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) […]
Home Security Systems
American Alarm Review 2026: 50+ Years in New England, No DIY Option — Why You Pay $45/Month for What Abode Does for $6
American Alarm & Communications: Company Overview American Alarm is New England’s largest independent alarm company — a genuine rarity in an industry dominated by national chains and private equity rollups. Founded in 1971 by three MIT engineers in Arlington, Massachusetts, they’ve stayed independent for over 50 years while competitors got acquired, rebranded, or went bankrupt. […]
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: DIY, Pro Install, Monitoring, and Cost
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 […]
