Rated 4.65 / 5 from 34 reviews
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Alarm Detection Systems Alarm Detection Systems offers a comprehensive service and repair plan covering all parts and labor on a 24/7 basis. If something goes wrong on a weekend or holiday, we are there to fix the problem when you need us. In addition, we offer annual alarm testing and inspection. As with any complex electronic systems, alarm components need inspection, testing and service from time to time.

Protect your security investment with a plan that makes sense. Doing so will minimize the risk of life safety issues, valuable property loss, and downtime by ensuring your security system is operating at peak performance.
Business details
  • Year established: 1968
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Protecting your home and providing security for the things that are most precious to you is a responsibility we take very seriously. The Alarm Detection Systems team carefully assesses the security needs of every client and provides comprehensive solutions.
Reviews (34)
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Adam Motz
Jan 07, 2022
Only been using ADS for a little over a month now, but every single interaction with the company is extremely professional. They fix issues right away and are very responsive to any inquiries. Their techs are friendly and helpful, as well.
Steve S.
Sep 22, 2021
We have had a security system at our home in Chicago from Alarm Detection Systems for at least two decades and I just wanted to write a review about how stellar their service and technician service is. Whenever there's been an issue, they have been able to quickly resolve it. We are having a new AC system put in our house and we needed to move one of our motion sensors.

Our technician Nevil came out, provided suggestions, and had a new sensor replacement installed within minutes! Nevil had also been out a couple months back to resolve a technical problem (so technical, that I really didn't understand). He worked on this issue on the phone with his office and worked through it until it was resolved. This issue had to do with ADS equipment and there was no charge. Today, knowing that Nevil installed the new sensor, I know we won't have any problems. I highly recommend ADS!
Tom Kloempken
Jun 24, 2021
We have had ADS protect our home for over 14 years. They are far superior to the two companies that we had before we moved to the Chicago suburbs. They have always contacted us in less than a minute when we have accidentally set off our alarm. Recently they contacted us to advise that one of our batteries was weak and needed replacement as they have done a couple of times before.

The technician, Jose arrived as promised and quickly diagnosed what the real problem. He ended up replacing both of batteries in our 2 controllers and replaced one of the controllers completely as an upgrade. He was very courteous and cleaned up completely before leaving. Our radio backup has been great when we have had power failures and phone line problems.
Joan Greco
Dec 25, 2020
ADS has always been there for us (33+ years). Very professional techs, phone operators responsive, on-time. We have updated our system several times, and used their locksmith services. Everything 'gets done' Have recommended ADS to several people, home and business, and everyone happy n
Doug H.
Oct 30, 2020
Jose came over on a service call and did an excellent job. Very conscientious and insisted on not leaving until the job was done even though there were items to be done at the central office level. Ask for Jose
P. Young
May 31, 2020
Bigger isn't always better. Thinking largest market share holder might be the way to go when upgrading our system, we did. However and fortunately, we weren't locked in because I cancelled the service on the last day possible. One of the new smoke detectors was faulty. Information on equipment needed wasn't accurate. I was dealing with a provider.

Customer service was dismal. Despite being offered a substantial savings to remain with them, we chose ADS instead. Want the most responsive, best personal care and customer service? Use ADS! Should you have an issue, ADS will take care of you. We continue to be pleased with the excellent customer service, tech support and technicians. Thanks, ADS!
Pat M.
Mar 30, 2020
I have been with ADS for many years. Always quickly responsive. A detector was recently showing low battery signal and when Josue came out to look at it, he checked out the whole system and replaced all batteries on his own. Excellent to work with. Pat M
Brett Muhlhan
Mar 17, 2020
ADS is awesome. Great service! They are fast, efficient and communicate to the customer. We bought a house with an old system and they worked with us to update it and also fix some issues that were occurring. The techs were all on time, early even and very professional.
Maria C.
Feb 18, 2020
I have used ADS for approximately 20 years. I love that they are still a family-owned business and (here's the important part) answer their phone using humans in real time! Your issue is addressed immediately. I find them to be knowledgeable, reliable, in-tune to all new technological devices regarding alarm systems, and offer reasonable pricing.

