Slomins Shield Home Security System Review: General Store Turned HVAC Provider/Surveillance Company

Even though it’s a familiar brand name, this Slomins home security review will go beyond the surface level. Besides surveillance and intrusion protection, the company HVAC maintenance as well. That said, this guide will dive into the safety aspect and a few key metrics.

Kyle Nelson - Editorial Staff

Updated: March 31, 2020

Slomins Shield Home Security Review: In-Depth

Slomins Home Security Review

Slomins security bundles come with a variety of automated features and surveillance products. This helps families arm themselves against burglaries and provides better privacy and protection from natural disasters. Below is a review of Slomins service and history.

Key Features

Besides the heating and cooling repairs, Slomins offers complete kits for household automation and privacy.

  • 24/7 professional monitoring
  • Automated features
  • Environmental protection
  • HVAC services
  • Mobile app and alerts
  • Real-time video surveillance

Background Information

Slomin's Background Information

Slomins dates back to 1942 and is named after its founder, Jacob Slomin, who grew the company from a humble general store to what it is in 2021. Home security didn’t become synonymous with the enterprise until 1981. Throughout the years, it has expanded to include third-party integrations, advanced motion detection, remote controls, and more.

Today, it is one of the largest family-owned safety companies in the United States. It remains the most popular on the East Coast and has its headquarters in New York. With over 90 years of experience and reviews, it’s a well-known brand across generations.

Key Features: Premium Alarm System Offerings

The company makes sure to add room for customization, and with their selection of household automated devices, there are plenty of possibilities. Below is a guide to the top features that consumers can expect from this business.

Alarm Monitoring: Conveniently Connected to the Experts

Slomin's Alarm Monitoring

Every system is wirelessly connected to the company’s central hub. That way, trained representatives can contact clients if an alert goes out, and they can dispatch local authorities in case of an emergency. They also keep an eye on the footage 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Professional Installation: Part of Expert Customer Support

Slomin's Professional Installation

In most cases, buyers can take advantage of free pro installation when they purchase a bundle. This is great because the devices and control panels aren’t always the easiest to set up. This way, they can ensure everything is properly installed, and they can get their questions answered in person.

Full Home Automation: A Personalized Approach

Slomin's Full Home Automation

This refers to the customized packages that clients can create. They have full control over which devices they want and what they’d like them to do in certain scenarios. These mode settings allow for more peace of mind as well as convenience.

Live Streaming Video: Instant Access to Footage

Slomin's Live Streaming Video

Whether clients want to see the video recordings in real-time or they want to take a look at it for future reference, they can. Plus, they don’t even need to be at the house to see it. Remote access via the mobile app lets them view footage as it records.

View All Security Cameras at Once: Perfect for Larger Households

Slomin's Remote Access Via All Devices

For those who have multiple cams scattered throughout their property, it can be tough to manage them all at the same time. Fortunately, this company makes it easy to view them all simultaneously for a more comprehensive experience.

Remote Access Via All Devices: The Ultimate Control

With an Internet connection, customers can control their safety devices inside and outside the home. Not only can they use the mobile app, but they can log into their account on a computer and glance at live-streaming footage, camera images, and more.

Z-Wave Compatibility: Stay in Sync

Consumers who already have a Z-Wave device have the added benefit of linking it to their Slomins hardware for free. This creates a more comprehensive system and makes it easy to control lights, locks, cameras, and more with the push of a smartphone button.

Pan, Tilt, & Zoom: Better Views, Enhanced Protection

Thanks to the cameras’ ability to shift positions and access a wider field of view, customers can get a closer look at all areas of their properties. Plus, these functions are at the mercy of the user, as they can control where the lens points.

Equipment & Installation

Slomins security provides comprehensive tools and products, including integrations and mobile control and viewing. There’s also a convenient touchscreen command panel. Here’s a guide to what buyers can expect from the basic plan. Keep in mind that the accessories are under a one-year warranty, but clients are expected to sign on to a five-year contract.

