How do you upgrade an old Home Security System?

Technology in home security systems is developing fast as more features to protect your home come onto the market. Whether your system is one or five years old, it is beneficial to keep improving its efficiency with the new technology available.

Upgrading an older system can be easy. Replacing the central control panel and keypad features modernises its functionality. Installing wireless surveillance HD cameras enables activity to be monitored in the home from smart devices. By adding smart home control features, a security system upgrade can improve ways to detect environmental problems or break-ins including smoke, glass break, and heat sensors. If using a landline for the system, switching to cellular can also help save the dollars. On the whole, making a security system upgrade is very much in the owner’s financial interests and safeguards their home.

First Step: Assess the State of the Current System

Firstly, check to see what the capabilities of the system are,  and the make and model. Does everything work? Is it a pre-wired system? How old is it? If it’s over ten years old, it may be harder to integrate with newer wireless systems and may need to be completely replaced. An older model may not be up to scratch, and it’s essential to investigate the features to see whether it can be adapted to integrate with a more efficient smart system.  

3 Upgrade Options for Older Home Security Systems

Working with the Old System:

Most older systems still work well. Perhaps all that is required is updating some existing functionalities and employing the technology of a monitoring service. This not only saves on the cost of a new system but also saves the bother of self-surveillance. The only disadvantages of using a monitoring service are longer contracts and variations in different companies’ professionalism. Ensure you sign up for the right package and with the right company. Doing your research will save money in the long run and enable the owner to keep using their current security system.

Update and Improve System Features:

Sometimes all that is needed to restore an older system is to replace the main control panel, the central hub of a security set-up. By installing a newer panel, the functionalities of the entire system are upgraded. This adds the ability to monitor and control the safety of your home remotely.

Another simple yet effective solution to refurbishing a system is to replace the keypad. Replacing an old buttoned keypad with a touch screen can make all the difference to not only modernising the look within the home but the user’s interaction with the system, providing more essential information at the tip of a finger.

Installing more sensors around the property, including smoke detectors, glass break sensors and motion sensors, is an affordable way of improving the system, alerting possible intruders or fire emergencies more efficiently. Connecting the new sensor system to the older alarm system improves its efficiency.

Go wireless:

Replacing a wired monitoring system with a wireless one allows a much quicker response to sensors by using cellular networks over dated expensive landlines. Also, if a burglar knows what they are doing, they can cut the cables of a wired system, allowing them full, undetected access to the property. It is straightforward to adapt a system to wireless by adding a wireless receiver to the system, making the sensors compatible with the control panel. Going wireless is a much safer option, easier to install, and saves unnecessary landline fees.

Smart home technology: integration with older systems

Most older security installations can be adapted to integrate with smart home features. Wireless systems use Z-Wave technology, which is specifically designed to enable sensors to link to the control panel wirelessly. This allows the homeowner to remotely access their security system via smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Just by voicing the command, you can automatically manage and adjust the house controls: thermostat, door locking systems, lighting sensors, camera angles, motion detectors and other features that save energy and enhance security in the home.

DIY installation: Step by step

It should be fairly easy to upgrade your own system to your needs. Here is a simple breakdown of how to upgrade a security system doing it yourself:

1. Replace the control panel with one that is self-monitoring
2. Switch to a wireless system from the existing wired, allowing features to be WIFI-controlled
3. Integrate with smart home devices, enabling remote control and regulation.

Add to or replace your security camera system. There are some new and improved brands on the market that can be tailored to your requirements.

When you replace the control panel yourself, there are many brands to consider. Brands to look for include:

1. Honeywell Lyric Wireless Home Security System
2. Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Wireless Security System
3. Alula Connect+ Wireless Home Security System
4. DSC iOtega Wireless Home Security System

The Pros and Cons of DIY vs. Professional Upgrades

Whilst there are many cost-saving benefits to installing and upgrading your system yourself, a professional upgrade ensures maximum protection for the property. A professional service will manage the order and delivery of suitable equipment, the installation of all sensors and camera systems, control panel installation and installing WIFI capabilities. However, with a DIY process, you are saving money by working with what you have, and there are some good tutorials available online with step-by-step guides from the alarm system pros.

Just because your current alarm system is not up to date, it does not mean you need a complete replacement. With simple additions and adaptations to the system, which allow smart monitoring and control, a wireless system, a new control panel and improved sensors and cameras, an old alarm system can carry on providing its service in protecting the home. If the technology exists, why not upgrade your system cost-effectively with Smart Security systems and protect your home and family to the best of your ability?