TriStar Commercial owners Heather and John Barney offered over email insights for homeowners on how to find the best security systems to keep their homes safe.

Q: What kind of home security does TriStar offer?

A: We offer state-of-the-art burglar alarms [and] security cameras, and we offer keyless entry connected to their system, as well as video doorbells, all controlled under a smart home app.

Q: When should homeowners look into getting a security system?

A: Today, but in all seriousness, the sooner you get a security alarm system, the sooner you are protected from events that could transpire and the sooner you can start saving on your home insurance policy. Homes with security alarm systems and proper signage are three times less likely to be broken into.


Q: What does the process for getting a security system/camera look like for homeowners?

A: [There are] no high-pressure sales. The sales consultant will normally come to your residence, take some notes and provide you a quote a few days later. At this time, you can [accept] the quote or decline the quote. The price on new systems is based upon many factors for each client and their needs for security.

Q: What factors should homeowners take into account when selecting a security system?

A: Things to think about: where the product was manufactured? How many years has the installation company been in business? Are they properly licensed and insured in the state of Texas; are they willing to share their license and insurance with you? Are they invested in the local community, or are they some large conglomerate? Cheapest is rarely the best, and some products from some manufacturers are not secure on the internet and should not be placed in your home.


Q:What are some new technological advancements when it comes to home security?

A: Integrated smart home capability, single app control or keypad control, of cameras, video doorbell, lights, thermostats, locks. The ability to use [artificial intelligence] in video cameras on your alarm system, as smart motion detectors, so that the motion detectors do not trip on everything that moves, only the people. [This results] in less false alarms and the ability for the monitoring station to see the burglary or attempted burglary in process.

Q: What is the response to a security breach?

A: Our 24-hour monitoring center contacts the client as soon as the alarm is received, and they notify down the list of additional contacts and dispatch police. Unless it is a video monitoring system, in that case, the monitoring center will look through the cameras and attempt to identify any criminal activity before dispatching police, to significantly lower false alarms.


TriStar Commercial
  • 8863 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 118, Austin
  • 512-733-0944
  • www.tristarcommercial.com