Your Home Alarm System Causing False Alarms

One of the main factors that gives homeowners pause when considering whether or not to install a home alarm system is the sheer number of false alarms that can be caused by these systems. This can be a major deterrent to a homeowner who wants to provide better security for his home but does not want to be troubled by constant false alarms. There are several methods that you can use to lessen the number of these false alarms.

The leading cause of false alarms is, in fact, due to homeowners entering the wrong access code when attempting to disable their home alarm system. Accidentally inputting a wrong digit, forgetting their access code, and not keying in the completely correct code are the three main mistakes that homeowners commonly make, thereby setting off their own alarms. This is no fault of the alarm system, as it simply assumes that you are an intruder because you do not know the right code.

The best solution to this problem is to ensure that you properly memorize the access code of your home alarm system. Herein lies another problem, however. Memorizing a random string of digits may prove difficult for some, and many homeowners give in to the temptation of inputting a series of familiar digits, such as birth dates, anniversary dates, or other important dates to use as their access code. While this generally serves to solve the problem of homeowners forgetting their codes, it also makes it much easier for burglars and intruders to crack your access code. The one thing that you should never do is write down your access code on a piece of paper, which is then kept in your wallet or purse as you might lose it.

Another excellent method of reducing false alarms is to install digital security pads. These pads do not include any physical buttons for you to push, thus reducing the number of false alarms that are caused due to homeowners accidentally pushing the wrong button. These systems usually consist of touch-screen Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) that display the numbers in large and easy to read fonts, making it easier for homeowners to see what number they are selecting.

A remote arm/disarm control is another popular option for home alarm systems that many homeowners are opting for. These small devices are very similar to a fob of an automotive remote key, and will allow you to activate your alarm from a distance. This is perhaps one of the best methods of reducing the number of false alarms caused by a person’s home alarm system.

Some alternative options that you may consider are systems that remain inactive while your children or pets are active or do not include motion detectors in areas that your children frequent during the night such as their bedrooms or the bathroom. While these alternatives may seem to involve leaving your home unprotected, it is your doors and windows that are of the utmost importance.

With some simple precautions and modern technology, you can reduce the incidence of false alarms while still ensuring that your home is well protected against intrusion with the proper home alarm system.