6 Common Security System Problems and How to Fix Them

November 21, 2023 by Anas Mustafa

Technology advancements today work hard to keep your home and business safe, but there are still issues that can be encountered. Your alarm company monitors and works with you to ensure that these issues are limited and dealt with as soon as they arise.

Some common issues can pop up and are easy enough to fix without calling in a maintenance crew.

1. Old And New Don’t Always Mix

Over the years, parts of a home system may be replaced due to age or damage and upgraded as technology evolves.

There comes a point, however, where the old technology is no longer compatible with the new, which can cause blackouts or gaps in the system. It will apply more to cameras and sensors in the beginning. Still, it will eventually spread to control panels if the system was initially installed when the home was constructed.

When the panel needs upgrading, your alarm company will come to your home to do this, but if it’s wireless cameras or door sensors, you can easily do this yourself.

With some cameras being wireless, so you don’t need to run wires through the house, and many door/window sensors being attached with double-sided tape and not required to be screwed into the window or the frame, you can make these minor upgrades in a few moments.

2. Blind Spots

When your system was installed, the coverage area may have been smaller than it is now.

Maybe you had some landscaping done, which has opened up areas, or you had a new structure like a shed built, and the cameras need to cover that. The area has built up around you over the years, and what was once considered a safe area now needs extra eyes on it.

Additional cameras can provide the cover for the blind spots that you now have. Simple installation means that you can have these areas covered within moments, and your cover once again looks after everything.

3. False Alarms

If your camera sensitivity or motion detector sensitivity is set too high, this can trigger multiple alarms every time the wind blows or leaves fly by in the field of vision.

Take the time to correctly set this to prevent multiple notifications and possible alarm soundings.

If there are large objects in the area that could trigger these false alarms, such as large trees or bushes, then adding something to them for the cameras to focus on, like decorations, helps them learn to disregard this and focus on other areas.

You could also instead have security cameras with smart analytics as these cameras give off very few false alarms . They don’t normally trigger from bad weather and they can differentiate between a person and a vehicle so that you only get notifications that matter.

4. Power Interruptions

Many new security systems are wireless and operate on special batteries. Control panels normally are wired to power and have a backup battery, but smart locks, security sensors and some doorbell cameras will use regular batteries.

Should the power grid in your area fail, these backup batteries kick in to prevent even a moment of interruption to your security. But if these batteries are not properly maintained, they could fail, rendering your system useless.

Regular maintenance is vital to preventing this loss of power. You can also inspect the equipment to ensure there is no visible damage that could lead to future problems.

5. Hack Attack

Cyberattacks happen. While there are defences to protect your system, like having dedicated cellular and internet access not shared with the rest of the household, your alarm system will still require a little help to remain fully secured and operational.

Keeping up with updates and security patches enables the system to be fully protected at all times. If you feel that it has been a long time since the last update, reach out to the call centre, and they can advise you and walk you through how to install it. Many newer alarm systems push firmware updates automatically to ensure they are always up to date.

6. Fill Those Gaps

Window and door sensors can wear out over time. The backing used to stick them to the frames can get old and peel off. They can also shift position, or if there is any damage to the frame itself, this can impact their function.

Dirt and grime build-up on the sensors can also trigger false alarms or won’t allow the system to alarm at all.

Ensuring all the sensors around the house are clean and in the right place will allow them to continue securing that part of the home.

While most break-ins happen on the ground floor, as this is typically the weakest area, it’s wise to install sensors on the upper floors as well, especially if there is an obvious way to climb up and enter the home.

Large upper decks, garden trellis, and garage roofs that are lower than the second-floor window are all areas that can be targeted. Fill the gaps by making sure all entry points are covered.

Protect Your Investment, and It Will Protect You

Your home security is there to protect you and your family. With state-of-the-art technology at your fingertips, you are safe knowing that someone is always watching out for you.

With some help, you can work with your system to ensure that what protects you is protected further.

Regular maintenance, updates, and cleaning will keep your system functioning at its peak performance.

Glancing up at your outdoor cameras while doing yard work or checking the clarity of the recordings on your phone lets you ensure things look good. A quick wipe down with a soft cloth while you clean the window sills as part of your regular cleaning prevents dirt and grime from stopping the sensors from sensing.

When you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors, take a moment to check the others in your cameras,smart locks, and alarm sensors.

Call Canadian Security Professionals at 1-877-494-9911 or go online for a free quote to upgrade your current system or to get your first system installed.

