Can I Use My Existing Alarm System With New Monitoring?
If you already have an alarm system installed, you may not need to replace everything simply because you want better monitoring, smartphone access or a different monitoring provider.
In many cases, an existing alarm system can be assessed and upgraded rather than completely replaced.
The key question is whether the existing equipment is compatible with the monitoring and communication options you want to use.
Can an Existing Alarm System Be Monitored?
Potentially, yes.
Whether your existing alarm can be connected to a new monitoring service depends on factors such as:
- The make and model of the alarm panel
- The age and condition of the equipment
- How the system currently communicates
- Whether compatible communication modules are available
- How the existing system has been programmed
- What features you want to add
Before replacing an alarm system that is otherwise working well, it is worth having it professionally assessed.
Changing Alarm Monitoring Providers
Your monitoring provider and your alarm system are not necessarily the same thing.
If you already have a professionally installed alarm, changing monitoring providers may not require replacing all of your detectors, wiring, sirens and other equipment.
Watchdog Alarms can assess the existing system and determine what is required to connect it to an appropriate monitoring solution.
Where the existing equipment is suitable, upgrading the communications may be more practical than installing an entirely new security system.
Can an Older Alarm Be Upgraded?
Sometimes.
An older alarm panel may still provide perfectly useful security but use outdated communication technology.
Depending on the system, it may be possible to upgrade the way the alarm communicates so it can support features such as:
- Alarm notifications
- Cellular communication
- Professional alarm monitoring
- Remote arming and disarming
- Smartphone access
- Compatible smart-security features
The available options depend on the equipment already installed.
What About Existing Wired Alarm Systems?
A wired alarm system should not automatically be considered outdated simply because newer wireless systems are available.
If the cabling, detectors and other equipment remain suitable, an existing wired installation may provide a good foundation for an upgraded security system.
In some situations, existing components can be retained while the alarm panel or communications equipment is upgraded.
This can reduce unnecessary replacement of equipment that is still doing its job.
When Does Replacing the Alarm Make More Sense?
There are situations where upgrading an old alarm is no longer the best option.
Replacement may make more sense if:
- The alarm panel is no longer supported
- Replacement parts are difficult to obtain
- The existing equipment is unreliable
- The system cannot provide the features you want
- Previous alterations have left the installation in poor condition
- The cost of upgrading approaches the cost of installing a modern system
A professional assessment should look at the whole system rather than automatically recommending replacement.
Self-Monitoring or Professional Monitoring?
Upgrading your existing alarm may also give you an opportunity to reconsider how you want the system monitored.
Some customers prefer notifications sent directly to their phone so they can monitor the system themselves.
Others prefer 24/7 professional monitoring so alarm events can be handled according to predetermined response instructions.
The right option depends on how you use the property, how often you are away and how you want alarm activations handled.
Have Your Existing Alarm Checked First
If you already have an alarm system, don't assume you need to start again.
Watchdog Alarms can inspect your existing equipment, identify what can be retained and explain the practical options for upgrading or monitoring the system.
If the existing alarm is worth keeping, we'll tell you.
If replacement makes more sense, we'll explain why.
Talk to Watchdog Alarms about upgrading or monitoring your existing alarm system in Perth.
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