Purchasing Alarm Monitoring for an Existing Security System

Whether you’re inheriting an alarm unit or you're unhappy with your current service, you should have no problem purchasing alarm monitoring for an existing security system.

Most security systems are compatible with various alarm monitoring services on the market. However, factors such as the age of the alarm system and type of equipment could dictate whether transitioning to a new alarm monitoring service is feasible.

What Is Alarm Monitoring?

A reliable security system provides you and your family with peace of mind knowing that your home is protected. Alarm monitoring is an added consolation. A security company's monitoring center is notified when an alarm is activated. What would happen without this component? Unfortunately, nobody outside your residence or business would be alerted.

It’s also important to note that advancements in technology have bolstered the capabilities of alarm monitoring systems, enabling 24/7 remote access and unprecedented personalization, thanks to smart home devices.

If you're seriously considering purchasing alarm monitoring for an existing security system, consult this guide to ensure you’re protected.

Adding Alarm Monitoring to an Existing Security System

Inspect Your Current Security System

Take an inventory of all security system components currently installed inside—or outside—your residence or business. This includes control panels, motion sensors, glass break detectors, door and window sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, surveillance cameras, and any additional elements. Determining the age of the system is also critical. Be forewarned: Older systems may not be compatible with modern-day alarm monitoring services. 

Do You Have a Telephone or Cellular Alarm System? 

While both telephone and cellular alarm systems are common, the latter is considered more secure and reliable because there are no cables for burglars to cut through. Cellular alarm systems communicate directly with central monitoring, whereas its telephone counterpart requires a physical phone line. These differences are important if you want to purchase alarm monitoring. 

Do You Want to Add Additional Security Components? 

If you're in the process of purchasing alarm monitoring, now may be a good time to invest in additional security system components. Of course, you want to make sure you’re comfortable spending more to further fortify your current security system. Technology has evolved at such a pace that you may not be aware of the additional features available on the market. Additionally, determine whether you want all entry points (doors and windows) secured and how many motion sensors you’d like installed. 

Do You Want Smart Home Devices? 

Speaking of advancements in technology: As you’re considering making improvements, you’re likely going to come across smart home technology—the new frontier in home security. Such products include WiFi-enabled doorbells, locks, cameras, remote thermostats, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, among other items. For example, users with surveillance cameras receive push notifications on their smartphones (or other digital devices), enabling access to live or recorded video of a suspicious person wandering around their property. In many cases, these devices can be linked to Amazon Echo or similar smart speakers that complete tasks on command. Aside from modernizing your home security system, smart home technology also improves efficiencies, and can help lower utility bills. 

Pricing & Annual Contracts

We’ve arrived at the most important aspect of connecting an existing system to alarm monitoring: the cost. Of course, the price of alarm monitoring depends on several factors, including the security firm you choose and features you select. Higher rates likely include such capabilities as remote monitoring from your cell phone or any digital device, smart home connectivity, and cloud storage for surveillance cameras. Anyone with experience purchasing alarm monitoring is well aware such services are often predicated on contractual agreements.

The Bottom Line: Make sure you’re comfortable with the terms of the contract, whether a short- or long-term commitment. In any case, alarm monitoring is extremely popular, especially among families that want reassurance their property is secure, at all times.

General Security provides homeowners reliable, effective security systems to help protect their homes and make their lives a little bit easier. Request a quote from us today.