"Our company has been working with CSP for almost 10 years. We use them to secure our retail stores and have always had a great experience with them. Their technical team is terrific and always..."

Tony W, Greenhawk Inc..

"I own a small coffee shop on the Hamilton Mountain, and after many issues, I was considering the idea of changing companies for our security system. I checked out several reviews of some local..."

Bring Your Dog Cafe And Pub, Jim Ervin.

"What a company, Heather was such a pleasure to work with. Tamim was also a great person to work with. Set my company alarm system in no time. Tamim is very friendly and answered all my questions. And..."

Gastro Market, Anthony Zolkiewicz.

"My whole experience with Canadian security professionals has been positive from the 1st step. I spoke to numerous companies and Curtis from Canadian security professionals was by far the most..."

Delicate Touch, Mark Eisenberg.

"Hands down it’s the best service you can get. Very professional from the time you reach out to them and to the final installation and set up. Heather from the office and Tamim on-site were both so..."

UCA Associates, Arun R.

"Excellent Experience I had my business and home system installed by this company and I can’t say enough about the professionalism.. The installer was so patient, explained all the functions to..."

Paradise Subs, Dan Lafleur.

"We had an alarm setup in our commercial office space by CSP. The amazing service started with Anas, who helped us understand what we needed. From there, the installer showed up on time, installed all..."

The Influence Agency, Tom Yawney.

"Tamim and Anas have helped us on numerous occasions for installation for our business and home! Its not even a question on who we would call to help us feel safe – they are quick, professional,..."

Ciscon Landscaping, Carmen Cisterna.

"What a fantastic company this is. I had a couple of issues with the doorbell camera and these guys were right ON IT. Emily is super fast, super smart and super nice when assisting me. Reminds me of..."

Dante D.

"Great service, I’m glad to have them in my business and would definitely recommend this company to my friends and family. "

Plains Laundromat, Ali Saadati.

"Heather (customer service) and Tamim (technician) were very helpful in explaining and demonstrating the services to myself and team. I had it installed in my home and office. Thank you very much for..."

Responsive Consulting Inc, Nole Coutrouzas.

"Thank you for making the process so simple and easy during a very stressful store opening. The technician was both professional and very pleasant to work with. Have nothing but positive things to say..."

The Thrifty Designer, Leslie Smith-Aragona.

"Received the best service, from first visit from the sales guy to the installation finish, gave me the best product out there and i was really pleased got them at my business and home now never will..."

Sam’s Auto, Sam Eltawil.

"Products seemed well-made and service was excellent; during the install, the technician was knowledgeable and professional. The install itself was straight forward and not intrusive aesthetically. I..."

Ali Al-Hashimi.

"Great feeling to have made right choice selecting Canadian Security Professional for Remote (smartphone) activated Alarm/Monitoring package. I highly recommend. "

Anil Kaul.

"Super helpful friendly team at CSP. Outstanding tech support. Would definitely recommend as a security company and a company that can help sort out all that is new in smart home technology. Not being..."

Kathy Shaw.

"I wish there was a 10 star button. From the first interaction until the final installation, it was an amazing experience. Not only my equipment was set up professionally but the service was..."

Ammar Albaqali.

"Excellent Staff to deal with. Very thorough about everything they install. Very friendly customer service. We were happy that they were a few minutes early to do the installation. They cleaned up..."

Giuseppe Battaglia.

"We had an alarm setup in our commercial office space by CSP. The amazing service started with Adam, who helped us understand what we needed. From there, the installer showed up on time, installed all..."

Tom Yawney.

"Very friendly conversation and nice work done by Tamim in setting up the home security installation. Also would like to thank Chelsee for all coordination and smooth installation. Thank you. "

Asha Topagi.

"Great company from sales to install . Fast install and friendly knowledgeable installers . Helped with setup and made everything easy to understand. Very nice system with cameras . Will recommend to..."

Craig Kawucha.

"We were so pleased when we contacted Canadian Service Professionals. Heather was prompt and very helpful in answering all of our questions. Our service technician, Tamim, was wonderful. He installed..."

Aravinth S.

"Choosing the right alarm company is a daunting task but right from the onset Heather was informative and unbelievably helpful. Heather helped me with my choices, advised and made sure that my alarm..."

Linda Kasprzak.

"Chelsee was so efficient and pleased to help me get the right system for my house. I wanted it installed as quickly as possible after we had a break in. It was installed the next day! Tim showed up..."

Amy Hoo.