Their staff provide exceptional service, are honest and helpful. They let you know when they're coming, identify themselves and treat your home as if it was theirs. I am happy to recommend ADS.
Faruk Dadar Meridian Spica
Jan 10, 2020
Exceptional customer service, on site professional Technicians and Russ was very polite explained all the issues, walked us through what he was planning to do to get the issue fixed. He was prompt on time, fast and provided an excellent Service. We would recommend that choosing ADS will be a long term best choice anyone can make. They are the best in this service industry. Invest your money in a company which pays dividends by form of their service.
Steve Deming
Apr 19, 2019
We at Raynor Garage Door Manufacturing have enjoyed many years of excellent service from ADS. As the Facilities Manager here I speak from experience when I say, the whole ADS team is always prompt, professional and courteous. The technicians are obviously well trained. We rely on ADS as a strong partner in keeping our facilities systems safe and well guarded. Thanks.
Colin C. Campbell
Dec 17, 2018
ADS is a local company that we have used for fifteen years or so now. In that time we have had maybe a dozen alarms (all accidental, thankfully) and their response has always been perfect! Their service is excellent. They do all of the work themselves, no subcontractors to worry about. We have always been more than satisfied and recommend this company to anyone contemplating installing a full service alarm system.
Mark C.
Jun 30, 2018
They installed 3 cameras on 10/16, I had someone looking in our windows this February, no recording. Two days ago a expensive package was stolen, no video or image. I paid $1,800 for the 3 cameras! The tech came today, spent two hours on the phone setting up the app which had never been done correctly in the first place, because he didn't know how to do it.

We just discovered by jumping up and down in front of a camera the tech never checked because they claimed everything work, and guess what? No recording of us, only one of the door slightly open. Second time, zero recording! The system only records for 10 seconds. I rely on this company cameras to protect my very young family of five! Useless! Also I called the dispatch today and got a full minute of music before anyone picked up! Don't buy their cameras! Safety first in my mind! Now I have to look for another service. Do I have a choice?
Anne S.
Jun 17, 2018
We had used ADS for many years in our previous home, and were so pleased with them, that when we moved to a new home we knew we wanted to use their services again. Heather came out and assisted us in figuring out the best way to secure our new home. She is incredibly knowledgeable, and helpful. And the new technology is amazing! Thanks ADS!
Michael P.
May 13, 2018
We were considering a number of DIY home security options. At the end of the day, we felt more comfortable dealing on a personal level with local people we could trust. With the support of our friend John Spooner at Alarm Detection Systems, Heather Guthrie-Walkowiak came to our home, took us through our security options, and set us up with a package that served our needs without blowing up our budget.

Then Heather got us scheduled quickly for our home install. Skip and Glenn put in a full day's hard work in getting our system installed and online. Once the install was completed, Heather and Skip made us comfortable in explaining how to operate our new home security system. All in all, we could not have asked for more from the total service experience we had with Alarm Detection Systems. Considering all the time and effort they put in from consultation to completion, I am so grateful that I did not try to DIY our home security.

There is no way I could have set up anything like the system we have now, and we would not have had the service and support we get from ADS. We would not hesitate to continue to recommend ADS to our friends who are considering home security installation.
Steve L.
Apr 09, 2018
Best company ever for your alarm needs. Had ADT and switched. My plan covers everything. On a recent Comcast visit their technician removed a phone line that the alarm required. One call to Alarm Detection solved it. Every technician has been great. The prices are reasonable and the phone support is the best. Very happy with my decision to use ADS for the home.
Amy Bartemio
Feb 17, 2018
Our agency has trusted ADS services for our alarm needs for nearly two decades now, it is difficult to say that for any vendors nowadays. The ADS team is knowledgeable and very responsive. Customer care is top-notch! Thank you & keep up the great work!
Eli H.
Nov 27, 2017
I bought my house from an estate sale, so there's more than a few things that have been a complete mystery as the explanation quite literally died with the previous owner. Anyway, one of the biggest mysteries is this unbelievably elaborate but quite ancient security system. I called these guys up since they were local, and basically said I didn't know anything about it other than it has their logo on it, but if they could get it working I'd sign up for whatever they offer.

They dispatched a guy who spent hours at our house, tracing wires and trying to figure everything out and it eventually turned out that bringing this archaic system into the 21st century would be quite a large project. After going through it all, they offered a few different plans that I could go with, and there was no pressure beyond that. I actually felt really bad that they wouldn't let me pay them for their time, as the guy probably spent the whole afternoon at my house!
Pamela Naslund
Nov 23, 2017
I selected ADS to protect my mother's home and my home after my experience with them at my employer before I retired from my position as Office Manager. My company had numerous issues with the security system for a couple of years, so our maintenance and executive team brought in ADS. Fixed. Done. Their sales and tech team have been just great for me too (installed 3 years ago). Highly recommended. Really.
Teri H.
Aug 29, 2017
I have always had fantastic interactions when I call ADS - very professional, knowledgeable and helpful staff. Your technician, David, is absolutely awesome. Keep up the good work!
Andi D.
Aug 25, 2017
Excellent service. Battery went out and they called before I had a chance to call them. Came out that afternoon on time. Replaced battery and checked all of the other ones. Eleazar was very professional and competent. Thank you.
Mary U.
Aug 21, 2016
We've had ADS for the past two years. Everything was great until we decided to check all of the smoke detectors in the house to keep them working and up to date. I accidentally set off the alarm system and completely forgot how to shut the whole thing down! Crazy, I know, but never-the-less it happened. I guess when you've never had an alarm go off, (knock on wood), you dismiss it.