Touchscreen Control Panel

Slomin's Touchscreen Control Panel

This works as the brains of all the alarm systems. It is the base station within the client’s house, but it also connects them to the business’s monitoring center. Also, individuals can control the other accessories in their bundle all from this smart screen.

Motion Detector

Slomin's Motion Detector

These little gadgets do a good job of scanning a room and identifying any changes in the infrared lighting. This helps with spotting intruders or unusual activity, and it works in hallways, at front doors, on the back patio, and more.

Three Door Sensors

Families can place these on entry points like doors and windows. Opening or closing a door will make the device trigger. This can be great for keeping kids out of drawers and cabinets, too.

Battery Backup

This is a crucial component that makes up the residential surveillance systems. Oftentimes, clients are left at the mercy of their WiFi connection. With a backup battery pack, they no longer have to worry about power outages or lost Internet signals.

Yard Signs & Window Decals

Even the sight of a company logo or sticker can be enough to deter criminals. If they see that the house they were eyeing for a burglary is protected by a well-known security brand, they’ll think twice before breaking in.

Add-on Equipment

Should families want to expand their bundles, they can opt for some additional accessories that will round out their systems. While it’s not mandatory, it can be a great choice for those who need extra coverage or want to build upon a starter kit.

Video Camera: Real-Time Views

This efficient feature may only be available as an add-on, but it is worth it. It lets users track down live-stream footage as it’s recorded. The cams also come with a two-way microphone for easier communication between visitors and the people inside.

Keychain Remote: One-Click Arm/Disarm

Slomin's Keychain Remote

Depending on where the control panel is located, it can be a hassle to run over to it and disarm every time it goes off. This little remote clips onto keys or a wallet like a keychain and has a button for instantly turning the system off.

Environmental Sensors: Protection Against Natural Disasters

It’s not just intruders that pose a risk to homeowners and families. Heavy rain, freezing winters, and fire hazards are real threats, too. These detectors add an extra layer of protection against rising temperatures or water levels, carbon monoxide, and smoke.

Installation

Slomins security requires installation by professionals, but they’re all rigorously tested and trained. They’re subject to background checks, too, so customers know that they’re trustworthy people. Having a technician come out to the house means that buyers can have their devices set up faster and properly the first time.

Slomins Security Packages & Prices

Overall, Slomins pricing is on par with others in this industry, with the lowest plan starting at $29.95 per month. The enterprise makes it simple to select a package. There are only two options available, but there is also the opportunity to bring add-on equipment into the mix. On the other hand, customers must agree to a five-year term agreement, which is very long compared to other providers. Also, the products are only under a one-year warranty, which may give some consumers reason to pause.

Table Comparing Slomins Security's Two Plans

This chart is a good general review of the two options. Remember that the add-on devices will cost extra. Typically, the start-up fee is $99 unless the corporation is running a promotion.

Basic Advanced
Monthly Price$29.95$42.9
24/7 MonitorsYesYes
Expert Set-UpYesYes
AutomatioNoYes
VideoNoYes
Mobile AppNoYes
# of Motion Detectors11
# of Contact Sensors33

Basic

This kit usually costs $33.95 per month, but the current sales promotion has it as $29.95. Of course, it comes with expert set-up and 24/7 monitoring. Other perks include a motion detector and three contact sensors for doors and windows. The bad news is that it doesn’t have the automated functionality or video recording of the Advanced plan.

Pros:

  • Battery backup
  • Comes with four sensors
  • Expandable/customizable

Cons:

  • Lacks video functionality
  • No mobile app control

Advanced

This bundle carries a $33.95 sales tag, although the current deal is $42.95 per month. It comes with all of the features of the Basic pack along with automation and integration with compatible devices like Z-Wave. A video surveillance camera is also included and allows for live-streaming and limited file storage.

Pros:

  • Automated accessories
  • Decent pricing
  • Video surveillance

Cons:

  • Doesn’t include start-up fees
  • May still require add-ons

Ease of Use

The Slomins alarm system’s professional installation ensures that there aren’t any technical issues when setting up the system. This does require that a company salesperson/technician come out and take a look at the property to assist the client better. In reality, it’s also an opportunity to upsell, so it’s something to be aware of. Even so, being able to have questions and concerns addressed in person is a huge help. Moreover, the support center is open 24/7/365, so there is always someone there to help.

