I think you're right, OEJ, about the existing alarm system. I think I remember reading that their system was an older one and they had some problems with the alarm going off unnecessarily.

About my being a wealth of knowledge, today, I'm just taking some free time before going out to buy a carpet cleaner,,,a necessity for Yorkie owners, LOL.

The only reason I know about the alarm companies is from my personal experience when we recently bought our new home. The reps came to our home by the dozens. I kept offering them "my deal" and didn't "buy" until I found one who would accept it. My deal was, arm all doors and all windows "free" and I will prepay the service charge for three years. Finally found one that did it. They make their money on the monthly service charges, not on the equipment.