I called my husband, the fire department came out, and ADS called me. we were able to shut it all down and we didn't cause too much disturbance to our neighbors. I am writing a review as to what happened next. I called the company again and asked for someone to come out to our house and go over all of the codes with me. They scheduled someone the very next day.

He was a polite man with a lot of knowledge. He took me through all of the steps again and was patient while I reiterated all that I learned. I have no idea what he was thinking inside, but his outside was calm, which made me feel at ease for feeling like a great, big "L" was plastered to my forehead. Needless to say, I was appreciative of the time they spent with me to get me back on track.
Tron F.
Aug 19, 2016
Good luck if you hire these amateurs to protect your home. I had a false alarm at my property which I immediately disengaged. Minutes after alarm had been disengaged I called Alarm Detection Services and was placed on hold. After waiting on hold for several minutes, I had to hang up and call again. At this point, I already had local fire department at my front door which I will be billed for accordingly.

When I called Alarm Detection back a THIRD time, I was told I would have to wait until tomorrow to speak with a manager. When manager finally did call me he had no recollection of a rep coming out a couple weeks earlier to provide an assessment of our system. Eventually manager handed me off to tech support because I could no longer engage system after false alarm. I'm pretty sure my smoke alarm is defective.

The tech trying to help could not figure out problem and said my only option would be to bring out a service technician to troubleshoot at $265 for one hour. No thanks. All I want to know now is how soon can I switch security providers.
Maria S.
Apr 13, 2016
Kim Keating designed a burglar and fire alarm system to protect my family, pets and home. We use it every day! It's gratifying to know the knowledgeable and professional employees of ADS and Security-Master have my best interests in mind. www.adsalarm.com
Julie Perez
Feb 12, 2016
I have worked with many companies and this by far is one of the BEST companies to work with. Every time I call for service they respond in a quick, friendly manner.
Paul P.
Feb 12, 2016
Rodger at Alarm Detection Systems is the best in the business! I've dealt with other burglar alarm companies in the past and nobody impressed me the way Rodger did! He took the time to answer all my questions, thoroughly explain all my options and followed up after the installation to thank me again for my business. Highly recommend Rodger and ADS!
John Fitzgerald
Feb 10, 2016
Great company, great people. I first came across Alarm detection systems two years ago, and have nothing but good things to say. Everyone I speak to there is prompt, knowledgeable and friendly, with a HUGE emphasis on customer service.
Paul Schifferer
Feb 05, 2016
We are a small business in Elgin, IL, and having great people help make your life and work easier is a wonderful thing. We just switched from another alarm company for our office to ADS, and it could not have been easier!
Rhonda Hagen
Jan 26, 2016
I was looking for a security system for my home. I wanted a local company, not a large global company. I did a lot of research and spoke to a few of my neighbors. I landed on Alarm Detection Systems.
Salon Naperville
Jan 20, 2016
I switched to Alarm Detection and couldn't be happier. The first person I met was Janita Schmitz. She is so full of energy and so passionate about her industry and Alarm Detection. She was very thorough about the process.
Chris B.
Jan 02, 2016
We never had a home alarm until we had pets. Now we wonder why we lived without one. We had ADS install a burglar and fire system in our home. I also have the app to arm and disarm the system. I added a Z wave thermostat to my phone app convenience. I love it and we also know we are protecting the pets when we are away and us while we sleep. Great experience with sales staff and customer service. Highly recommend!
Lina M.
Nov 17, 2015
Buyer Beware. This company is a total rip off. Just found out today that the contract we signed in 2005 is going to expire in 2021. Yes! Apparently it was a 7 year term that automatically renews without notice for another 7 year term and another, and another. We added a couple cameras in 2009 and it extended our newest renewal from 2012 to 2021. Locked us in for 9 years!

Not sure how this happens, but trust me, the small print is nothing short of a scam. The Executive Vice President Bob used a "gotcha" language: "too bad for your boss who signed the contract in 2005". Will be contacting our attorney, suggest you do the same before you sign anything with them.
Dawn A.
Mar 31, 2015
My husband and I met with your security consultant, Cheryl Hayes, last week and we had our installation today. She really made us feel comfortable and even showed me how to use the app for my phone. We had a fire that we think was started by our cat a year ago and I feel so much better knowing that my house will be monitored when we are not home. Cheryl also made great suggestions to add a water monitor near our sump pump to protect our finished basement. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for home security. She gave me permission to list her phone number. 630-202-7729. Thanks Cheryl and Alarm Detection.
Michael M.
Apr 17, 2013
Very impressed with Mel Dant, the representative who came here today, and his high level of professionalism. Unlike the ADT person who came last week, Mel did not try any high pressure sales shenanigans. Hew simply gave us straight talk. Greatly appreciated and I look forward to being their newest customer.