Alarm System Problems

Having some technical glitches with your alarm system? Chances are the solution is simple. Most alarm system problems are easy fixes that you can address yourself.

Some of the problems you might face with your home security system include:

• Unresponsive security features

• Incompatible products

• Access by unauthorized users

• Frequent false alarms

Most of these alarm system problems are easy for you to address on your own or with some troubleshooting assistance from your home security provider’s tech support team.

Incomplete Home Protection

If you’ve just purchased a home with an older security system that hasn’t been upgraded in a while, you might discover your home alarm system doesn’t offer complete protection of your residence. For example, while it’s common to put sensors on the exterior doors, people often forget to include a sensor on the door that connects the garage to the house.

Taking a tour of the perimeter of your residence and noting any security vulnerabilities like unmonitored doors or first-floor windows that aren’t covered by a glass break sensor will help you make a list of things to discuss when you call your home security provider or start looking for one. If you find any areas of your home unprotected, a Brinks Home™ Senior Security Consultant can help you upgrade or replace your system to address any weak points.

Incompatible Products

Another common alarm system problem is product incompatibility. Perhaps you have door sensors from one home security company and glass break sensors from another. Or you purchased smart home devices online only to discover they don’t work with your home security system.

You can replace incompatible products with ones your current home security provider sells so you know they will work with your existing monitoring service. Or if you’re considering a home alarm system upgrade or replacement, work with your provider to see what compatible home automation devices you can integrate with your system. For example, the Brinks Home Touch Panel works with more than 119 Z-Wave devices and counting.

Easy System Disablement

As with all modern technology, home security systems can be vulnerable to hacking. You can avoid alarm system problems resulting from a hack the same way you can protect your other online accounts — by selecting strong access passwords and changing them regularly. Also, don’t ever reuse a password you’re already employing to manage other devices or accounts. Brinks Home sensors include encryption technology, making them less vulnerable to hacking.

Criminals aren’t the only ones who could cause problems with your home security system, however. Power outages or wire breaks could also disable your alarm system. If you have a wired home security system, make sure you have a backup power supply in the event of a power outage. If your system is wireless, be sure to use an encrypted wireless connection.

Frequent False Alarms

False alarms are a common security system problem. Take the time to properly calibrate your sensors to both catch valid sound frequencies and avoid an alarm when you drop your house keys on the kitchen floor.

You can also avoid the problem of false alarms by performing regular tests on your home security equipment and upgrading to newer versions when necessary to avoid potential security breaches. Outdated equipment is more likely to cause false alarms, and many new home security systems offer a “masking” feature that lets you program your system to tune out frequent and ordinary noises around the house.

Brinks Home offers an array of online help services to assist you in properly calibrating your home security system or choosing upgrades to better meet your family’s safety needs. Don’t forget you can always reach out to one of our Senior Security Consultants for custom advice on adjusting or upgrading your system or purchasing a new home security package.

Jason Stevens is a senior writer for Brinks Home. He is a "tech guy" who enjoys sharing home security and automation tips with others.