Holly Springs

FAQs on Home Security Systems

If you have questions about home security systems, check out our blog for answers! We’ve gathered a list of frequently asked questions and answers from our team. 

General Questions: 

What does a home alarm system consist of?

The typical system includes perimeter protection (doors and windows) linked to an alarm. It also may include interior protection, such as motion detectors, smoke, and CO monitoring. More information.

How much does it cost to install a security system?

Each home or business is unique, and that can affect the price. That’s why we start with a complimentary consultation to learn about your situation and recommend solutions that fit your needs.

Will I own the equipment?

Yes.

Can I access the system with my smartphone when I’m away from home?

Yes, there are options that allow you to remotely access your alarm system. You can view and run your security system from your smartphone or iPad with Honeywell Total Connect Services. Additionally, give us a call to discuss home automation options for your light switches and keyless door locks. More information.

Does the alarm work when the power is out?

Yes, a battery backup is included in your system.

Will I get a discount on my homeowner’s insurance when I purchase a security system?

Usually. It depends on the insurance company, but it’s worth checking as some offer discounts of up to 15 percent on homes with monitored systems.

Why would I need a monitoring service? Won’t the siren noise be enough protection?

Monitoring protects you and your home 24/7. Having and monitoring a home security system can increase your peace of mind, especially if you travel or have valuable items in your home. Our monitoring is provided by an award-winning company and will contact the police, fire, and medical emergency agencies. They are always there to call the authorities. For more information, see our blog on monitoring.

How much does monitoring cost?  

We offer reliable, low-cost monthly monitoring. Our monitoring starts at $31.95 for cellular monitoring.

How long is the monitoring agreement? 

Our monitoring contracts are just for 1 year. We don’t require long-term contracts.

What types of systems are compatible with Secur-Tek’s monitoring? We can monitor many types of systems. To determine if your specific system can be monitored, please call our office.

 

Security Upgrades, Camera Systems, and Monitoring: 

Can Secur-Tek upgrade my existing system? 

Yes, but it depends on the type of system you have. If you have a Honeywell home security system, we can upgrade your system by adding remote monitoring, cameras, and detectors for gas, smoke, and motion. If you have another type of system, we may be able to help — please call for a consultation or contact us.

How many cameras are needed to cover your home? The number of cameras you may need to safeguard your home depends on your home design. We can add cameras to enhance your protection; Secur-Tek offers a complimentary consultation where we look around your home and recommend how many cameras are needed and the locations to install them.

Who do I call for service on my Secur-Tek system? 

Secur-Tek Inc. stands by our products and the same reliable technicians install and service our systems. To set up a service call, please call our office at 919.387.1800. 

How do customers rate your service?  

We’re glad you asked! We have many customers who have been with us for years. You can check out our testimonial page to see what customers say about us. We also have many 5 Star ratings on Google.

 

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We hope you found this helpful. If you live in our service area and have further questions or would like an estimate on upgrading or monitoring your security system, please give us a call at 919.387.1800.

 

Secur-Tek, Inc. serves the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, Apex, including Cary, Clayton, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Pittsboro, and Wake Forest.  These are the North Carolina counties we service: Wake County, Chatham County, Durham County, Orange County, and Harnett County.

Providing Peace of Mind Since 1990

Security is our industry, but for us at Secur-Tek, it’s not just a business.

We feel what we do is important.

Our job is to help people feel safe, more secure, and able to get help when it’s urgently needed.

 

As a locally owned and operated company based in Apex, we are proud to serve our neighbors in the greater Triangle area:  Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro.

We appreciate all our customers and take the time to understand their unique situations, so we can give you an honest quote on a quality security system customized to fit your needs.

