Reusing your alarm monitoring equipment can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to ensure the security of your home or business. Alarm monitoring equipment, which includes devices such as some security cameras, motion sensors, and alarm systems, is designed to detect and deter potential intruders, as well as alert you to any suspicious activity. However, it is not uncommon for people to upgrade their monitoring equipment, even when their current equipment is still functioning properly.
Benefits of Reusing Your Alarm Monitoring System
There are several reasons why reusing your alarm monitoring equipment is a good idea.
- For one, it can save you a significant amount of money, as purchasing new equipment can be costly.
- Reusing your equipment can help reduce e-waste, as it keeps older equipment out of landfills.
A Straightforward Process
Reusing your alarm monitoring equipment is also a straightforward process. If you are upgrading your equipment because you are moving to a new location, simply take your old equipment with you and install it in your new home or office. If you are upgrading because you want to improve the quality of your monitoring equipment, you can sell your old equipment online or donate it to a charity.
Before you reuse your equipment, it is important to ensure that it is still in good working condition. Test all of the components of your equipment, such as doors and motion sensors, to make sure they are functioning properly. If you find that some of the components are not working, you may need to replace them before you can reuse the equipment.
Check Compatibility
You should also check that your alarm monitoring system is compatible with your new equipment, otherwise, you may need to get an additional device for compatibility. This can often be done by consulting the instruction manual that came with your equipment, or by contacting Alarm Relay at 800-624-6866.
Is it Okay to Switch to Another Home Security Monitoring Service?
Third-Party Alarm Company Takeover
What is a system takeover?
Third-party monitoring takeover or system takeover is the most reasonable way to reuse existing security systems. There are many security alarm companies that offer takeover services for an existing wired or wireless system.
However, the company taking over might update some components if they are outdated or incompatible with their system or if you require new features. In either case, you may have to invest some amount initially, but this cost will be only a fraction of the average cost of new systems.
You can also request a third-party company to modify the system to turn it into a hybrid system. This will divide the functions and controls between you and the professional monitoring company, allowing you more control over the system. Since you will be handling some parts of the new security system, you may be able to get the third-party takeover for cheaper monthly monitoring fees.
Switching to a new alarm monitoring company while keeping your existing security system can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your monitoring service without having to replace your entire system.
Many companies will have options to “take over” existing alarm systems and provide instructions on how to re-program the alarm communicator.
You’ll need to provide your new company with the model of your alarm communicator and any other information they may need to set up the new monitoring service. Once the new monitoring service is set up, you’ll need to test your system to ensure that it is working properly with the new company.
It may also be a good idea to go through the entire security system and ensure that all sensors and devices are working properly.
Process in Upgrading Your Alarm System: Is it a Better Solution?
Upgrading your alarm system while reusing your existing monitoring equipment is a cost-effective way to improve the security of your home or business. The process of upgrading your alarm system while keeping your existing monitoring equipment typically involves the following steps:
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Assess your current system
The first step in upgrading your alarm system is to assess your current system to determine what improvements you would like to make. For example, you may want to add new sensors or cameras or upgrade to a more advanced control panel. Make a list of what you would like to add or change and use it as a guide for your upgrade.
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Research compatible equipment
Once you have determined what upgrades you would like to make, you’ll need to research compatible equipment that can work with your existing monitoring system. It is important to ensure that any new devices you purchase will be compatible with your current equipment and can work seamlessly with it.
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Installation and setup
Once you have acquired the new equipment, you’ll need to install and set it up. If you are in need of any help to set it up Alarm Relay can assist through an over the phone appointment. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you may want to hire a professional to do the work for you.
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Programming and testing
Once the new equipment is installed and set up, you’ll need to program it and test it to ensure that it is working properly. This may involve entering new codes into your control panel or configuring settings on your cameras. Test all aspects of your new system, such as motion detection, camera angles, and alarm triggering, to make sure everything is working as intended.
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Maintenance
Keep up with the maintenance schedule of the new equipment and your current equipment, to ensure it’s longevity. This may involve changing batteries, cleaning lenses, and running software updates.
By following these steps, you can upgrade your alarm system while reusing your existing monitoring equipment, which can save you money and reduce e-waste. Remember to consult with your current alarm monitoring company and the new equipment’s manufacturer for support and guidance.
How Do I Activate an Existing Security System?
Activating an existing security system typically involves the following steps:
- Gather necessary information: You will need to gather information about the system, including the make and model of the control panel, the type of sensors and devices that are installed, and any relevant codes or passwords.
- Locate the control panel: The control panel is the brain of your security system and is typically located in a central location, such as a utility room or closet. The control panel will have a keypad or touchscreen display where you can enter codes and access system settings.
- Enter the code to arm the system: Once you have located the control panel, enter the code to arm the system. This code is typically a four-digit number that you will have received when you purchased the system or set it up.
- Test the system: After you have armed the system, test the various sensors and devices to ensure that they are working properly. This may include opening and closing doors and windows, and testing motion detectors.
- Call the monitoring company: If the system is connected to a monitoring service, you may need to call the monitoring company and provide them with the necessary information so they can activate the service. You may need to provide them with the system’s serial number, account information, and contact information.
- Get familiar with the system: Read the manual and learn how to operate it. Learn how to change the codes and other settings, so you can make adjustments as needed.
It is important to remember that the activation process may vary slightly depending on the type of security system you have and the monitoring service you are using. If you are having difficulty activating your system, contact the monitoring service for assistance.
You should test your system regularly and make sure that your monitoring service is able to reach you in case an alarm goes off.
