When You Should Upgrade Your Security System
While security systems’ purpose has ultimately remained the same since their debut, their capabilities, technology and features continue to improve. The evolution of security systems has made homes’ and businesses’ safety more robust. However, these improvements have rendered older systems ineffective in comparison. Can you upgrade security systems? Depending on how old yours is, you may need to consider updating it to maintain an adequate level of protection.
Find out when you should update your residential or commercial security system and how doing so can be beneficial.
Should You Update Security Systems?
If you’ve invested in a security system, you should keep it up to date to protect your home or business effectively. Depending on your current system, it may be challenging to determine when you need an improvement. To help you decide, here are a few examples of when to upgrade security systems.
1. Your System Is Outdated
Like many other forms of technology, security systems keep adding new features and functionality. Even if your system is only a few years old, recent advancements could make it obsolete. For example, doorbell cameras have become a popular addition to home security systems. They’re continuously evolving and could offer a lot more than the one you have now, if you have one at all.
Your home or business might have had a security system installed when you bought it. In these cases, it’s best to research and determine how old it is, especially since you’ll want to protect your new property. While most systems can operate for many years, even decades, they will be less effective as more time passes. Be sure to evaluate your security system every couple of years.
2. You Have a Hardwired System
Most older security systems connect to a landline, which is extremely outdated. New systems are wireless, which allows for many more features and benefits.
- Data loss prevention: Hardwired systems store data on a physical drive. If a wire becomes damaged or broken, you risk losing valuable information. For example, a burglar could cut your system’s wiring to break into your business undetected. New systems typically store data in the cloud, which helps prevent it from getting lost.
- Improved system integration: Wireless systems easily integrate with various cameras, alarms and smart home features.
3. Your System Lacks Automation Features
Old security systems probably do not have automation features like smart thermostats, lights, door locks and plugs. These devices communicate with each other and can connect to your system to provide the most effective home or business protection. While you can add automation features as part of an upgrade, many new security systems come with features like access control, audio and video monitoring and AI and video analytics.
4. You Only Have an Alarm System
Alarms can deter intruders, but without audio or video, you can’t identify thieves, any damage they caused and what they took. If you only have an alarm system, you should consider upgrading. Most new systems come standard with audio and video monitoring and are accessible from any device at any time. With an updated security system, you can deter intruders and catch them in the act during an attempted break-in.
5. You Have Low-Resolution Cameras
New security cameras have such high resolution that you can identify tiny details. Higher-quality images make it easier to identify intruders and other issues in and around your home or business. Consider upgrading if you have low-resolution cameras. For example, if you suspect one of your employees is stealing products from your stockroom, you can quickly identify them by watching a high-resolution video.
Advantages of Upgrading Home and Business Security
Whether your home or business needs a new security system, upgrading can be highly beneficial. With increasingly advanced technology, security systems’ capabilities are constantly expanding. Luckily for you, an update can benefit you in numerous ways. Consider the following reasons to upgrade your security system.
- Improved safety and security: Fundamentally, updated security systems give you peace of mind that you are proactively protecting your home or business. Feeling safe in these spaces is essential for you and your employees or loved ones.
- Easily accessible: As we mentioned before, wireless security systems are typically cloud-based. This feature is beneficial because it allows you to access your data and system from virtually any device at any given time. The ability to monitor your home or business 24/7 means you’ll see everything that happens and can even get notified when something triggers a security alert.
- Increase property value: Upgraded security systems are desirable for homes and businesses. A new system with all the bells and whistles can increase your property value. If your home or business has a cutting-edge system, you could get a higher asking price by including it in the property sale. Updated security systems can even increase rental rates, as renters will pay more to ensure where they live has quality safety measures in place.
- Reduce costs: New security systems can also help you save on maintenance and operating costs. For example, outdated security systems need attention from technicians who have to come to your house or business, which means service and maintenance fees. You can avoid these costs with a cloud-based system that automatically updates software and troubleshoots issues. With improved safety features, you can reduce your business’ operating costs by cutting back on hired security guards.
Upgrade Your Security System With Security Monster
When upgrading your home or business security system, you must choose a company with reliable products and solutions. At Security Monster, we offer state-of-the-art technology and constant technical support to protect your property 24/7/365. With various residential and commercial system options, we can help you build and install a security system to cover all your needs.
To begin your security system upgrade, request a quote from Security Monster or talk with a representative to explore your options.