Why We Use Alarm.com
Reliable most of the time isn’t an option. Here is why we moved beyond DIY security.
In the world of smart security and surveillance, there’s a massive divide between “bought on Amazon” and professional-grade systems. While many people start with consumer options like Ring or Nest, we’ve found they often fall short when it comes to long-term reliability and, more importantly, data privacy.
In our latest video, I walk through why we’ve built our security and surveillance standards around Alarm.com. For us, it isn’t just about having a camera on the wall; it’s about choosing a platform that prioritizes security and reliability over data mining.
Security-First vs. Data-First
The biggest difference between Alarm.com and the big-name consumer brands is the business model. Companies like Ring are owned by data giants, where your information is often just another data point in a larger advertising ecosystem. Alarm.com is a security-first business. They do not sell your data. Instead, they provide professional-grade surveillance with end-to-end encryption that meets the standards of high-end residential and commercial properties.
Proactive Video Analytics
We’ve all experienced the “boy who cried wolf” with basic motion sensors. Surveillance systems of yesteryear often trigger for every passing car, spiderweb, or swaying tree branch. Alarm.com uses advanced video analytics to distinguish between a person, a vehicle, and an animal. We’ve set up “Tripwires” and “Ground Zones” so the system only alerts us if someone actually lingers on the property or enters a restricted area after hours. It is the difference between getting 50 useless notifications a day and getting the one that actually matters.
Deep Integration with Lutron Lighting
One of my favorite parts of the Alarm.com platform is how seamlessly it plays with our Lutron lighting systems. Instead of toggling between two different apps to set the mood or secure the building, the integration is built-in. We can set “Away” scenes where Lutron lights mimic real activity while the system is armed. Additionally, if a smoke detector is triggered, the system can automatically flood the home with light to clear an exit path. It is a level of performance that consumer hubs simply cannot execute reliably.
Professional Reliability Over DIY
Consumer-grade systems like SimpliSafe are fine for apartments, but they rely heavily on home Wi-Fi and entry-level hardware. Alarm.com utilizes dedicated cellular paths and professional-grade equipment designed to stay online even if the power is out or the internet is down. When you’re protecting a business or a luxury home, “reliable most of the time” isn’t an option.
Ready to upgrade?
Are you looking to move beyond the “DIY” phase of security and build something more robust? Stop by our Vancouver showroom to see these integrations in action. We’ve got you covered.
Tony Curtis
