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How to Convert a Home Security System to Self-Monitoring

Jun 7, 2023

When it comes to home security, there are dozens — perhaps even hundreds — of different approaches that could be taken. Today’s security market has no shortage of options available. Still, many homeowners across the nation wonder: Can I install a home security system myself?

Professional Home Security Vs. DIY: What’s the Difference?

If you’re a homeowner curious about whether you can save a few bucks on home security by doing it yourself, you wouldn’t be the first. In fact, there are plenty of homeowners who have decided to convert a home security system to a self-monitoring setup. However, this DIY approach comes with a host of drawbacks — not the least of which is a drastically reduced level of emergency response capabilities.

Take it from the experts here at PEAK Alarm Company: if your current home security system isn’t cutting it, it’s not the time to downgrade. What you need is a serious upgrade from security professionals you can trust. 

Here are five reasons to go the professional route for your alarm system overhaul.

Professional Licensure

One of the first obstacles homeowners aren’t prepared for with their DIY security systems is the need for a citizen alarm permit. If you’re preparing to convert a home security system to a self-monitoring setup, this will likely apply to you. Most local governments have some form of regulation regarding home alarms. This is due to the overwhelming number of false alarms that could appear otherwise, drawing valuable resources away from those who really need them.

The complicated factor is that these regulations often vary from state to state, and even city to city. Professional alarm service means you won’t have to sort out the paperwork — and that’s only the beginning.

Comprehensive Monitoring

Most of the professional alarm services worth using offer far more comprehensive monitoring and dispatch services than a self-monitoring security system could ever achieve. Many who convert a home security system to a self-monitoring setup think that, with the right equipment, they can keep an eye out for emergencies. But when an emergency comes along … then what? 

Many homeowners fail to realize that, in the event of an emergency, response times can be drastically trimmed down when a team is standing by to dispatch emergency services for you. After all, if the emergency involves you, there may not be a convenient time to call for help. 

Integration with Other Features

Another major benefit of a professional installation is the superior level of integration available. When it comes to home security systems, there are far more features you should be using beyond a simple doorbell camera.

Professional security systems can integrate an extensive list of features from access controls to surveillance cameras to door and window alarms. These components, operating in unison, have the power to create a safer and more reliable home security setup that covers all of your bases. 

Superior Equipment

When safety is on the line, only the best will do. While money can buy all kinds of home security equipment, it may not always be so simple to understand — much less integrate — that technology for yourself. 

Professional alarm systems are installed by experts who can appropriately assess and address security needs with a customized setup.

Unlike your typical hardware store, these companies tend to have access to the necessary technologies to address your security needs directly. If a long look at your current security system reveals that you could be doing much of the work yourself, that’s a good sign that it’s time for an upgrade.

Professional Support

Finally, it’s no secret that most technology — including security systems — requires support and maintenance from time to time. When you invest in a professionally-installed and operated alarm system, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be supported in the event of any system errors.

This can ensure that your home is guarded against threats at all times. After all, emergencies rarely happen at a convenient moment. With a professional team at the ready, your home security system will be kept in peak condition with regular system checks and maintenance as needed.

It’s Time for an Upgrade

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: if your current home alarm system isn’t making the cut, it’s not time for compromises — it’s time for an upgrade! While certain security features could be installed by the homeowner, a DIY setup is simply not worth the risks it can pose to your home’s — and your family’s — protection.

If you’re looking for a better approach to safety beyond converting a home security system to a self-monitoring one, there is a solution. Here at PEAK Alarm, we specialize in installing custom home security setups. Each system we install is backed by our in-house monitoring and dispatch team, fully staffed around the clock, every day of the year. For the leg-up you deserve in home security, there’s no better place to start than PEAK Alarm.

If you’re going to do it, do it right. Protect what matters most to you: Contact PEAK Alarm today.