How Does Home Security Monitoring Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

Home security monitoring is a service where trained professionals respond to alarms from your home's security system. They can contact emergency services on your behalf if needed, and they are available 24/7 to help.

Without professional monitoring, your security system is just a collection of devices. If an alarm goes off, you have to verify if something is wrong and take action yourself to protect your home. With security monitoring, you can rest easy knowing that a trained professional is ready to respond at a moment's notice.

An important note about privacy: Monitoring specialists do not watch your camera footage or access live video feeds. They only respond to triggered alarms from your security system.

Let’s walk through what a monitored security system is, what happens when an alarm goes off, and how you can find the best monitoring system for your home.

Key takeaways:

• Professional monitoring provides 24/7 protection for emergencies like break-ins, fire, carbon monoxide, and flooding.
• When an alarm goes off, monitoring specialists are instantly notified. They'll reach out and verify if something is wrong and can dispatch emergency services if needed.
• Monitoring professionals do not watch your camera feeds. They only respond to triggered alarms.
• Professional monitoring typically costs $20–$80/month.

What is a monitored security system?

A monitored home security system is a network of Wi-Fi-connected, in-house smart security devices that detect break-ins, fires, or leaks. These devices are connected to and monitored by a professional monitoring center: a location staffed 24/7 where trained specialists receive system alerts, reach out to homeowners to assess situations, and dispatch emergency services when necessary. If an alarm goes off, the monitoring center is notified, and the monitoring team will reach out to verify the emergency and can contact emergency services on your behalf.

The average response time for top-ranked monitoring centers is less than one minute.

Key components of a monitored home security system

The types of monitored home security devices you’ll have in your home depends on your security needs, home security provider, and budget. The most common devices include:

Sensors and detectors

Security sensors are devices that detect changes in your home. They watch for things like motion, doors or windows opening, glass breaking, and water leaking and send an instant alert to the monitoring center when triggered.

• Door and window sensors that alert if a window is opened while the alarm is set.
• Glass break sensors that measure the decibel level or vibration that comes from broken glass.
• Motion sensors that trigger the alarm if movement is detected inside rooms or specific areas.
• Fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that monitor for smoke and the presence of deadly carbon monoxide.
• Water sensors that detect the presence of moisture in areas with high potential for leaks, such as laundry rooms, near water heaters, or kitchens.
• Emergency alert systems that are useful for people who are elderly, have mobility issues, or who just want the peace of mind knowing that help is there at the touch of a button. Usually worn around the neck or wrist, these devices are equipped with a button that connects you to the monitoring center.

Security cameras and video doorbells

Video surveillance can include indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and video doorbells. While typically not monitored by the monitoring service, homeowners can view footage of their front door, inside of their home, or outside their property via a mobile app or keypad. Security cameras are important not only for keeping an eye on your home in real time, but for video verification in the event of suspicious activity or if a crime or break-in does occur.

Control panels and mobile app

A control panel/smart hub is the heart of a security system. It lets you arm or disarm the system, view system status, and reach out to the monitoring center if you need help. Some, like the Vivint Smart Hub, allow you to contact the security professionals with just two taps.

Seamless app integration is a must for a monitored home security system. From the app you can receive instant alerts if an alarm is triggered, monitor security camera feeds, and control security devices remotely.

What happens step-by-step when a monitored alarm is triggered?

A monitored security system has a number of monitored devices. So what happens when one goes off?

All products will follow the same basic steps:

1. Alarm triggers
2. Monitoring center is instantly notified
3. They reach out to verify the emergency
4. Emergency services are dispatched as needed
5. Specialist stays on the line with you until help arrives

Here’s a look at what you can expect with some of the most common monitored Vivint smart home security devices:

What happens when my burglar alarm goes off?

1. The alarm is triggered. This can be from an entry point, such as a door or window alarm, or from a motion sensor when your system is armed. It can also be triggered by you via the panic button on your Smart Hub.

