With rising costs on every front, these days’ people are always looking for areas to save a few $$$. Even in life safety.
High-quality fire alarm systems, such as Siemens, while initially appear more expensive, they are less costly in the long run compared to low-quality systems due to several factors;
- Reliability and Durability: High-quality systems are more reliable and less likely to fail. This reduces the frequency and cost of repairs and replacements.
- Maintenance Costs: Superior systems often require less maintenance and are designed to last longer, leading to lower ongoing costs, and even eliminating after hours service calls.
- No More Fire-watch: Siemens fire alarm systems have ISOTechnology. Isolators in every device means your system is never disabled eliminating the need for expensive fire-watch.
- Reduced False Alarms: High-quality systems have fewer false alarms, which can be costly and disruptive. False alarms can result in fines, unnecessary downtime, and strained resources for emergency responders.
- Insurance Premiums: Many insurance companies offer lower premiums for buildings equipped with high-quality fire alarm systems due to their better performance and reliability.
- Enhanced Safety: Effective fire detection can prevent extensive damage, saving on repair and reconstruction costs. Early and accurate detection minimizes the extent of fire damage, protecting assets and potentially saving lives.
- Reduced Upgrade Expense: The Siemens migration packages allows for inexpensive system upgrades. The panel is upgraded in the existing back box. This means lower electrical costs, and no patching or paint required to the walls.
- Forward/backward compatibility: Siemens is the only manufacturer to have this. By adding a card the new panel “talks” to the existing field devices. This eliminates the need to replace the entire system as a capital project. The devices are then upgraded over time as maintenance budgets allow.
- Compliance and Avoiding Penalties: High-quality systems are more likely to meet stringent fire safety codes and regulations, helping to avoid fines and legal issues.
- Reputation and Business Continuity: For businesses, investing in a high-quality fire alarm system can protect against reputational damage and ensure continuity of operations, which can be financially advantageous.
Think of your new fire alarm system like this; construction of your building may take 1-2 years but you will have maintenance costs for the next 40. Keeping those costs as low as possible is critical. Remember if you can choose the color of your paint, carpet or tile, type of lighting, then you can choose your fire alarm system.
Contractors may pick the less expensive system to lower their costs during construction, but that choice could cost you thousands of extra maintenance dollars annually. Hmmmmm, that little bit of upfront cost suddenly isn’t expensive at all.
Overall, while the upfront cost of high-quality fire alarm systems can be slightly higher, the savings in maintenance, repairs, false alarm mitigation, insurance, and overall safety will make them a more cost-effective choice over time.
