u/Sea-Highlight-2485

I’m in Houston and currently paying about $71/month through Safe Haven Security (ADT authorized dealer) for:

• Video monitoring
• Fire/smoke monitoring
• Burglary monitoring
• Professional dispatch

To be fair, the monitoring has worked. A few times the alarm accidentally went off and they called almost immediately to check on us.

However, I recently looked into cancelling and they sent me an early termination quote for about $1,553 total, with roughly $1,435 being the cancellation fee itself. Apparently their ETF is 75% of the remaining contract balance.

What frustrates me is that I already paid a lot upfront:

• Paid for cameras
• Paid installation/equipment costs
• Around $900+ overall at installation

So now I feel stuck paying $71/month just for monitoring.

I’m trying to figure out:

1. Is $71/month considered expensive nowadays for this level of service?
2. Has anyone successfully switched from Safe Haven ADT to another provider?
3. Can companies like Smith Thompson or others in Texas reuse ADT equipment?
4. Is it smarter to ride out the contract instead of paying the ETF?
5. Any Houston-specific recommendations for reliable but cheaper monitoring?

Main things I care about:

• Fast response
• Fire monitoring
• Cellular backup
• Reliable app/camera access
• Family safety

Would appreciate honest advice from people who’ve actually gone through this.

I’m in Houston and currently paying about $71/month through Safe Haven Security (ADT authorized dealer) for:

• Video monitoring
• Fire/smoke monitoring
• Burglary monitoring
• Professional dispatch

To be fair, the monitoring has worked. A few times the alarm accidentally went off and they called almost immediately to check on us.

However, I recently looked into cancelling and they sent me an early termination quote for about $1,553 total, with roughly $1,435 being the cancellation fee itself. Apparently their ETF is 75% of the remaining contract balance.

What frustrates me is that I already paid a lot upfront:

• Paid for cameras
• Paid installation/equipment costs
• Around $900+ overall at installation

So now I feel stuck paying $71/month just for monitoring.

I’m trying to figure out:

1. Is $71/month considered expensive nowadays for this level of service?
2. Has anyone successfully switched from Safe Haven ADT to another provider?
3. Can companies like Smith Thompson or others in Texas reuse ADT equipment?
4. Is it smarter to ride out the contract instead of paying the ETF?
5. Any Houston-specific recommendations for reliable but cheaper monitoring?

Main things I care about:

• Fast response
• Fire monitoring
• Cellular backup
• Reliable app/camera access
• Family safety

Would appreciate honest advice from people who’ve actually gone through this.