Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security

I’m new to home security, can you give me a quick summary of how a basic system works?

Basic home security systems are comprised of three different components:

Sensors: these detect if a door or window is opened, if glass is broken or if there is movement in a particular room. When a sensor is triggered a signal is sent to the alarm’s control panel.

Control Panel: this centrally located device manages all the signals coming in from the sensors, and allows you to arm or disarm the alarm system. The control panel also notifies the monitoring service when a sensor is activated while the system is armed.

Monitoring Service: the monitoring service operates and is staffed 24/7, and looks after the signals sent by the alarm’s control panel. When they receive notification of an alarm they try to contact you and verify that the event was indeed valid and not an accident. They then dispatch the appropriate authorities if needed.

How are you different from traditional alarm companies that visit my neighborhood?

FrontPoint Security has several key differences from traditional alarm companies:

Connection – FrontPoint’s system does not use wires or phone lines, so installation is simple and virtually impossible to defeat, as there are no wires to cut. All communication from the sensors to the control panel are made through a wireless connection using a former military frequency. Communications from the control panel to our monitoring station use a cellular signal. FrontPoint’s security system is virtually impossible to defeat, ensuring that your family is safe.

Price – FrontPoint offers two levels of monitoring service: a basic monitoring plan, or an interactive monitoring plan. You choose the type of plan you would like, and the charge is the same no matter how many sensors your home requires. There are no hidden fees.

Interactive – With Interactive Monitoring, FrontPoint’s system is completely interactive, meaning you can do things with your home security system that you never thought possible. View video feeds from your smartphone, get a text message when your power goes out or receive notification that your kids have arrived safely home from school. Only FrontPoint offers this level of interactive home monitoring service.

To learn more about how we differ from traditional alarm companies, have a Security Consultant contact you or call us at (866) ALARM-30.

Why do I need a monitoring service? Why can’t I just use an alarm that scares the bad guys away?

While having a noisy alarm system in place may make you feel safer, the fact is that most burglars know that once they gain entry, they only have to disable the control panel and then they can proceed with ransacking the home. Noisy alarms alone will not increase safety; you need a security system that ensures authorities are called, even if the control panel is destroyed.

My home was recently broken into and I would like to install a security system ASAP. How do I get started?

FrontPoint knows that having your personal security compromised can be terrifying, which is why we offer next day delivery of all security components. Simply call us directly or head to our online shopping page, select your system and choose next day shipping. As long as you order by 2pm EST you can have your new security system the next morning. Or choose free shipping and have your equipment in 2-5 days.

Do you provide home protection service to renters?

Since FrontPoint Security home alarm systems don’t use wires or phone lines, they are simple to install and even easier to remove and take with you, making FrontPoint a great security solution for renters who want to protect their property.

Are you licensed to work in my town/state?

FrontPoint Security is licensed to work in all parts of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, except for Las Vegas, NV and the province of Quebec.

Do you offer solutions for my small business?

FrontPoint offers an excellent security monitoring solution for your small business.

Our interactive level monitoring can let you know what time employees arrive and depart, and give you visibility into traffic to your business through text/email alerts and video feeds to your computer or smartphone.

Please note that due to licensing restrictions we cannot offer monitoring of commercial fire and smoke alarms.

If I relocate, how hard is it to take the unit with me?

FrontPoint’s wireless security system is easy to take with you when you move. Simply remove the sensors from doors and windows, unplug the command module and you are set to go. Once you have arrived at your new residence you can re-install the sensors and plug in the control panel. Give us a call to re-activate the system and your new home is protected.

Do you have additional setup or installation fees?

No. Part of what sets FrontPoint Security apart from the competition is our completely transparent pricing model. You order your equipment, choose a monthly monitoring plan and that’s it. No installation fees, no setup fees, and if you decide to move or add more equipment at a later date your monthly fees will not increase.

What devices do I need for optimal protection?

Since 90% of break-ins occur through the front or back door it is important to ensure that all accessible doors have sensors.  Ground floor windows may be protected by individual sensors, motion sensors, or glass break sensors depending on specific layout and how the system will be used. 

We offer several equipment packages that you can review to see what we recommend, and you can add any other devices you feel your home needs. Additionally, if you decide down the road that you need more sensors or components you can order and install them with no change to your monthly monitoring fee.

For more information we recommend that you check out our videos.

We also invite you to call one of our helpful and knowledgeable Security Consultants for a comprehensive analysis of your protection needs, with zero sales pressure.

Do you have smoke and fire detectors? Would they notify the fire department if there’s a fire while I’m away?

