Upgrade You Alarm Systems
Like all electrical systems, alarm systems have a finite life span. Most will be able to operate for a number of years without maintenance before they start to deteriorate, but when they do, they will need swift attention.
Even with the proper amount of maintenance, an alarm system will become dated. Advances in technology can offer you a lot more than an alarm system that was installed 10 or 15 years ago and this alone can be a good incentive to upgrade an existing burglar alarm system rather than have it repaired.
Deciding When to Upgrade
With proper maintenance, a good alarm system will stay in good condition for 15 or more years. As the system ages, spare parts will inevitably be harder to find, simply because they may no longer be manufactured. Alarm maintenance can start to become more costly, especially if you are taking the DIY approach, and eventually, a complete replacement is a better option.
If your system is now over 10 or 15 years old, it is definitely worth considering an upgrade, regardless of how well it has been maintained.
Advances in technology now mean that modern alarm systems can be linked to police monitoring systems and even your mobile phone. Rather than having an alarm go off and hoping a neighbour will respond, you and the police can be notified immediately.
Another time to consider upgrading is after moving house. Burglar alarms are a sought after feature for property buyers, but you do not always know how well the previous owner has maintained the alarm over the years. Take time to asses the alarm when you move in and consider having an expert come round to perform some maintenance.
If you have an alarm and have still had the misfortune of being burgled, it is worth considering upgrade. Even just having an expert re-assess your current system can give you some peace of mind.
How to Upgrade Your Intruder Alarm
When you decide to upgrade, there is a variety of systems to choose from. It is worth considering a few things before deciding what is appropriate.
The first thing you should consider is how secure your home already is. A good way to do this is to put yourself in a burglar’s shoes and try to think about where you would try to break in.
- Do you have large, easily accessible windows, or are most too small for a person to fit through? Do you have a solid and sturdy front door? Do you have patio windows?
- Do you live on a street with plenty of neighbours and passers by who will respond to a bells only alarm? Is your house in a more remote location, requiring an alarm which will directly notify the police? Is your street in a hot location for burglaries?
Modern alarms can also be portable, so you could choose an alarm to take with you if you are planning to move in the near future. Some are wireless and battery operated.
Choosing Your Upgrade
Choosing the right alarm for your home is a difficult task, but we can help. If you are interested, please take a look at our security system services and contact us for advice.
