Is upgrading a wired alarm cheaper than replacing it?

Yes — when the existing cables and detectors pass testing, a retrofit reduces both equipment and labor costs compared to a full replacement, and typically finishes in one day instead of two to three. Keeping unreliable equipment, however, creates future service calls and false alarms that erase those savings. Final pricing depends on the number of retained zones, replacement devices, hub selection, installation labor, and monitoring requirements, which is why a professional inspection comes before any cost comparison.