Updating older security systems
What should you know about updating your older alarm system
If you are seriously considering updating your alarm system do not jump into a contract with a company that will tell you they will give you free equipment. Their whole purpose is to sell the system quick and get you to sign. Often the do the installation on the same day or the next day. Peak does not concentrate on cookie cutter type systems but rather we design a system to your needs, we order the equipment just for your project and you may have to wait a week or two before we can install the new equipment although will be done correctly by licensed employees that are trained.
Today I visited a very nice home in Park City Utah that had an HAI security system installed in 2009 just ten years ago. The system has 2 arm/disarm keypads, lighting control. When it was installed it was a very nice security system although they did not have all the options they should have had added to the system.
The positive battery lead has corroded off and the battery is bad
The system is not tied to the fire sprinkler system so if the water begins to flow when you are not home no one is alerted.
The system does not have temperature sensors nor does it have water sensors and the smoke detectors are not tied into the security system.
The older motion detectors will and should continue to work just fine because they installed good quality although the new tritech Bosch motion detectors have multi sensors that help to avoid false alarms.
The new Z wave technology is much better than the older technology used to control the lighting. The current panel date and time are not set correctly so the lights turn on during the day. A security system is similar to a car if you do not maintain the car by changing the oil, checking and changing the other fluids and doing regular maintenance you will end up with larger issues later on.
System batteries in a security system typically last about 3-5 years although in Park City with their brown outs in certain areas cut this number in half. Be sure to get your batteries from a good source because stores that have had the batteries on the shelves for years are not the stores you should get the batteries from.
The owner is planning on moving in about 2 years from this home so they intend on selling the home. He asked for a 24 month agreement rather than a 36 month agreement. This makes it so we cannot subsidize as much of the equipment with the monitoring. To update this system and add 2 smokes that are tied to the system, 2 new keypads, 1 temp sensor and one water sensor with a new panel and lighting control he will need to make an investment of over $2,000 dollars. When he sells the home having an updated alarm system can be a great selling point and you can get discounts on your insurance as well.
Those that decide not to update their systems or add temperature or water sensors run the risk of not being home in the winter and not knowing when the home drops below 32 degrees, the pipes freeze and when they thaw out the pipes can burst causing flooding. When you have temp sensors they alert you when the home drops below 40 degrees thereby avoiding expensive repairs.
When you fire sprinkler system is not tied into your alarm system this can also have serious consequences. When the water begins to flow you want the fire department notified and if the flow switch is not tied in you will not be alerted and the fire department will not be dispatched. Having at least two system smoke detectors installed in your home with one upstairs and one downstairs can not only save your lives but your property. Smoke detectors activate much sooner than the fire sprinkler system does and system smoke detectors are tied into the alarm system and our central station can dispatch the fire department.
The smoke alarms you have in your home are just to wake you up, they are not tied into the alarm system unless someone has connected them using third party equipment. Smoke alarms should be changed every ten years.
We can use take over modules to monitor zoned alarm systems and depending on what equipment we use to update your system will determine the cost of the update. There are several different options available. Please call Larry Love 801 428 1384 at the office or 801 898 6003 on his cell to make an appointment to discuss options to update your alarm system. If you have a wireless system and it is not an encrypted system you should consider getting an encrypted security system.
Some items that can be added to your security system that you may not have thought of:
Glass Break Sensors
Seismic sensors that can turn off gas valves or water valves
Tamper switch in the security main panel, behind the panel and if you want we can put tampers behind the arm/disarm keypads. Tampers can also be added behind paintings or tilt sensors listed below.
Sensors on your paintings that when tilted will go into alarm if your art expensive it is worth it to spend the money on these sensors.
Tri tech motion detectors
Recessed door status switches
OHD contacts on your overhead garage doors to know when they have been left open and we can tie to the controller so you can remotely close them as well.
Temperature Sensors
Water Sensors also known as water bugs
Flow and tamper switches
Heat detectors
Smoke Detectors tied to the alarm system that will dispatch the fire department
CO Detectors - Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Lighting Control
WIFI or hardwired cameras
Panic buttons
Medical buttons
Lock Control so you can access your home unlocking the doors remotely with your phone or using a code on the door.
New Cellular Communicators need to be added, if you have a 3G cellular communicator those will be phased out in 2022 and 4G LTE will be what is needed or 5 G. Peak Alarm also has AES radio which does not depend on the most current G communicators although with AES you cannot remotely arm and disarm.
Sensors that monitor and control your water shut off valves. One such item is called the Water COP and you can have it installed by a plumber and there are different configurations of this equipment. If there is a leak the Water Cop can shut off the main water valve.
For suggestions, corrections or when you need more information please email Larry@peakalarm.com
Peak Alarm has been in business for over 50 years, has their own UL listed Monitoring Station, has their own Guard patrol division and has the ability to help you update your alarm system with current technology that you can monitor with your phone from anywhere. Larry has been in the security industry for over twenty years and he has current certifications, is licensed and also holds NICET II Fire Alarm certifications as well as camera and security certifications.