True Cost Guide Safety & Security Repair an Alarm or Security System

How Much Does It Cost To Repair An Alarm Or Security System?

Typical Range:

$97 - $269

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,772 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Published January 10, 2022

Written by HomeAdvisor.

House Alarm Service Cost

Home alarm system repairs cost $182 on average and typically between $97 and $269. However, you may pay $500 or more for replacement parts. Service and maintenance usually aren't covered in monthly monitoring fees, ranging from $10 to $65 per month. Repairs tend to come from replacing or upgrading parts and wiring.

If you have a monitored service, you'll want to contact your service for maintenance issues. For DIY installation packages, you can hire a handyman or electrician. Often, services offer online and phone support for simple tech support issues at no cost.

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National Average	$182
Typical Range	$97 - $269
Low End - High End	$50 - $600

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,772 HomeAdvisor members.

Security System Repair Cost

Component	Replacement or Repair Cost
Cameras	$100 - $400
Door/Window Open Sensors	$100 - $150
Doorbells	$100 - $400
Locks	$150 - $500
Lighting	$100 - $500
Smart Home Hubs	$300 - $1,000

Recurring Home Alarm Service Costs

Monthly service fees for monitoring systems range from $10 to $65 but don't include maintenance costs. Most system maintenance means either technical support, which comes free with monitored or unmonitored systems or replacing parts.

In some cases, your warranty covers parts. But the process for repairs requires you to send your part to a service center and have them inspect it. They'll determine if it's a fixable issue or if you need a replacement. This process isn't covered in monthly fees. You'll often need to pay for shipping, and it can take weeks.

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Unmonitored Systems

Homeowners using DIY kits or unmonitored systems must test and repair them without prearranged assistance. You'll have a few options:

Hiring a handyman costs: $60-$125 per hour. But you'll need to find one that understands and specializes in electrical and alarm systems.
Hiring a monitoring service costs: $120-$700. Although you'll likely pay extra for repairs, you'll have a dedicated tech and maintenance team.
DIY Kits: Free. Kits often come with free tech support either online or by calling in. This doesn't work with systems built with components from multiple manufacturers.

Monitored Systems

You'll still need to pay $150 or more for in home repairs for monitored systems. That's in addition to your $300 average monitoring service fee. If you still have a warranty on your parts and labor, you won't have to pay anything. However, you'll likely have a dedicated service department with your monitoring service to do the work. Contact your monitoring service first. You'll also find technical support for free from your service.

Reasons for Repair

These are a few examples of why an alarm system may require repair:

False alarms: Essentially, the alarm goes off without any apparent reason, which in some areas can result in fines from local law enforcement.
Faulty window or door alarm contacts: The circuit breakers for one or more windows no longer functions properly.
Alarm battery replacement: Wireless systems use batteries that need occasional replacement
Bad power supplies: Usually a faulty main power supply or wiring connections
Annoying alarm beeps: Constant beeps for no discernible reason. Sometimes, it's as simple as the battery.

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DIY vs. Hiring an Alarm Repair Professional

You can easily DIY some home security system repairs, like technical issues and battery replacements. You'll often find this as a recommended solution for DIY and wireless home security kits, like those from Nest or SimpliSafe. Technical support can walk you through most of these simple maintenance issues over the phone or online chat help.

However, hardwired or maintained systems require a licensed professional to fix major issues. This keeps your warranty intact and guarantees your system works properly. A local home security repair service will diagnose and repair any issue you have.

FAQs

How do you fix a broken alarm wire?

Hiring a professional electrician or alarm system repair service to fix a broken wire.

How do you uninstall an alarm system?

Uninstalling an alarm system depends on the type of system. Wireless systems simply need the components taken down. Wired systems require removal of both the components and wiring setup.

Why is my security camera not working?

You might experience a security camera not working for a variety of reasons, including:

No power
Bad Wi-Fi signal
No Wi-Fi signal
Incorrectly connected

A service professional can diagnose the problem.

How do you reset an alarm system?

Resetting an alarm system usually requires contacting your monitoring service. Otherwise, for DIY and unmonitored systems, your first step usually involves power cycling. Contact the manufacturer for the exact method for your system.

How does a security system work?

Security systems use a combination of cameras, lights, motion detectors and entry alarms. Some also have connected locks and garage door openers. A central hub monitors these components for preset changes, such as motion or the sound of a window breaking and alerts your monitoring service or emergency services. They'll contact you to verify the alarm or send out emergency services to check on your home. For unmonitored systems, they'll only alert you to any potential changes, leaving it up to you to contact local law enforcement.