ano said:
Not only is this because existing homeowners don't want to add wires, like you, but installers don't like to bother with wires either. Its time consuming for them and not as profitable.
Furthest thing from the truth. The main reason why RF is installed is the market and HO's are not informed about the install process (drilling, snaking, dust, etc.) and want the instant gratification. For every new rough-in job, there's at least 2 retrofit jobs. Wireless tech has improved, I will say that, but it's pigeonholing the end user.
Wiring a system is much more profitable compared to adding a bunch of bridges, RF devices and interfaces to 10 different systems and hoping the system runs for 5-10 years before it's obsolete or unsupported. Bidding a job at an hour labor per point and the materials, I can on average clear $75 or more per device wired vs. half that going RF. The main difference how long it takes to get a system up and running, not cost. Most HO's go wireless because they don't know better or it's what the "integrator" (laughable term half the time) pushes them into to get the RMR model running faster. Cut the margin closer on the install to get more RMR accounts in per day, that's what the pros push for in a strict RMR model, but there are others that sell the hardwired job and push for a PSA agreement on the install which is far more lucrative than a monitoring or strict service contract.
As far as which is more reliable, I'd disagree and say either method has an equivalent source of possible problems and troubleshooting maladies.
Wired is pretty much cut and dry if there's an issue. Either the copper is good or it's not, grounds and shorts are easy to find. Intermittent issues will make anyone pull their hair out no matter what the host system and method.
I've yet to have a RF system have batteries last 10 years (with the exception being long life sensors, another animal altogether). 4-5 on a CR123 or 1/2AA lithium are typical. Coin cells are about 2-3 years. RF issues are far more difficult to diagnose or replicate. I had an account where their wireless panic button worked perfectly for about 9 years. Batteries replaced and tested fine. Randomly it would send a batch of signals, no apparent reason. Not a battery, so that's a $50 repair (replacement) right there. Same with transmitters. They work great, until they just act on their own....and at that rate, what do you start pointing to? There's NOTHING external to troubleshoot, so it's a question of what changed (RF interference) or is the device bad....which starts getting expensive fast to shotgun parts at to make the issue go away (assuming no receiver or strange panel issue). You know how many GE/ITI wireless devices I've tossed over the years due to the tamper switch issue or the antenna coil issue (VERY common with these devices).
Overall, a wired system may take longer to install, start to finish, but from an integrator's and homeowner's standpoint, the ROI is greater and cost of ownership is generally half or greater.
