inches.

As for motion sensors, you should have them mounted flat on a wall or corner-mounted. But keep in mind that only a flat-mount will allow you to install without drilling any holes. The motion sensor should be nice and level, and it should be installed at a height between 6 and 8 feet. Qolsys recommends 7.5 feet, which provides the best possible results. The motion sensor should not be facing any windows, vents, or air ducts. It should also not be facing any nearby furniture or stairwells if you have pets!

Most importantly, remember to test ALL your sensors after the final installation!

And that wraps up our Part 1 Guide for installing and using the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Look forward to Part 2 coming soon! If you have any questions about the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus or our monitoring service, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you have a security system, then you will want to make sure that it can detect intruders coming into your home. But predicting how an intruder will enter your home can be easier said than done. You need to be prepared for all situations. Here are the Top 5 ways intruders enter homes.

Through the Front Door

It really shouldn't come as much of a surprise that many intruders simply walk right through a home's main point of entry - the front door. We've all forgotten to leave a door locked at some point. Many intruders will simply try the front door to see if it's unlocked. This is often associated with burglaries that aren't pre-meditated. Keep in mind that many burglars don't plan ahead of time. Instead, they just see a house that looks attractive, and walk in through the front door.

Arguably the most important sensors you should have enrolled with any security system are door contacts, and for good reason. These are the devices that will alert your system in case someone ever enters your home through the most obvious way. Door sensors are extremely easy to enroll, and there are so many different options available. You will have no trouble finding a door sensor that meets your needs and requirements.

Breaking a Window

Not every intruder will enter your home in a "polite" manner. There are many burglars who won't hesitate to use brute force and smash in a glass window. And this can be more difficult to stop, as a locked window won't really stop an intruder from smashing. This isn't as common as walking in through an open door, but it certainly does happen, and you really should be prepared.

There are two sensor types that come to mind for detecting broken windows. The most obvious is a glass break sensor. These devices will actively listen for the sound of glass being broken, and they work great with nearly all types of windows. You might also consider installing motion sensors in rooms with windows. Then an intruder will be detected as soon as they enter through the window. It is always a good idea to back up a glass break sensors with a good motion sensor. There are instances where a glass break sensor cannot detect glass breaking. An example of this is when a bullet is fired through glass.

Through the Garage Door

Forgetting to close your garage door on an attached garage can provide easy access to your home. It can be easy to have that daily task slip your mind. There are many times when we get home tired after a long day, and just forget to close the garage door. Or maybe you forgot to close it as you were leaving for work. It happens to all of us. But a potential burglar walking by will see this as an opportunity!

Just like the other points of entry for your home, garage doors can be monitored. There are special garage door sensors available for this exact purpose. You might also consider getting a Z-Wave garage door controller for the system. This way, you can use Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com to close your garage door from pretty much anywhere. This is great if you ever forget to close it!

Climbing a Tree or Fence

Okay, you might think this is a bit silly, but we're serious here. If you have a multi-story house, don't think that an intruder will hesitate to use your home's surrounding to gain entry to a higher floor. This could include climbing a tree or a large fence and then entering through an unlocked window. Like we said, it's best to be prepared for any and all situations.

There are a few things you might do to combat this. The most obvious is to always make sure all your windows are locked, even the ones that cannot be easily accessed. But you might also want one or more outdoor motion sensors to detect any movement that may occur around your home. Outdoor security cameras are also a great idea!

Skylights

If your home has skylight windows, don't rule them out as a point of entry for an intruder! These high up windows look great in a home, but they can be easy pickings for a burglar who can reach these points. This isn't something every homeowner will need to worry about, but do keep this possibility in mind if your house has this decorative feature.

Many of the previously mentioned devices are good for monitoring skylights. You can put motion sensors in a room with skylights for the system to detect if anyone comes in from high above. Glass skylights are also perfect for use with glass break detectors. And installing some security cameras in the room never hurts!

Alarm Grid is here to help you provide top-quality protection for your home. We have all the gear you need to make sure that your system can detect intruders from any point of entry. If you need help choosing equipment, or if you want to learn more about our monitoring services, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you set up the perfect security system!

Hi DIYers! As you know, you can't have a security system without some sensors! Of course, with all the possible sensor types it can be overwhelming to decide which ones you really need for your system. While nearly every sensor type serves a purpose, these are the 5 we deem most crucial.

5. Glass Break Sensors

Glass break sensors are used to detect broken windows and other glass break events. These devices have built-in microphones, and they actively listen for the sound of breaking glass. Most glass break sensors utilize a dual-sound detection method. This means that the sensor must detect both the low-pitched thud of an object striking against the glass and the high-pitched shattering of the glass itself. This helps prevent false alarms. Glass break sensors are perfect for monitoring for forced entry into your home. You can even use a single glass break sensor to monitor multiple windows in the same room!

4. Environmental Sensors

Environmental sensors include devices like temperature sensors and flood sensors. These sensors monitor for unusual environmental conditions that likely indicate a problem. For example, a flood sensor will let your system know if there is a water leak that could lead to expensive water damage. Meanwhile, a temperature sensor will monitor for unusually high or low temperatures that indicate a broken HVAC system. There are also many environmental sensors that can perform dual functions and operate as both temperature and flood sensors.

