So What Happens When I Want To Upgrade My System?

A Security Blog by Isaiah Martinez

Understanding Security Options

So let’s just get real about this for a moment. There’s obviously only a few ways to do security: The Big Three: DIY, Corporate Setup, and Local Setup. That’s really all there is, and I’ve detailed this in our About Us section—but let’s dive just a little deeper into some of the more meaningful aspects.

The Evolution of Security Technology

There’s a LOT out there. Tons of different manufacturers and even small-time tinkerers that have marketed and sold their own products. Frankly, there hasn’t been much innovation in simple devices such as door and window contacts, outside of their signal encryption. You take one wireless door sensor from 2004, and one from 2024, and they’re going to work largely the same way. The main difference is that the more modern one will have an encrypted signal that literally exists to prevent other companies from coming in and, in the process of earning that customer’s business away, also using that existing sensor, which would save the new company on startup costs.

Other sensors like motion detectors used to work on actual motion, and nowadays they’re infrared. Image sensors were always pointless (why not just have an indoor camera?). Smokes have gotten a lot better—now they can even see through walls. Those are some of the main changes in basic devices.

The Focus of Upgrades

All this considered, it stands to reason that, 99% of the time, as long as a homeowner has proper coverage, when they go to upgrade their system, it’ll be for the cameras and automation devices. Cameras have advanced significantly in the last several years. A standard camera that we use and provide for several hundred dollars, merely 5 years ago was easily around a thousand dollars or more, and 10 years ago, they weren’t even on the market.

Misconceptions About Upgrading

Tons of consumers think that they can only upgrade their system through their alarm monitoring service provider, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I commend people every time I see them do their cameras and more advanced devices on their own, leaving only the most basic coverage for their alarm service provider to handle.

Proprietary Systems and Their Costs

Companies know this and they abuse their brand loyalty. In fact, it’s how many of them make most of their money. If a customer thinks that the only way they can upgrade their system is through their company, then the company has all the power and can charge whatever they want. So if you’re with a company like ADT or Vivint, you’ll be forced to use their proprietary equipment and pay what they want you to pay to use it. They’ll tell you that you own it—and you do. You do own the camera. Only you don’t own the right to use it. If you don’t pay what they want you to pay, they can simply turn parts of your system off.

The most commonly abused devices are cameras and medical pendants (companies like ADT charge an additional monthly rate equal to or greater than the entire alarm bill itself for these additions).

Evaluating Alternative Options

DIY, cereal-box quality companies like Simplisafe have an even easier model for the company—they offer only the most basic of devices, and the cheapest quality products on the market at that, and have the customer pay a monthly premium and spin it as if they’re getting a great deal.

It’s for these reasons that we suggest clients ideally go with a local service provider that enables a customized system and a competitive monitoring rate. Our partners offer the highest quality products on the market and allow you to pay just $9.99 per month to have it connected to dispatch. For your cameras? We offer the highest quality items as well and customize them to fit your needs.

Flexible Upgrade Options with Local Providers

And here’s the best part—once you’ve got your initial setup, if you EVER want to upgrade it down the line, say five or ten years from now, you can at your own behest. You can upgrade any part of it you want for the cost of the item itself. The only thing you would ever have to pay us is a small one-time fee, and that’s only if you want to use one of our professional installers to install the device. So when that new drone camera comes out that you want? You don’t have to get roped into a contract to add it. Even if you want to add a single window sensor, you never have to adjust your payment or renegotiate your deal.

No contracts, no renewals, no addendums. No desperately calling up customers only partway through their 5-year contract and adding several more years on the back end (like Brinks Home Security does).

Commitment to Customer Support

When you’re with LA Security Systems, your business is valued and respected, and you’re welcome to call up our top-of-the-line industry professionals at any time, for any reason, even if it’s a simple question. With us, you have an ear to the street and a nice ocean-side view inside the industry, top to bottom, from the banks to the people out in the field.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Security Upgrades

In today’s rapidly evolving security landscape, it’s essential to understand that you have options. Upgrading your system shouldn’t be a burden tied to contracts or inflated costs. By choosing a local service provider like LA Security Systems, you not only gain access to high-quality products but also the freedom to customize your system as your needs change.

Empower yourself to make informed decisions about your security. Whether you’re looking to enhance your camera setup or integrate new automation devices, you can do so on your own terms, without the fear of hidden fees or restrictive contracts. Remember, your home security is an investment in peace of mind, and you deserve a system that adapts to you.

So, as you consider your next steps in upgrading your security system, keep in mind that true control and flexibility are within your reach. Reach out to us for guidance, and let’s build a solution that’s tailored just for you.

Cheers,

IBM