2. An alarm sounds. If you are not at home to hear the alarm, you’ll still know it was triggered thanks to the notification on your app.

3. Security cameras in your home kick into gear, ensuring you have the footage you need to assess the situation.

4. A 30-second buffer allows you to verify the alarm. Sometimes, it’s just an accident, not an emergency. This allows you to get to your keypad and deactivate the alarm. You can also deactivate the alarm via the Vivint app.

5. The monitoring center reaches out. If you don’t silence the alarm yourself, the monitoring center will attempt to contact you. First, they’ll try and speak to you through the Smart Hub. If they can’t get hold of you, they’ll try a phone call.

   • If they are unable to contact you via Hub or phone, they’ll attempt to contact the primary contact and first contact on your list to verify the alarm.
   • If they contact you and it’s a false alarm, they will ask you for your verbal passcode and verify with you that everything is ok and you don’t actually need help.

6. Vivint monitoring dispatches emergency services. If there is no response or you have verified there is an emergency, the monitoring specialist immediately contacts emergency services on your behalf. If you are on the phone with them, they will stay on the line with you until help arrives. If you’re not home, you’ll receive a text notifying you that emergency services were dispatched to your home.

What happens when my Smoke & CO detector goes off?

1. An alarm sounds. If smoke or carbon monoxide are detected, your Combo Smoke & CO detector will sound an alarm.
2. You’ll receive a notification on your app and through the Smart Hub. Once you know a smoke or CO detector has gone off, you can check your home’s cameras or call family members who are home.
3. Monitoring reaches out. They’ll attempt to contact you first through the Hub, then through your phone.
4. First responders are notified. In an emergency, every second counts. The monitoring specialist will contact first responders on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about it.

What happens when my Water Sensor goes off?

1. The water sensor triggers an alarm. This can be from either water or extreme temps that can lead to frozen pipes.
2. You’ll receive notifications in the Vivint app and Smart Hub. Whether you’re home or away, you’ll know.
3. 24/7 monitoring will call you.
4. Easily the alarm from your smart phone app or the Hub when you are done.

What happens when my Emergency Pendant goes off?

1. You (or someone in your home) triggers the alarm. This can be from the pendant, your Hub, or the app.
2. A monitoring specialist reaches out. First, they’ll try to reach you through the Hub, then your phone. You can either verify the emergency, or let them know it was a false alarm.
3. Local first responders are dispatched by the monitoring center to get you the help you need quickly. (They will also be dispatched if a monitoring specialist is unable to reach you.)

Which is better: Professional monitoring or self-monitoring?

With a self-monitored security system, you alone receive system alerts—usually via app notifications—and have to decide whether or not to take action or call emergency services.

While this provides cost savings, it also comes with some drawbacks—if you’re not home when the alarm is triggered, or if you’re injured or somehow unable to call for help, you may not get the help you need.

At the end of the day, most people who opt for professional monitored security systems do so because it provides reliable protection around the clock.

Pros and cons of a monitored security system

If you're considering a monitored home security system, it's always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons.

Some of the benefits of professional monitoring include:

• 24/7 surveillance. With monitoring from professionals, your home’s alarms are being monitored around the clock, ensuring they never go unheard or unanswered.
• Faster emergency response times. When an alarm is triggered, whether it’s a smoke or CO alarm or a burglar alarm, the monitoring team responds within seconds to assess whether the threat is real or a false alarm.
• Access to emergency services. If you’re not home or you’re unable to contact first responders yourself, the monitoring professionals will reach out to them on your behalf.
• Potential insurance savings. A monitored home security system can save you up to 15% on your home insurance, according to some reports.
• Peace of mind. Perhaps the greatest benefit of monitored home security is the peace of mind it provides. If an alarm is triggered while you’re away from home, you can rest easy knowing your home is being watched.