3. Life-Safety Sensors

Life-safety sensors are used to monitor for life-threatening environmental conditions, such as a fire or an outbreak of carbon monoxide gas. These include devices like smoke and heat detectors and carbon monoxide sensors. There are also special combination CO and smoke detectors that can monitor for multiple types of life-safety conditions. Enrolling properly functioning life-safety sensors with your system can mean the difference between life and death. And for fires, you will be able to ensure a faster response if one occurs while you are away. These are a must-have for any system.

2. Motion Detection Sensors

Motion sensors are some of the most useful sensors you can add to your system. These devices alert the system upon detecting a change in infrared (IR) energy caused by movement. There are also some motion sensors that use microwave radar technology in addition to passive infrared (PIR). You can install motions inside your home as interior sensors to determine if anyone gains entry while you are away. They are perfect for detecting general activity and movement in areas where none should be present. There are even pet-immune motion sensors so that you won't need to worry about your pets setting them off. Just make sure you choose the installation area carefully.

1. Door & Window Contacts

Door and window contacts are the easiest to use and most effective sensors for any alarm system. They are used for letting your system know if someone opens up a door or window. These sensors usually consist of two parts, which are a sensor and a magnet. The sensor goes on the door or window frame, and the magnet goes on the moving part of the door or window. Opening the door or window will cause the magnet to become separated from the sensor. The sensor will detect this and alert the system. There are also recessed door and window sensors that allow for a more aesthetically- pleasing installation!

Remember, our goal at Alarm Grid is to set you up with the perfect security system for your needs. We also offer top-quality alarm monitoring services that are great for pairing with a new or existing alarm system. If you ever need help designing or using your security system, or if you want to learn more about our monitoring services, please reach out to us! We are best reached by email at support@alarmgrid.com. Or you may call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Did you have a spooky day yesterday? We certainly hope so. Our office had a fun and festive Halloween celebration yesterday. As you know, we were all still very excited about our new office sign. Our Halloween party featured tasty treats, decorations, and of course, costumes.

We must admit that most of our office wasn't in the spirit and opted not to dress-up this year. Boo them. They receive shame. But we did get some creative costumes this year. Our lineup included:

• Cookie Monster
• A Super Cool Biker Lady
• The Grim Reaper
• A Witch (who cursed all of us btw)
• A Silly Ghost
• A Loyal & Dependable Scout
• A Kitty Kat
• T-Rex

If you couldn't tell, I was the Scout. Things got a little rowdy though as I almost got eaten.

We had a costume contest. It was neck and neck between the T-Rex and myself. Unfortunately, the T-Rex has the bigger neck (and he threatened to eat everyone), so he won the contest. To celebrate, the T-Rex was provided some spending money in the form of a gift card. We're not sure how he will use it, but at least nobody was eaten. Congratulations go out to the T-Rex.

There were some sore feelings, as the Cookie Monster believed he was the rightful winner.

Don't worry Cookie Monster, we have the leftover cookies for you as a consolation prize. They're soft & delicious.

It is also our understanding that the Silly Ghost stepped on the T-Rex's tail and caused severe injuries. Our team responded by naming the Silly Ghost the worst costume of the year. We hope he returns next year with something better.

We also graciously allowed the T-Rex to shoot a video of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. We hope you enjoy it and learn a lot.

In all seriousness, this was a really fun Halloween. Thanks to everyone at Alarm Grid who dressed up, and thank you, our customers, for reading about our festivities. While we like to have fun sometimes, we take our alarm monitoring services very seriously. You're always invited to email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you need any help or have any questions. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have received word from Resideo that some SkyBell Cameras may temporarily experience delays when being used with Total Connect 2.0 or through the SkyBell App. The issue is most likely the result of SkyBell servers being overloaded. Resideo is working with SkyBell to address this issue.

Earlier today, we mentioned a proactive warning issued from Alarm.com stating that doorbell cameras may experience delays when being used with their platform. We believe that this is due to the increased usage of these devices for the Halloween holiday. It is likely that a similar issue is affecting the general SkyBell servers. This is not something you should be overly concerned about, and the issue should be addressed soon.

If you are experiencing any major issues, or if you would like to learn more about these potential delays, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that we're here to help!

Update: This issue has since been resolved.

Alarm.com has put out a proactive warning ahead of Halloween night (October 31st) stating that customers may notice minor delays between the hours of 5pm and 11pm ET. These delays should only affect non-critical, non-emergency signals and notifications, as well as doorbell cameras.

Alarm.com did not release an official reasoning for these likely delays, but we suspect that it will be the result of increased activity from the excellent Alarm.com SkyBell Video Doorbells due to Trick-Or-Treaters. And as we all know, SkyBell Cameras are the best video doorbells out there!

We think it's good for Alarm.com to give out this proactive warning just in case there are any delays. In the mean time, you can rest assured that any critical signals, including alarms, will still go through for Alarm.com. If you are an Alarm Grid customer seeking more information about the issue, then please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers, and Happy Halloween! We are celebrating the holiday with a new sign for our headquarters. We went with blue of course, and we think the end result looks great! A special thank you goes out to the workers who did an outstanding job of putting up the sign and helping us stand out.

Alarm Grid has come a long way in its 7+ years of existence. Originally, orders were being processed right out of the home for one of the owners. Now we have our own building with our own beautiful sign. We would like to thank each and every one of our customers who helped make this possible. Thank you for your continued support, and you can expect more big things from us moving forward.

As usual, if you want to learn more about our monitoring services or our products, you can always email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as we can. We look forward to hearing from you!