August Smart Lock: The Original Retrofit Lock (Now Part of Yale) The August Smart Lock pioneered a simple idea that changed the smart lock market: replace only the interior side of your deadbolt, keep your existing keys, and control everything from your phone. No locksmith needed. No drilling. No landlord drama. Since Yale (ASSA ABLOY) […]
My Alarm Center Review 2026: They Buy Your Contract From Other Companies, Then Auto-Renew It — How the Account Acquisition Scam Works
My Alarm Center: What You Need to Know My Alarm Center (MAC) is a home and business security provider headquartered in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. They provide monitoring services across 40+ states, offering residential security, home automation, fire/CO/flood monitoring, and commercial security. But behind the friendly branding lies an aggressive dealer model with auto-renewing contracts and […]
How to Choose a Home Security System in 2026: 10-Step Buyer’s Guide — DIY vs Pro-Install, Monthly Plans, Smart Home & the Real 3-Year Cost Nobody Talks About
Most buyers overpay by $500-1,500 over 3 years because they skip the math. This 10-step buyer guide covers DIY vs pro install, self-monitoring vs professional ($6-45/mo), contract traps with ADT and Vivint, equipment markups, and which smart home protocols matter. We price out 6 systems from $140 to $2,400 and show the real 3-year cost nobody advertises.
Point Security Review 2026: Texas Dealer With “Free Install” That Costs $1,260+ Over 3 Years — Why DIY Saves You More
Point Security: What You Need to Know Detail Point Security Headquarters Hutto, TX (Austin metro) Founded 2000s — small regional dealer Service Area Texas only (Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas) Business Model Alarm dealer — installs equipment, outsources monitoring Monitoring Outsourced to Monitronics/Brinks Home via Alarm.com Installation Professional only (advertised as “free”) Contracts 36-60 month […]
First Security Services Review 2026: Bay Area Guard Company — Not a Home Alarm (What to Get Instead)
First Security Services is a physical security guard company based in the San Francisco Bay Area — Silicon Valley specifically. They’ve been operating for over 50 years, providing manned guard services to businesses, tech campuses, and events across Northern California. Critical distinction: First Security Services is NOT a home alarm company. They don’t sell security […]
