FAQs

QEI Security & Technology offers free basic equipment and installation. Monthly monitoring costs start at $39.99 per month and include a service warranty for the term of your contract. Contact us to have a QEI Security & Technology technician come to you for a free consultation and to get special offers.

Our Basic Interactive Security System includes a touch screen control panel, three window/door sensors, a key fob and a pet-friendly motion detector. See these additional options that you can add.

QEI Security & Technology uses Affiliated Monitoring, a TMA 5-diamond rated monitoring station. Their response time is 45 seconds.

No, QEI Security & Technology recommends a wireless security system, which operates on a dedicated cellular signal.

You do not need a landline phone to have a monitored security system, but you may need new equipment. Call QEI Security to find out your options. In many cases, we are able to give you new equipment for free OR to use some or all of your existing equipment.

Yes, your security system has a separate setting for “arm stay” and “arm away” operation.

Yes, when designing your security system, your QEI Security & Technology consultant will determine the best solution that offers you protection, but decreases the chance of false alarms due to pets. Read why monitored security is a lifesaver for pets.

Simply use your alarm code to silence the alarm, then call our office and speak to the monitoring department with your passcard number to cancel the response of the responding agency. 843-553-7576

Yes, if your security system is tied to a landline, it has a “standby battery” that will operate during a power failure. If your system is wireless (which is what QEI Security & Technology recommends), your backup battery will keep the system connected to the monitoring station for 10-12 hours. Once the backup battery is dead, your system is no longer connected to the monitoring station. When power returns, your battery will begin to charge.

Below is a list of common causes of false fire alarms. Using our two-way voice system, a dispatcher from our monitoring center will call you before sending emergency responders to your home. Common causes of smoke detector false alarms:

• Smoke from burned food on the stove
• Smoke from a woodstove or fireplace
• Steam from taking a shower or cooking
• Self-cleaning oven
• Exhaust from a car (door from garage to house open)
• Smoke or dust from construction work in the home
• Detectors that are not maintained (contain dirt, insects or pollen)
• Electrical malfunction or component failure with the system
• Electrical power surges from power company

If you haven’t yet set a password, you’ll need access to a computer. Open the “Welcome Letter” from Alarm.com that is in your email. Follow the instructions to set your password. Once your password is set, you can download the Alarm.com app for your phone and/or tablet and log in using the same username and password. You are able to arm/disarm your system from the app and you can control your system settings through the desktop website. Contact us if you need us to resend your “Welcome Letter.”

The system allows a brief period for you to turn off your system before an alarm signal is sent to the monitoring center. This gives you enough time to cancel the signal and prevent a false alarm.

The least expensive home automation system is part of a wireless home security system. Typically, QEI Security & Technology offers free basic equipment, installation and a few devices. Monthly monitoring costs are $49.99 per month and include a service warranty for the term of your contract. A more robust home automation system usually costs more than $1,000 and a monthly subscription fee is only required if the system will be controlled outside of the home. Contact us for a free consultation and to get special offers.

Most smart home devices use z-wave technology – a low-frequency radio signal that gains strength as more devices are connected. If you have a z-wave garage door control or security cameras, wireless internet is required because of these devices’ additional capabilities. These devices will also have to be re-learned into the system if you change your router or its password.

You will need a z-wave enabled module that is compatible with the app. This module is connected to the existing garage door opener and is usually compatible with all models sold after 1998. You will need to have both a garage door opener and the z-wave module for the device to properly function with the app. You will still be able to control your garage door using the remote or button that you previously used.

Yes, you will need to purchase a garage door controller for each garage door and opener.

Yes. It will also not automatically close. For safety, the home automation system will prompt you to push a button to close or open the garage door.

Yes, a licensed electrician from Quality Electric will install all programmable light switches. Wiring is not part of installation of the z-wave light bulb and lamp module, so a QEI technician can handle these installations.

If your system is part of a wireless security system, then yes, your backup battery will keep the system connected for 10-12 hours. Once the battery backup is dead, your system is no longer connected to the monitoring station. Once the power returns, your battery will begin to charge. We do not recommend relying on the app if the power is out. It is best to control your system through the touchscreen control panel.

Your first bill is the prorated amount for your first month of monitoring, plus the entire second month. For example, if your monitoring rate is $39.99 and your system was installed on January 15, you would receive your first bill at the end of January and it would be $59.98 ($19.99 for January and $39.99 for February).

Yes, we require a clean background check and a clean three-year driving record.

Yes, QEI Security & Technology is bonded, insured and licensed in South Carolina (BAC 13610) and North Carolina ((BPN) – 8764P10).

No, we are not a dealer. When you sign a contract with QEI Security & Technology, it will not be sold to another company. We also do not use subcontractors. All QEI Security & Technology staff members are full-time employees.

At installation, your technician will give you an installation certificate that you can send to your insurance company. Each insurance company offers a different discount – so you may want to call around for the best rate!

Contact us and we will resend the “Welcome Letter.” You’ll be able to reset your password from there without knowing your old password.

Your security system has a backup battery in case of power loss (the battery will usually last between 10-12 hours). This alert is telling you the backup battery is low and needs to be replaced. You can replace the battery yourself, or you can call QEI Security. If you have a service warranty, you will pay for the battery, but the service call is free. DSC and Honeywell panels use a 12V battery.

Below are the types of batteries needed for each device. You are welcome to change the battery yourself. If you have a service warranty, you will pay for the battery, but a QEI technician will change the battery for free. 2GIG smoke detector: AAA DSC smoke detector: CR123A – 3V Key fob: CR2025 – 3V 2GIG door/window contact: CR2032 – 3V DSC door/window contact: CR2 – 3V Recessed door/window contact: CR1620 – 3V Door lock: AA Liftmaster Garage Door Sensor: CR2450 – 3V

Affiliated Monitoring is the five diamond rated monitoring center used by QEI Security and Technology. Affiliated Monitoring can be reached at 800-434-4000.

If your system is dormant – not being armed or disarmed regularly, for instance – our monitoring center sends the system an inactivity signal to ensure the system is still properly working. You are still being protected. This often occurs if you are away on vacation.