Speaking of customization, some of the features frequently asked for include:

Cameras – indoor and outdoor cameras

Security – dual technology motion detectors, with the combined strength of microwave and PIR technologies providing superior detection and reduced false alarms

Video doorbells – see who is at your door, from anywhere

Smart locks – go key free; lock and unlock from anywhere

Secur-Tek can also include smart devices that can make your life more convenient, all connected by the Resideo Total Connect® app:

  • Temperature controls – to control your climate and save money on your heating/cooling bills
  • Water leak monitors
  • MyQ Garage door control
  • Smoke and CO detectors – these life safety devices actively protect 24/7, even if the system is not armed

We also offer special customizations to make life easier for senior citizens:

With our Total Connect app, family members can receive event notifications and alerts for the home where the senior is living, letting them know when the senior arms/disarms the security system or presses a button to call for help. A text alert can be sent when the medicine cabinet or the door to the garage is opened. Having a Total Connect camera near the TV, for example, will allow the caregiver to chat with their loved ones during their favorite tv show.

 

We’ve been in business since 1990 and have many long-time customers. We’ve grown by referral. And we appreciate them! 

 

If you have any questions or would like a complimentary quote, please call us at 919-387-1800 or fill in the form below.

 

Are You Wasting Money on an Alarm System?

Safety statistics show that having an alarm system can be an effective tool for protecting your family and property from home invasions.

According to the National Council for Home Safety:

When Do They Happen? Burglaries most often occur during the day between 6 am and 6 pm while people are at work or running errands. The seasonality is quite simple as well, with snow and cold being principal deterrents, the lowest number of burglaries happen in February while burglary rates are higher in the summer.

How? Intruders are most attracted to houses that do not have home alarm systems.

  • The national average indicates that homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized.
  • 85% of convicted burglars said that they specifically look to see if there’s an alarm and that they would leave and target another property where no security system is installed.
  • The F.B.I also reports that 90% of all intrusions occur through doors; 6% occur through windows; 3% occur through the roof and 1% occur through the walls.

Who? Over 85% of thieves are amateurs with 41% saying break-ins are an impulsive decision.

The bottom line is that utilizing a security system on your property will offer an increased level of protection and peace of mind.

HOWEVER – you might be wasting your money on that home alarm system if:

1) You don’t set the alarm. This is understandable — but it can be impacted by the ease and convenience of doing this simple act. Therefore, thinking through your daily routines and researching which system is most compatible with your personality and lifestyle is an important part of choosing the best system for you and your family.

2) You don’t thoroughly understand and learn the proper usage or programming of the alarm system you have purchased. At Secur-Tek, our systems are easy to use, and we take the time to ensure you understand the system’s functionality.

3) You don’t have your installer use windows stickers and signs as a warning. We at Secur-Tek ensure that warning stickers and signs are placed in the optimal locations for good visibility and thus function as a key deterrent.

4) You don’t test the system on a regular basis. At Secur-Tek we only install high-quality security systems and recommend testing every month. It only takes a few minutes to ensure everything is functioning properly. You can find the steps here.

5) Your system isn’t monitored. You may have purchased a home with the alarm system already installed or installed one yourself. Although the noise of an alarm may scare off those who enter your home, it’s vital that you have a company monitor your alarm so that the police can investigate for forced entry. Monitoring is also critical in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak, especially when your family is sleeping or away.

6) You leave the house with the windows/doors open or unlocked. Windows and back doors are a favorite, especially those left open in the warmer months and obscured by bushes or buildings. Many alarm systems do not go off if someone enters through an open window. If you don’t have a motion detector installed or alarm sensors on the windows, be sure to at least close and lock your windows when you are not home.

When used properly, alarm systems can be a very effective tool in deterring crime and protecting your family and home. We at Secur-Tek, Inc. partner with you to ensure you get the right system for your situation.

Please give us a call at 919.387.1800 or contact us by using the form below for a complimentary in-home consultation.

Secur-Tek, Inc. is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC, offering home and business security and monitoring. Secur-Tek also provides automation, audio, and central vacuum systems to customers in the Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro areas.

Secur-Tek proudly serves the North Carolina communities of Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro

Security & Home Automation