Home Security FAQ’s

I just moved into a new house that has a system installed by AFA. What should I do?

Will I have to sign a contract, to obtain service on monitoring?  How long will the commitment have to be?

How competitive are your rates?

How often will I be billed?

Can AFA provide service for my existing alarm system even though another company installed it?

What happens if the power goes out?

How often should the security system be tested?

How do I test my system?

Do you install for renters?

Do you ever advertise sales or discounts on installations?

What brand of security system does AFA install and service for the homeowner?

How do I cancel my monitoring service?

Do I have to let AFA know when I’m going to be out of town?

My system is beeping or blinking, is there anything that I can do myself?

Our family recently purchased a pet and it keeps setting off our alarm. What should we do?

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Q. I just moved into a new house that has a system installed by AFA. What should I do?

A. Please call your local AFA branch and they will be able to assist you.

Q. Will I have to sign a contract, to obtain service or monitoring? How long will the commitment have to be?

A. Yes.  With AFA, the length of the contract is your choice, but your price may differ based on the contract terms.

Q. How competitive are your rates?

A. Our rates are very competitive. Since we operate our own UL certified Central Station, we can offer you a rate plan that will meet your needs.

Q. How often will I be billed?

A. You can sign up for quarterly, semi-annual or annual billing and with our auto-pay plan enjoy the convenience of credit card or auto-draft payments.

Q. Can AFA provide service for my existing alarm system even though another company installed it?

A. Yes. We have a full time staff of technicians who are qualified to service or program  most of the systems installed today. Call us if your system is not functioning properly or outdated. We can make recommendations to fit most budgets.

Note: If you are under contract with another company for service, you should make sure that AFA working on your system will not void any existing warranties.

Q. What happens if the power goes out?

A. Don’t panic, your system is probably equipped with a battery back up. Depending on the size of the system, the battery may last up to 24 hours. However, if your main power is out for more then 24 hours call for service.

Q. How often should the security system be tested?

A. This varies depending on the type of system. However, all systems and devices should be checked and inspected at least once a year. If you don’t have an maintenance agreement, simply contact your local AFA branch for more information.

Q. How do I test my system?

A. Simply call our Monitoring Center and ask them to place your account on test. For your security they will ask for your pass code. Please have it ready.

Once our Monitoring Center has placed your account on test you can arm your system and activate (open) all the windows, doors and trip any motion detectors you may have in your house. Disarm your system after you have completed the test.

Call the Monitoring Center and review the results of your test with them. Please call during normal business hours when testing your system.

Q. Do you install for renters?

A. Yes, as long as the landlord or building official approves.

Q. Do you ever advertise sales or discounts on installations?

A. At AFA, we strive to deliver the very best service and installations at the most competitive prices available.  If you receive a more competitive quote, bring it to us and give us the opportunity to offer a better value.  Since our prices are very competitive, we do not run specials.

Q. What brand of security system does AFA install and service for the homeowner?

A. While AFA is capable of installing and servicing a variety of manufacturer products, we are a key supplier of Bosch and Honeywell Security Systems for all our home security systems.

Q. How do I cancel my monitoring service?

A. Call your local AFA branch request a monitoring disconnect form. Please be aware that t early termination fees may apply, (if service is disconnected during a contract term).

Q. Do I have to let AFA know when I’m going to be out of town?

A. No. But it is a good idea to update your notification call list before you leave identifying those individuals that are available to receive information regarding an alarm incident and respond to the premises (if required).

Q. My system is beeping or blinking, is there anything that I can do myself?

A. You may want to refer to your system’s users manual on basic troubleshooting. If the problem persists , consider placing a service call by contacting us at 888-232-1873.

Q. Our family recently purchased a pet and it keeps setting off our alarm. What should we do?

A. It is likely the pet is violating the motion detector(s) in your home when the system is armed. You may be able to upgrade your motion detector(s) to detectors with “Pet Immunity”. Contact your local AFA branch for more information. You can also arm only the perimeter devices (windows, doors, etc.) which are not affected by animal movement.