Frequently Asked Questions - Home Security

These are some common questions asked by True V Security Systems customers.
If you don't find your particular question listed here, contact us.

True V Security Systems customer FAQ’s

What is a "monitored" system?

• How does my alarm system work?
• Why is my motion sensor providing false detections?
• Why does my keypad display "no ac"?
• Why is my system not communicating correctly?
• Why does my keypad display "not ready"?
• What is an undefined signal?
• If I move, will I have to pay again to put a security system in my new house?
• I have call waiting on my phone line. Can that affect my service?
• How do I change the people listed on my call list?
• What if my system isn't working right?
• If there's a problem, can you turn my system off from the your offices?
• My alarm went off accidentally, but I quickly put in the code and shut it off. I expected a call  from the Central Monitoring Station, but no one called. Why not?
• What happens when I press the panic or fire alarm buttons on the touchpad?
• If my electric power goes off, will my alarm system still work?
• If I have an emergency, should I call True Value Security Systems first?
• Am I responsible for testing my system regularly?
• Who do I call to service my Security System?1. What is a "monitored" system? 
Can you handle my business as well as my home alarm? 
Are your systems cost effective? 
Besides burglary, intrusion and fire, can you monitor any other events? 
Aren’t most alarm companies pretty much the same? 
Do your systems come with a warrantee? 


Answers

Q:  What is a "monitored" system?
A:  All of True Value Security Systems Alarm Systems incorporate monitoring at our high tech, fully computerized Central Monitoring Station. Staffed by trained professionals, on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When your alarm is activated a signal is transmitted to our Response Agents who promptly dispatch Police or Fire Authorities. After this, our personnel will call your designated contact list, and notify them of the activation.

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Q: How does my alarm system work?
A: The alarm system may be armed in the "Away" or "Stay" mode. Once the system is activated, each monitored zone has the ability to recognize a violation. Once a zone has been violated, the alarm system then dials our Central Station and transmits the message through a telephone line or other communication method. Once the signal is received, the alarm system will wait to send another message if another zone is tripped. Entering the code and turning off the system will end this process.

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Q: Why is my motion sensor providing false detections?
A: A motion detector may activate falsely due to improper installation of the device above a heater or furnace. Movement of objects such as balloons, blinds, and curtains within the range of a motion detector may also trigger an alarm activation.
The motion detector may require relocation or adjustment by an our technician.

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Q: Why does my keypad display "no ac"?
A: An alarm panel will normally display "no ac" when the system has lost electrical current. The outlet should be checked to verify that it is operational. If the outlet is working properly a service call will be needed.

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Q: Why is my system not communicating correctly?
A: An alarm system may lose communications for several reasons. The telephone line the system communicates through may be inoperable or equipment on the alarm system may not be functioningproperly. Operational malfunctions within your phone company or your alarm may also be possible reasons for communications failure.

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Q: Why does my keypad display "Not Ready"?
A: Your keypad is informing you that the alarm system is not ready to turn on (arm).
Common reasons for this are that a door or window is not completely closed, a motion detector may be sensing movement, or a previous alarm has not been cleared out of the memory. Correct the condition and the alarm system will be ready to arm.

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Q: What is an undefined signal?
A: Your alarm system is capable of sending many types of signals to the Central Monitoring Station, which is why we spend a lot of time during the installation testing the alarms. Very rarely a system will send a signal that is not clearly defined in our database and requires us to update our information.

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Q: If I move, will I have to pay again to put a security system in my new house?
A: If you've already have had our services for at least two years, we will provide you with a Basic System free at your new address.

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Q: I have call waiting on my phone line. Can that affect my service?
A: No. The Alarm system is designed to seize your phone line in order to call the Central Monitoring Station.
It will then release the line in order for the Central Monitoring Station to notify you that an alarm signal was received.

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Q: How do I change the people listed on my call list?
A: Just call the our offices at 1-718-544-6000 and let us know, email us @
mitchellw11@aol.com with your updated call list and account number or write your
new call list on the back of your quaterly payment reciept if you receive one.

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Q: What if my system isn't working right?
A: We will be happy to investigate any problems you're having with your equipment.
    Just call 1-718-544-6000 for any service-related issues.

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Q: If there is a problem, can you turn my system off from the your office?
A: No. Your system is an independent unit and can only be turned off at your control  touchpad.

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Q: My alarm went off accidentally, but I quickly put in the code and shut it off. I expected a call from the Central Monitoring Station, but no one called. Why not?
A: The system allows a cancel of the alarm signal if any entry door is tripped within 2 minutes of setting your alarm.

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Q: What happens when I press the panic or fire alarm buttons on the touchpad?
A: If you hold down the panic or fire alarm buttons on the touchpad for 1 to 3 seconds, an alarm is transmitted to the  Central Monitoring Station, and emergency services are dispatched immediately. An alarm received in this manner cannot be canceled.

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Q: If I lose electric power, will my alarm system still work?
A: Yes. In case of a power loss, the back-up battery will activate to maintain your alarm protection for several hours. In the event your battery is low, a low-battery signal will be sent to your Central Monitoring Station so you can be notified. 
 
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Q: If I have an emergency, should I call True Value Security Systems first?
A: No. If you have an emergency, call 911 first. If you are unable to call 911, then depress the panic or fire alarm button on your touchpad and the Central Monitoring Station will
request emergency services. 
 
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Q: Am I responsible for testing my system regularly?
A: Yes. It is your responsibility to make sure that your system is in good working order. If you need help Call us at 1-718-544-6000

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Q: Who do I call to Schedule Service for my Security System?
A: You can call True Value Security Systems at 1-718-544-6000

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Q:  Can you handle my business as well as my home alarm?
A:   Yes - True Value Security is familiar with both residential and commercial security and fire alarm systems. We also service and install CCTV surveillance systems and card access. Your business can be set up to indicate opening and closing times and alert 
our Central Monitoring Station if an employee enters at the wrong time. We can provide you with monthly or weekly reports showing all signal activity.
 
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Q:  Are your systems cost effective?
A:   Yes – Quality protection is more affordable then ever. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to limit a burglar’s time, alert the police, and prevent a loved one from walking in on a burglary. Our systems also entitle you to insurance discounts of up to 20%
      of your premiums.

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Q:  Besides burglary, intrusion and fire, can you monitor any other events?
A:  Our systems can be designed to monitor almost anything you can think of! Some of the more popular items are: high or low temperature, carbon monoxide or natural gas
detectors and flood sensors. We also install medical alert systems for the elderly or
infirm. Your system can even be designed to page you when your child gets home from school!
 
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Q:  Aren’t most alarm companies pretty much the same?
A:  Absolutely not. There are considerable differences. Many companies are not licensed, and many do not have their own Central Station. Most companies do not have the years of experience and professionalism possessed by True Value Security Systems. 
We are a U.L. listed, fully licensed company.
 
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Q:  Do your systems come with a warrantee?
A:   True Value Security Systems offers a 90day warrantee on all new systems.
      Better yet, for a few dollars a month your system can be warranted for as long as you have it with no hidden fees.
 

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True Value Security Systems 102-20 67 Drive #608 Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375 (718) 544-6000

Licensed by the New York State Department of State License # 12000050984