Yes, we offer smoke and fire detectors for your home. If these sensors are activated at any time, the monitoring center will attempt to verify an emergency before the fire department is dispatched to your home. There is no extra charge for monitoring of these devices, and if you subscribe to our Interactive Monitoring service you can also be notified immediately by text or email message that these sensors have been activated.

Do you have water or freeze sensors?

FrontPoint has flood sensors as well as freeze sensors so that you can be assured that your home is safe when you are away. With our interactive monitoring package, should a sensor become triggered you will automatically be notified. There is no extra charge for this service.

Can I use a key-chain remote to enable/disable the alarm?

Yes. We offer convenient key-chain alarm remotes that allow you to arm or disarm the home security alarm. Order one for each family member to ensure that they can enter or leave your home easily. Note that when the alarm is deactivated by remote, this disables the Pending Alarm feature.

Do you charge for shipping?

Regular shipping is free of charge, and usually takes 2-5 business days. If you urgently require your new home security system, we can send it by next day delivery, but charges apply.

Do you have a trial period?

We offer an unprecedented 30 day trial period where you can use our system and decide if it is right for you. There is no restocking fee, and return shipping is free of charge.

To discuss the free trial, have a Security Consultant contact you or call us at (866) ALARM-30.

Can I add cameras and additional equipment after the service is established, and will this increase my monitoring fees?

Our home security system is quite flexible, and allows you to add new equipment at any time. There is a charge for the equipment and shipping (for equipment purchased after service is established), but it won’t change your monthly monitoring fee.

Do you have cheap video monitoring that I can view on my smartphone?

FrontPoint Security offers an affordable solution for those who want to view video feeds of their home from their smartphone. In fact, we only charge for the video camera itself, all the monitoring apps are completely free and your monthly monitoring fee remains the same. Video monitoring is only available with our Interactive level of monitoring.

Why do you use GE Security alarm equipment?

FrontPoint uses GE alarm system components because they are the highest quality and most reliable security system components available.

I’m an experienced home security buyer. Do I need to talk to your Security Consultant or can I purchase the equipment online?

If you are confident in the equipment you require then we welcome you to visit our online store and purchase a system directly. With standard delivery, we will ship it to you free of charge. If you have any questions about our equipment or services, feel free to contact one of our qualified security consultants.

Can I install your home alarm system myself?

Absolutely. Part of what sets FrontPoint Security apart from the competition is that you don’t need a security technician to install your home security system. Within 20-30 minutes you can have your basic alarm system up and running, and you’ll save the time of having to wait around all day for someone to come to your home. If you run into a difficulty simply call our support team and we will walk you through the process.

You can see for yourself how easy it is to install a FrontPoint Security System by viewing the our straightforward installation video.

How would I know if I installed it correctly?

Once you have installed your door and window sensors (and any other sensors) and plugged in the control panel, you are ready to give us a call and activate your system. We will remotely check every sensor and ensure the system is working properly before we activate it.

What happens if an intruder breaks in and destroys the control panel during the delay period? Will the panel still be able to alert FrontPoint of the intrusion?

Traditional alarm systems wait for up to a minute before communicating an alarm signal, including entry delays for you to disarm the signal: by that time the system could have been compromised, so no signal is ever sent to the monitoring station.

With FrontPoint's Interactive Monitoring, every activity or event is communicated immediately by your system. We even know when you arm and disarm, so when your system is armed and a door opens, we automatically put your system is a special "Pending Alarms" status.

If we don't get the disarm signal, or an actual intrusion alert, we assume there is an intrusion, and act accordingly. This unique and patented feature is the safest and most reliable protection you can get.

Does your wireless system work on my home internet Wifi network?

FrontPoint’s sensors communicate within your home using an exclusive former military frequency. This gives you an entirely wireless home security system which can move with you, as well as increasing your safety. Communication between the control panel and the monitoring station is through a cellular signal. You do not require a home wireless network for our home security system to work, but you do need a broadband connection to utilize our video services.

Some cellphones don’t get reception in my area. Would your cellular network work?

We use several cellular networks to maximize coverage, and will confirm that there is sufficient signal strength in your area before completing your order.

Where can I read your customer reviews on and off your website?

FrontPoint has many online customer video testimonies that you can view.

If you are interested in looking at additional opinions of our products and services, you can Google “Frontpoint Security reviews” or visit the following independent review sites:

Yelp

Epinions

And by the way, you probably won't find us on sites like www.complaints.com or www.ripoffreport.com.

Where can I learn more about your company?

Our website contains detailed information about our products and services, as well as detailed video clips on how our system works.