Low/Dead Panel Battery
Inside your alarm panel is a 12V battery used to ensure your alarm remains operational even in the even of a power outage. As the battery ages, not only will it fail to power the alarm during an outage but can actually cause alarms by damaging the system. Even if your system doesn't indicate a low battery, it should be replaced every 3-5 years. Contact us to have it replaced or you can pick one up from our office located in Kentville, Nova Scotia.
Low/Dead Wireless Batteries
Ensure you have fresh batteries in your wireless devices, replace them yourself or contact Valley Alarms to have them replaced. One of the main reasons for false alarms is dead batteries. If your system indicates you have a low battery, ensure you change it as soon as possible.
Pets & Motions
On older systems, pets can frequently set off the heat based motion detectors on your system. Newer motion detectors implement a "Pet mask" which won't trigger for masses less the 80ibs seen in the bottom half of the detectors field of view. If you have cats, be mindful of furniture placement. Cats can trigger motion detectors by jumping directly in front of the motion detector while navigating between dressers, beds, windows, and ironing boards.
Aging Detectors
Over years or even decades of use, all electronics begin to degrade. Whether this is a detector that is activated several times per day, or only a couple of times per year. If connection is lost for even a few milliseconds while the system is armed, it will trigger an alarm. Best maintenance practice is to go around and test your detectors once a year and contact us if something isn't working so that we can correct the issue
Smoke Detectors & Humidity
Nova Scotians are no stranger to humidity, and your smoke detectors aren't big fans either. Smoke detectors on top floors can be triggered by high humidity during hot summer days, but way to prevent this is try your best to ensure proper ventilation. Another common cause of false alarms are detectors located in hallways next to bathrooms, larges bursts of steam after hot showers can cause the same sort of issues. Smoke Detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
People & Renovations
Sometimes false alarms occur because of people, did you know your alarm is programmed in anticipation of how you come and go? Some doors provide a delay to enter a code, where as others will immediate trigger an alarm. If you begin coming in from a different door, and find the alarm is going off that is likely the reason why. This is a simple problem to fix, and can almost always be done over the phone. Another problem is alarm cable getting damaged during renovations, if you're anticipating renovations at your home and business call Valley Alarms prior to ensure system integrity is maintained.
OTHER NOTES AND TIPS:
Inside your alarm panel is a 12V battery used to ensure your alarm remains operational even in the even of a power outage. As the battery ages, not only will it fail to power the alarm during an outage but can actually cause alarms by damaging the system. Even if your system doesn't indicate a low battery, it should be replaced every 3-5 years. Contact us to have it replaced or you can pick one up from our office located in Kentville, Nova Scotia.
Low/Dead Wireless Batteries
Ensure you have fresh batteries in your wireless devices, replace them yourself or contact Valley Alarms to have them replaced. One of the main reasons for false alarms is dead batteries. If your system indicates you have a low battery, ensure you change it as soon as possible.
Pets & Motions
On older systems, pets can frequently set off the heat based motion detectors on your system. Newer motion detectors implement a "Pet mask" which won't trigger for masses less the 80ibs seen in the bottom half of the detectors field of view. If you have cats, be mindful of furniture placement. Cats can trigger motion detectors by jumping directly in front of the motion detector while navigating between dressers, beds, windows, and ironing boards.
Aging Detectors
Over years or even decades of use, all electronics begin to degrade. Whether this is a detector that is activated several times per day, or only a couple of times per year. If connection is lost for even a few milliseconds while the system is armed, it will trigger an alarm. Best maintenance practice is to go around and test your detectors once a year and contact us if something isn't working so that we can correct the issue
Smoke Detectors & Humidity
Nova Scotians are no stranger to humidity, and your smoke detectors aren't big fans either. Smoke detectors on top floors can be triggered by high humidity during hot summer days, but way to prevent this is try your best to ensure proper ventilation. Another common cause of false alarms are detectors located in hallways next to bathrooms, larges bursts of steam after hot showers can cause the same sort of issues. Smoke Detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
People & Renovations
Sometimes false alarms occur because of people, did you know your alarm is programmed in anticipation of how you come and go? Some doors provide a delay to enter a code, where as others will immediate trigger an alarm. If you begin coming in from a different door, and find the alarm is going off that is likely the reason why. This is a simple problem to fix, and can almost always be done over the phone. Another problem is alarm cable getting damaged during renovations, if you're anticipating renovations at your home and business call Valley Alarms prior to ensure system integrity is maintained.
OTHER NOTES AND TIPS:
- Ensure all windows and doors are properly latched before setting the alarm
- Periodically test the home security system to ensure your equipment is working properly
- Ensure keyfobs and remotes have fresh batteries and are not cramped in drawers
- Make sure our monitoring station has current contact listing information and that call lists/emergency contacts are accurate
- Check your keypad for info on any low batteries or troubles detected by the system
- Be aware of environmental changes that may have an impact on your security system, such as home renovations both inside and outside, new animals, plants, etc.
- Inform us if you are going on vacation or plan to be away for an extended period of time
- Heavy wind can seep in through door seals to trigger alarms