FAQ

Can I add more security features to my system after it is installed?

Yes, you can add on to the system.  Many customers want to upgrade their system after it has been installed.  Features like, Alarm.com, additional sensors or X-10 modules (for lighting?) can be added as your needs change.

Can I receive my recurring monitoring bill electronically?

Yes!  Simply provide us with your e-mail in writing and we can send your invoice via e-mail.

Do you offer package deals like your competitors?

Most companies that offer package deals offer very little in those packages. Here at National Security, we cater to your security needs.  Every house or business is unique.  We want to ensure your needs are met and our friendly, professional sales rep will assist you in planning a security system that will offer you the level of protection you desire.

How do I change my arm/disarm code?

If you are a current customer, please refer to the Customer Area redarding this question.

How is monitoring billed?

Monitoring is billed in advance, usually semi-annually (every six months).  Invoices are issued on the 1st of the month that begins your upcoming billing cycle and payment is due by the 20th of the month that your invoice issued.

How is service billed?

Service is generally COD, meaning that payment is expected at the time of service.  If for some reason payment is not made at the time of service, you have 30 days to remit payment.  If payment has not been received within 30 days, a $10.00 charge will be added for billing.

I hear a beeping coming from my system, how do I make it stop?

a.  The first thing is to determine is whether or not the beeping is actually coming from your alarm panel.  Your panel will beep for one of two reasons: an open zone (this is your chime sounder going off) or if the panel is in trouble.
Look on your keypad, is there any indication something is not right?  For example, if a star symbol (*) is displayed, all the lights are flashing, a yellow trouble indicator or a message stating that the system is in trouble or that you need to check the system trouble. 
If there is no trouble indicator on your panel, and there are no open zones that could be chiming, the beeping is most likely not coming from your alarm system but is coming from something else in the house.

b. Yes my panel is indicating that it is in trouble….. please go to the trouble shooting section and find your panel type and follow the instructions on determining what the trouble is, or call into the office and someone will talk you through it. 

I’m having painting/drywall/floor refinishing done… but this shouldn’t affect my system, right

Wrong.  Painting, drywall and floor refinishing all involve sanding and/or products that emit heavy fumes.  Both sanding and refinishing products have the potential to make a mess of your fire alarm monitoring.  They will trigger false smoke alarms almost every time if the proper precautions are not taken.  When undertaking any of these jobs with the home, please take the time to cover your smokes with plastic bags and seal them off with plastic.  If not the dust will accumulate inside and might require a service call to get it all cleaned out.  The fumes will also trigger alarms until the smell dissipates.  Contractors traditionally will not answer the phone when we call, so to prevent the fire department from coming needlessly, take the time to cover those smokes. 

I’m having roofing/siding work done, that won’t affect my system right?

This is a tricky one. It does have the potential for false alarms if proper precautions are not taken ahead of time.  If you have glass break detectors, depending on where they are located, the hammering might trigger false alarms.
The option here is to either not arm your system, or to bypass your glass break detectors.  Remind the contractors that you have an alarm system, especially for siding work when they might be setting nails in around a window or door.  It only takes one nail in the wrong place to sever a wire to a contact.

I’m having windows or doors replaced, is this going to affect my system?

Yes most likely it will as most systems are contacted at both the windows and the doors.  It is important to contact us at least 2 weeks in advance so we can determine what we need to do to make the transition during the construction go smoothly.  WARNING: Many new replacement windows and doors cannot be contacted in the traditional method which requires us to drill holes in them and the frame.  Please contact the installers and find out if it will void your warranty if we re-contact the doors and windows in the traditional method.  If we cannot drill to replace the contacts, your options are to upgrade to wireless or to add glass breaks and motions instead of contacting the actual doors and windows.  This is why it is important to call so far in advance so we can get you a proper estimate for any work that will need to be done to get your system back up and running after the replacement work is done.

If I don’t pay my bill will my account automatically be canceled?

No!  Because of the nature of our business, we must receive a written request to discontinue service.  Failure to make payment might be due to travel, oversight or lost mail, and we would not jeopardize your security by assuming non-receipt of payment indicates a desire not to continue service.  After a period of time, non-payment will result in cancellation, but you would be notified before this action is taken.

My phone lines were cut, why didn’t you call and tell me?

The dialer for the alarm system is located inside your home, there is no way for us to determine if the phone line has been cut.  The system relies on the phone line to communicate.  However, many systems can have cell phone back up modules added to them.  These modules give you that extra protection should the standard phone line become unusable for whatever reason. 

What type of payment is accepted?

Payment methods we currently accept include cash, money order, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover).  We can keep your credit card information on file for automatic payment if desired.

Where is your Central Monitoring Station?

Our Central Station is located just outside Baltimore, MD.


National Security, Inc.
10410 Main Street
Fairfax, Virginia 22030

VA: 703-273-5555
MD: 301-656-6466
Loudoun Co: 703-771-1000
Toll Free: 800-886-0886
Fax: 703-273-0885