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AFA

An Established Commercial Fire Alarm Company

7.9

Overall Score

2 days ago

AFA

Review

Rating: 7.9 / 10 (Great)

This company remains one of the most trusted names in commercial security. Its professionals have been safeguarding American businesses for nearly 150 years, with a wide range of equipment to protect a property from thieves, fires, health hazards, and more. Now, the company offers several security options featuring some of the most innovative equipment in the industry today.

However, one potential con of AFA Protective Systems is their cost. Their products are priced higher than some other options on the market, which may make them less accessible to some customers.

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How is AFA Rated?

Breakdown
Equipment
5/10
Monitoring
7/10
Reputation
7/10
Contract & Price
4/10
Technology Integration
5/10
Overall Rating: 7.9 / 10 (Great)

For almost 150 years, AFA Protective Systems has been providing security solutions for people. They offer advanced security technology and round-the-clock monitoring stations to ensure that your home is protected at all times. Their customer service is highly praised for their attentiveness to details and quick response times.

Pros
  • Extensive Security
  • Professional Maintenance and Installation
Cons
  • High Upfront Costs
  • Limited Information About Products
  • No Warranty

HOW DOES AFA WORK?

Equipment - 5 / 10

To ensure top-notch security solutions, AFA Protective Systems works with renowned manufacturers such as Honeywell, DMP, Bosch, and Open Eye, utilizing high-quality parts and equipment.

Through their commitment to customer safety, AFA Protective Systems has remained a trusted and reliable provider of fire and security systems over the decades. However, their equipment is often dated and can lack more modern features.

Installation Professional
Equipment Manufacturer Honeywell, DMP, Bosch, Open Eye
Ability to Reallocate System
Wireless Sensors
Control Panel
Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm

Security Monitors, Sensors, & Devices

  • Intrusion Protection
  • Door & Window Sensors
  • Garage Door Sensors
  • Motion Sensors
  • Glass Break Protection
  • Recessed Door Sensors
  • Crash & Smash Protection
  • Surveillance
  • Indoor Cameras
  • Outdoor Cameras
  • Doorbell Cameras
  • Tilt & Pan Cameras
  • Live Surveillance
  • Event-triggered Surveillance
  • Environmental Protection
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Flood
  • Temperature Change
  • Smoke
  • Life Safety
  • Panic Button
  • Medical Alert

MONITORING

Monitoring - 7 / 10

Headquartered in New York, AFA protective systems offers rate tailored to meet the needs of its customers. They offer both cellular and VoIP monitoring.

Monitoring Options Professional Monitoring
Monitoring Technology Cellular
VoIP
Number of Monitoring Centers 6
Monitoring Center Type Owned
Professional Monitoring Services 24/7 Professional Monitoring
Fire Department Dispatch
Police Dispatch
Medical Dispatch

How much does AFA cost?

Contract & Price - 4 / 10

In addition to contracts, which are standard for any commercial security company, AFA Protective Systems also uses set packages.

While it’s common for customers to have the option to customize their security system, AFA Protective Systems also offers pre-set packages. While this isn’t a major issue for most customers, the lack of information about these packages can be problematic.

The combination of pre-set packages and a lack of information can make the process of choosing a security system more challenging for customers. While the pre-set packages may be useful for some, the lack of transparency about their contents can be a barrier for others looking to make an informed decision.

Monthly Fee (min) N/A
Monthly Fee (max) N/A
Number of Available Packages N/A
Installation/ Activation Fee N/A
Equipment Starting Cost N/A
Contract Required
Cancellation Policy N/A
Warranty N/A

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATIONS

Technology Integration - 5 / 10

It’s typical for security companies to limit customers to a single equipment manufacturer for their security systems. However, AFA Protection Systems stands out by offering customers a diverse selection of options to choose from. This approach allows customers to tailor their security systems to their specific needs and preferences.

With a range of manufacturers to choose from, customers can take advantage of the unique features and benefits offered by each one. This level of customization provides a more personalized experience and allows customers to make informed decisions when selecting their security system.

  • Mobile Access & Alerts
  • iPhone App
  • Android App
  • Email & Text Alerts
  • Live Surveillance Feed
  • Remote Arm/Disarm
  • Geo-location Services

AFA reputation

Reputation - 7 / 10

Most criticisms around AFA concern its high equipment costs and monthly fees, which unfortunately doesn’t necessarily translate to the latest and greatest products. If price is no object, AFA is certainly worth considering as their products and services are more reliable than those offered by many companies that target businesses on tighter budgets.

BBB Rating A+
Number of BBB Positive Reviews 0
Number of BBB Neutral Reviews 0
Number of BBB Negative Reviews 0
Date Collected 2023-01-8
Year Founded 1873
  • Certifications & Associations
  • Certifications & Associations
  • Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL)
  • Factory Mutual (FM)
  • Electronic Security Association
  • New York City Fire Department
Top Rated
Home

Overall Score

  • Highly-rated Customer Service
  • Verified Audio Intrusion Detection
  • Comprehensive Video Surveillance Features
  • $15,000 Sonitrol Warranty