Customer Experience

Slomins home security has nearly a century of experience, and it’s one of those brands that has stood the test of time. In its service areas, people are quick to recognize the yard signs and decals.

Terms & Guarantees

There’s a nice support team, but the contract terms aren’t so satisfying. First of all, buyers must agree to a five-year contract. This is the highest agreement term among residential surveillance companies. Not only that, but there are high fees for early termination.

On a positive note, the business allows clients to move to a new location and bring their equipment with them, providing the new place is within the service area. Otherwise, they’ll have to pay the cancellation charge, which is the number of months remaining in the contract multiplied by the monitoring fee. There is no return policy.

Customer Support

The team has a responsive phone line, and the number is easy to remember: 1-800-ALARM-ME (252-7663). Since the products are only available in a few states, there is less competition among clients to talk to a real person. Those who prefer online assistance may be disappointed. While there is a FAQ page, it’s sparse.

Trust Score (Trustpilot & BBB.org)

Slomin's Reviews

Accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating. Out of the 44 surveys on that site, the average feedback is just one star. However, this includes both HVAC and safety customers. On Trustpilot, there are 1,434 Slomins security reviews with an average rating of four out of five stars, which is great. Clients have had positive experiences with the support team and technicians. It seems that as long as they read the full terms, they won’t be blindsided by the corporation’s policies.

The primary complaint centers around the long contracts and hefty fees. There are also some bad experiences with the devices glitching out and individuals having problems with the troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Slomins a Good Alarm Company?

    There isn’t a clear-cut answer on that, especially since everyone’s needs are different. What’s apparent from reviews and browsing the website is that this is a brand with lots of history and a solid reputation. The tools are similar to competitors in this industry, too. The downside is that the contracts are some of the longest out there.

  • How Much is Slomins Shield Per Month?

    There are different prices for the Basic and Advanced systems. Plus, the business offers regular promotions to give consumers a discount. Buyers can save around five dollars per month on monitored service. Normally, the lower-tiered plan costs $33.95 monthly, while the comprehensive package is $42.95. There are also the add-on accessories to consider, which will have their separate costs.

  • Which is Better, Slomins, or ADT?

    If someone were to go solely off of reviews, they would probably have to go with ADT as the best provider. This corporation has more grace for customers who choose to cancel their plan, plus it offers many of the same products as its competitors. Both businesses have a long history in this niche, so they have that advantage. Slomins is unique in that it provides HVAC maintenance and repair, too.

  • How to Cancel Slomins?

    Individuals would have to get in touch with the support team. They can call 1-800-252-7663 or email [email protected]. From there, they can speak with a representative and explain the reason for their cancellation. They still have to pay the early termination fee, which would be the monitoring price multiplied by the number of months remaining in the contract.

Slomins Shield Pros & Cons

Slomins security system has its ups and downs. On the one hand, it has a long, rich history of dependability and trust. The brand is synonymous with protection, and it offers expert assistance and surveillance 24 hours a day.

That said, many people can’t justify the lengthy contracts, as five years is a long time. Also, the company is only scattered along the Eastern seaboard and has a random operating center in California, so it’s not as accessible.

Pros:

  • Automated systems
  • Customer support team
  • Installed by experts
  • Round-the-clock monitors
  • Video cameras available

Cons:

  • Limited service area
  • Long contracts with high termination fees

Slomins Shield is a Double-Edged Sword

Slomins security system is a reputable provider of alerts, motion detectors, environmental protection, surveillance cameras, and automated products. Its monthly fees are affordable, and the pro installation and monitor center is helpful. That said, the contracts are much too long, and the policies are not user-friendly at all. Consumers will have to weigh the good and the bad before purchasing.


Editorial Staff

Kyle Nelson has a degree in journalism and came to Securing Home with more than a decade of experience writing for several technology magazines. He is optimistic and charismatic. We appreciate having him on our team not only for his excellent articles but also for his sense of humor and ability to tell stories.


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