"Very quick job, next day installation, good communication with sales person Eric. Next day Tamim showed up in our house and did a quick, professional and clean job with clear explanation and..."

Natalie M.

"Could not be happier with our new alarm system. It is user friendly and was easily adapted to suit our needs. Our Technician (Rabah) went above and beyond to ensure that our system was installed..."

Barry Snider.

"I’m very happy with the service CSP has provided, the discussion I had by email, before the installation of the system, was really helpful for finding what would be the best and the most efficient..."

Loïc W.

"Tamim came extra early to accommodate my doctor’s appointment that day. Unfortunately, some of my other installations were running late (cable, HVAC), Tamim stayed later than he was supposed to..."

Nicole.

"Canadian Security Professionals is a wonderful company to deal with. The team was very knowledgeable and educated me about the product and I felt more comfortable to use the alarm system. It is..."

Angela.

"We’re so glad we did our research and selected CSP! Incredible service from initial to the installation. Both representatives were professional, patient and educated us on how the products..."

Angeline Shawn.

"I would highly recommend CSP. The entire process was very easy and headache free. "

Francisco Peria.

"Excellent service from original contact, who immediately responded to my queries, to providing a quote based on my needs, and the professional installer. System is everything I wanted and then some...."

Luke Desimone.

"Had good communication with the sales person. He explained everything in detail. There was no hidden charges. Everything was straight forward. And the technician was super helpful, professional and..."

Ajay Mathews.

"Installer’s work was exceptionally neat and clean. I’m looking forward to having him install my security system at our cottage as well. The sales person was excellent. I will be pleased and..."

Phil Wiseman.

"Excellent experience! Thorough, professional and patient technician.. Thank you very much. We won’t hesitate to recommend you. "

Jason McMaster.

"I just switched from a well-know security firm to Canadian Security Professionals. The change over was done exceedingly well, the installation was quick and professional and service has been great...."

Eric.

"CSP has exceeded my expectations in both customer service and system quality. The pre sales interactions were handled very professionally and with a keen interest in helping me obtain a security..."

Adam H.

"Just wanted to say thanks for coordinating the install and just say that the installer did an excellent job and I would recommend your service. The installer was very patient and did everything to..."

Aldo.

"From the inital phone call consulation with Jennifer M., she was very knowledgeable and professional. I even had my spouse speak with her in order to help us make this important decision somewhat..."

Bob & Shauna.

"I want to say Thank You for all of your patience, and help. I downloaded the manual for my Simon XT Security System.. Everything is working perfectly. I went to previous employer today (I am retired)..."

From Jan and Bob.

"The installation was great, Equipment seems to be perfect, Your self and the installer was very Professional, courteous and a Pleasure to have met. I could not say enough about the Installer, I can..."

Skye’s Fashion Jewelry.

"I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how pleased I am with the excellent customer service I recently received from your technician Tamim. I wanted you to know that his patience, courtesy..."

Catherine N.

"Hi Jennifer, Great experience ! Rabah was absolutely amazing , very pleasant , friendly and fast. Explained everything very well to me and my hubby. We are very impressed with your outstanding..."

Renata.

"Just a quick note to commend Rabah who installed our alarm on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013. We are very pleased with his installation. He accommodated us, choosing the best possible location for the unit,..."

Joesph & Dee.

"Just had my alarm system set up today, and the gentleman that set it up was absolutely amazing. So kind and professional, my husband and I were truly blown away by the customer service we received..."

Kristina Kamber.

"I recently had a system installed at my house. So far, the system appears to be working great, easy to use and is a real peace of mind. I hope it continues this way. I would like to comment on the..."

Pierre Jean.

"The alarm system is all that I expected. The installation guy was polite and helpful. Thanks again for your help. I’m confident that I made the right choice in going with your company. "

Ed Doherty.

"We are very excited about making the switch. I really like the idea that the home will not only be monitored for burglars but also for fire and the fact that we will finally have a keypad (so my..."

Susie.

"As we were looking into purchasing a home security system, we got in touch with Jennifer Morgan. Throughout the entire process, Jennifer was extremely helpful and went above and beyond our..."

Rob and Sherry P.

"You will be delighted to know that both Tamim and I exchanged good words about you. We both agreed your enthusiasm and ability to compromise wins business. For example, I was dealing with 3 other..."

Raymond.

"Thank you for all the help with our alarm system quote helping us grasp the vital distinctions between the various models and monitoring services available. The installation team you sent were..."

Cliff.

View All