Out with the old, in with the new.
Have you been paying a monthly monitoring fee now for years with no upgrade? Just like cell phones, computers and other technology equipment that you update every 2-3 years alarm system are no different. So why don’t people? The mentality is ‘if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it’. Most users don’t know they can get a better system from their company or a new one at no cost. Sure you may have to put up a fight to your current security company (ie., threaten to cancel) but it will all be worth it in the end. So here are 3 signs that you need to update your home security system.
Out of Contract Alarm System
Have you been with your company for over 3 years? The average time a consumer keeps their system is 7.5 years. After your initial 2-3 year agreement your due for an upgrade. Don’t let your company get free money month after month from you. You deserve the latest and greatest or additional equipment at no cost.
Wired Alarm System
Is there a chord that runs from your motion detector all through the walls? Is your panel the size of a cardboard box? Heck, these days if you don’t have a touchscreen panel then you need an upgrade. Everything should be wireless. It’s not 2004 any more. They can send in a tech and replace any old equipment.
Land Line System
If your 40 or older you may fall into this category. That’s nice that you enjoy having a land line at home but time to disconnect it from your alarm system! If a burglar cuts the phone outside (or a storm knocks it out) you will be mad you are paying for a product that doesn’t work. They can disarm the system and walk right in to your house if they snip the wires to your land line. You can also save $30-60 a month if you will get with the times, cancel your Land Line service and tell your security company you want a cellular module added. If you are going to pay the monitoring fee, you might as well have a product that works.
Additional Signs That Your Alarm System is Outdated
Low Resolution Cameras
It may be challenging to understand what your home alarm system’s cameras are capturing if they create foggy images due to their low resolution. Your alarm system is essentially useless if it can’t produce clear and identifiable pictures. It’s time to switch to a high resolution camera. Today’s market is plenty of excellent cameras with greater megapixel counts that can provide you vision that is incredibly clearer, sharper, with actual color, and with detailed information.
No Remote Control Capabilities
Modern security alarm systems have several improvements, including the ability to control and monitor your cameras remotely via a mobile app. Whether you are at work or grocery stores, you can see who enters and leaves your house with the app.
No Available Two Way Audio
f any Bulgar enters your home, a two-way audio feature will be able to provide a voice warning to threaten them right away. It also makes it possible to communicate with people who are at your door, such as the delivery man or your neighbor, even if you are distant from your house.
Conclusion
So if you are like the majority of America, it is time to update your security system. You can find great deals and promotions and companies will come and completely replace the old one. If you don’t update, you risk:
- Being broken into
- paying them a monthly for no real reason (free money to the company)
- missing out on home automation and touchscreen panels
So make sure you have keyfobs, mobile control etc. If not, read the reviews of our home alarm companies reviewed and decide who to go with from there!
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William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Phil says
So I can just call them up my company and ask for an updated system? I guess it’s worth a try, no harm done. I am really surprised I have not considered this before. I really do need the upgrade as well. Thanks for the the informative article.
Alarm Reviews says
Yeah. Give it a try, they will most likely want you to sign a new agreement but better in their eyes than losing you to another company.
Mike anderson says
That Ademco control pad is the exact same one I have in my home. I had the system installed in the late 80’s. Motion detectors, door pins, 2 interior sirens and 1 exterior commercial fire bell/box, the kind you see on commercial factories.
When the system is triggered, it is deafing loud….almost shakes the walls. You can hear it a block away. I challange anyone to find a system that will scare off an intruder like this one. A monitored system is not needed if you have an obnoxiously loud system that blows local noise ordaniances out of the water.
The system works flawless besides having to replace the backup battery and main used entry door pin every couple years.
Fred says
I just bought a house with this exact same alarm, complete with the sirens. I was wondering if you can still buy replacement parts for this system and if there’s any service companies that still work on them? I’ve searched the internet but not finding much. I’m not even sure if this is a stand alone system or one that has to be monitored. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Fred
Alarm Reviews says
Your best bet is by starting new and getting rid of those outdated ol’ sirens. You can still do DIY monitoring and get better equipment but no need to try to bring back the dinosaur equipment to life… time to move on ;).