There are also some potential drawbacks to consider when looking for professionally monitored home security solutions, including:

• Monthly fee. Professionally monitoring often comes with a monthly monitoring fee. Some people might prefer a DIY monitoring option to cut costs.
• Potential contract required. Many monitored security systems require either a long-term or month-to-month contract.
• Potential for false alarm dispatch. If the monitoring center can’t get ahold of you, they’ll dispatch emergency services to your home on your behalf to make sure everything is okay—even if it might be a false alarm.

Weighing the pros and cons, including your budget and the amount of time you spend at home and away, can help you decide whether your a professionally monitored system is right for you.

How much does professional home security monitoring cost?

Typical monitoring costs: monitoring generally ranges from $20–$80 per month. Vivint monitoring plans start at only $24.99 per month and include award-winning 24/7 Professional Monitoring and access to the Vivint app.

Factors that influence monitoring costs

The cost of professional monitoring can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including:

• Security company. Costs can vary widely depending on company and the services they provide.
• Contract or month-to-month agreement. Paying for your monthly monitoring in an upfront lump sum may help you save money, but it also requires a larger amount out of pocket.
• How many devices are in your system. More devices may mean a higher monitoring fee.

As a general rule, you can expect to pay around $20–80 a month for monthly monitoring.

Vivint 24/7 Professional Monitoring

If you’re looking for a security system that combines state-of-the-art smart home devices with exceptional monitoring and top-notch customer support, look no further than a Vivint smart home security system.

Here’s how Vivint’s professional monitoring helps protect your home:

• 24/7 monitoring. When it comes to watching your home, Vivint never takes a break—professionals are monitoring for alarms 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• In-house teams. When it comes to monitoring your safety, Vivint doesn’t outsource or rely on questionable AI. Monitoring centers are staffed with real people who assess each and every alarm.
• Award-winning monitoring. Since 2012, Vivint has received the most “Monitoring Center of the Year” awards, consistently recognizing Vivint for their excellence in security, service, and innovation.
• Support during alarms. If a monitoring specialist needs to contact first responders, they’ll stay on the phone with you until they arrive, so you’ll know exactly what’s happening, minute by minute.
• Monitoring for more than just burglar alarms. Many security monitoring services only monitor burglar alarms. Vivint monitors for break-ins, broken windows, smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide, water leaks, and medical emergencies.

When it comes to protecting your home, your family, and your peace of mind, Vivint 24/7 Professional Monitoring means an award-winning team of real, trained people helping protect your home around the clock., whether you're home, asleep, or miles away.

Ready to let Vivint start protecting your home? Getting started is easy. Just visit us online or give us a call at 855.822.1220 and start customizing your system today.

Frequently asked professional monitoring questions

Investing in a professionally monitored security system means you'll always have help when you need it. Learn the answers to frequently asked home security monitoring questions here.

What happens when my security alarm goes off?

With a professionally monitored security system, your monitoring center is instantly notified when an alarm triggers. A security specialist will reach out to verify the alarm. If it's a real emergency or they can't reach you, they can dispatch police, fire, or EMS to your home on your behalf.

Is professional monitoring worth it?

Yes. Professional monitoring provieds 24/7 protection, fast emergency response, and peace of mind. It's especially valuable if you travel, work away from home, or want backup when you can't respond to alarms yourself.

Does security monitoring mean someone is watching my camera?

No, monitoring specialists do not watch your camera footage or access live video feeds. They only monitor for triggered alarms.

How much does home security monitoring cost?

Professional monitoring typically costs between $20-$80/month, depending on the provider and services included.

What's the difference between professional monitoring and self monitoring?

With professional monitoring, trained specialists are ready to respond to alarms around the clock. They can dispatch emergency services on your behalf. With self monitoring, you receive alerts on your phone and are responsible for calling for help yourself.

How fast do monitoring centers respond to alarms?

Monitoring specialists are instantly notified when an alarm goes off in your security system. They reach out to verify the emergency in a matter of seconds.