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Thursday, July 10th
With over 70 years of experience, Guardian presents itself as an intelligent security system designed for comprehensive coverage of your home or business. Rather than just focusing on home automation as its own perk, Guardian differentiates itself by specializing in home security through home automation. Certified technicians handle the installation, evaluating your security and automation needs to provide tailored solutions. Guardian's services include personalized quotes, professional installation, and round-the-clock monitoring by experts.
Call for a quote
To become a Guardian customer, individuals can search for their zip code on the company's website to determine service availability. If Guardian operates in your area, you can contact the provided number. A technician will then be assigned to visit your home and discuss your specific needs. Following the purchase, the technician installs the system, for a seamless setup process. Disappointingly, there is no way to get a quote from Guardian without calling in first or providing all of your personal information. Given that many of our top competitors do offer online quotes (even just basic estimates), this was a pretty large ding against Guardian.
Security-focused automation features
Focused on security, Guardian offers a variety of compelling features. The system encompasses fire monitoring, smart locks, cameras, doorbell and door lock systems, thermostats, video analytics with daily highlights, home devices, motion detection, light activation, Bluetooth control, garage door management, and security reminders. While it may lack additional entertainment features found with other home automation providers, Guardian excels in providing robust security solutions. Guardian's system is compatible with the Apple Watch, allowing you to easily activate or deactivate security measures, control locks, garage doors, lights, and more directly from your wrist. This functionality is also accessible through a dedicated phone and tablet app, offering you multiple options for overseeing your security system.
Basic option: Base Package
We did some outside research to see if anyone had some basics for pricing on a Guardian home system. This is what we found. The Base Package requires customers to buy a security system package priced at $149. This package includes one IQ2 control panel, one motion detector, and three door and window sensors. The professional monitoring agreement must have a minimum term of 60 months, with a base rate of at least $45.99 per month. Any extra equipment, if required, must be paid for in full at the time of purchase.
Top tier option: No Annual Contract
For those who prefer to avoid a lengthy commitment, Guardian provides a no-annual-contract option. To be eligible, customers need to buy a security system package priced at $1,249, with a minimum monitoring agreement of one month. Similar to the Base Package, any other equipment beyond the items provided in the package must be paid for in full at the time of your initial purchase.
One pad for all your features
One feature we loved was the Guardian IQ, a cutting-edge home security touchscreen panel and smart home automation controller. This pad provides various features, including hands-free Bluetooth disarming, a built-in 5MP camera, a glass break detector, advanced encryption technology, and more. You also have the option to personalize your home automation settings to align with your security system.
7-day in-home trial
Guardian offers an orientation mode, a distinctive feature not commonly found with other security system providers. During the initial 7-day period after installation and activation, excluding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, you get a trial period to acclimate to the new system without dealing with false alarms or the associated fines. Though there isn't a statement on whether you get a refund if you don't like it, this trial period is helpful.
Lots of complaints
Guardian Protection has a Better Business Bureau rating of 3 out of 5 stars, supported by approximately 275 customer reviews. On top of this, Guardian holds an "A+” rating from the BBB. External reviews, however, show a different story. At one third-party review site, Guardian had just 1.7 stars on average with over 2,000 reviews to back up that rating. Customers have problems with their systems malfunctioning and are asked to pay for a technician to come out. Many customers expressed frustration that the products don't work properly but it's on them to pay to fix it. Others complained that things like cameras have limited recording times compared to other security programs. Overall, customers are pretty disappointed in the customer service at Guardian, which is a major red flag.
Needs to focus on customer service
Despite an "A+” rating from the BBB, Guardian falls behind the pack due to thousands of unhappy reviews. While it's nice to have a security-focused option that offers home automation, Guardian just doesn't hit the mark for customer service. So, despite its long history in the security industry and some unique technology perks, Guardian overall gets a lower rating in our review.
Just a few years ago, the idea of home automation was a futuristic dream, a vision of Jetsons-style technology that promised to simplify every aspect of home life. Fast forward to today, and we're living in a future that even George Jetson would marvel at, thanks to the advancements in home automation technologies.
With smartphones, smart appliances, and smart lights, you can basically automate your entire living space. Whether you're looking for a small efficiency upgrade or to restructure your whole home into an automated utopia, there's an option out there for you. Modern home automation systems go beyond merely securing your home; they now encompass a wide array of functions, from ensuring your home's safety to providing entertainment - and much more in between.
A basic home automation setup typically includes features like a doorbell intercom and camera, smart lights, smart thermostats, motion detectors, sensors for doors and windows, as well as monitoring for smoke and carbon monoxide. For those with a more flexible budget, seeking a provider that integrates entertainment and environmental controls for television, music, lighting, and temperature is a wise move.
While a handful of providers offer do-it-yourself options, (and some of them even require coding knowledge for the very industrious DIYers) most home automation services are delivered through professional dealers. These experts conduct thorough assessments of your home's requirements, then proceed to design, build, and install a customized system.
A reputable professional home automation vendor usually responds within a week of your inquiry, providing a comprehensive price estimate. Many providers go the extra mile by visiting your home for a visual inspection and measurements for precision system installation.
The time required for installation and configuration can vary significantly. For straightforward systems, installation might take just a few days. On the other hand, more complex setups could extend to a month or more. It's essential to be aware that advanced systems might necessitate modifications to walls, floors, and ceilings to accommodate the mounting of equipment and wiring.
If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start, don't worry. When looking for home automation solutions, here are some factors to consider:
To help you make your house your dream home, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best Home Automation solutions available today. We hope to help you find the right home automation system so you can start enjoying your new futuristic home life that's even better than a sci-fi dream!
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