Slomins
Is This Your Business?1.9
4.4
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
Slomin's Security is part of a family-owned and operated business founded more than 90 years ago. Since 1923, Slomin's has provided services like home heating oil delivery, heating equipment and installation, air conditioning, and more. In 1981, the company began offering home security services under the Slomin's Shield and now serves 14 states in the eastern part of the United States. Slomin's professionally-installed security options are available from $33.95.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Home Automation Options
- Professional Installation
- Free Equipment and Installation
- 24/7/365 Monitoring
Home Automation Options
Slomin's offers basic home automation features including the ability to remotely lock/unlock doors and adjust temperature, lighting, and appliances. Customers can also use Slomin's MyShield mobile app to view live video clips of their home.
Professional Installation
Slomin's is not a DIY-solution, but rather provides professional installation services with certified technicians. While some customers prefer DIY home security because of its attractive price tag, professional installation can be a great benefit. A trained technician will know where to place your sensors and alarms for the best coverage of your home and can take the hassle out of setting up a system. All technicians are licensed and have undergone a background check for added security.
Free Equipment and Installation
Slomin's provides its installation and equipment entirely free. Some companies charge hundreds of dollars to install their systems, so it's a benefit that Slomin's does this service without charge.
However, because equipment is free, you can expect to pay a higher price for your monthly service.
A basic system for $33.95 per month includes this equipment:
- Control panel and keypad
- Motion sensor
- Up to 3 door contacts
- Window decals
- Lawn sign
- Communication device
- Battery backup
An upgraded plan is $46.95 and includes these additional features:
- Indoor video camera
- Mobile app control
24/7/365 Monitoring
The company also owns and operates its own local monitoring center, which is available 24 hours a day.
The Bad
- Services Limited by Region
- Lengthy Five-Year Contract
- Lengthy 4- to 6-Hour Installation
- Moving Fees and Penalties
- Basic Equipment Package
Services Limited by Region
Slomin's security services are limited to just 14 states in the eastern United States: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and D.C.
Lengthy Five-Year Contract
Slomin's requires a 60-month customer agreement for its security services—far surpassing the industry standard of 36 months. And while you might think a longer contract equates to lower monthly fees, Slomin's $33.95 per month cost is about as average as it gets.
Lengthy 4- to 6-Hour Installation
Slomin's website estimates its professional installation takes 4–6 hours. Even though you're not paying for it, that is longer than many competitors.
Moving Fees and Penalties
The company's moving policy offers a few options, but all of them come with a fee or monetary consequence.
Option 1: If you happen to move to another home in Slomin's service area, you can try to re-install the equipment yourself or Slomin's will install it for a fee. Option 2: Leave the system in your home for the new homeowner (assuming the new residents want to take over your contract), and Slomin's will install a brand new system in your new home for $395. Option 3: This is similar to Option 2, but waive the $395 fee by signing up for a new 60-month agreement.
If you're moving outside of Slomin's service area and none of these options apply to you, you'll likely be subject to the remainder of your contract's fees in order to cancel. Slomin's home security is not ideal if you frequently move.
Basic Equipment Package
Free equipment is great, and it's not something every security company offers. However, if you'd like to customize your package with more equipment, your monthly premium with Slomin's will rise. Conversely, many competitors will charge an upfront cost for a customizable equipment package, and your monthly fee will depend on the type of monitoring service you choose.
So, Slomin's free equipment perk for its basic package may look like a better deal than it is. See if you can compare Slomin's service with packages and products from other home security companies before settling on a plan.
The Bottom Line
Slomin's has many pros that compete head-to-head with other companies in the home security industry. The cons, however, are worth noting: a 60-month contract, moving penalties if you cancel before 60 months, and limited regional services. If you're in the market for a new security provider, you might find the same pros with fewer cons from another security company.
