Top Consumer Complaints About Home Security Systems

Home security systems have evolved significantly to become more efficient, comprehensive, and advanced. We are now in the era of smart home security systems incorporating advanced technologies such as AI, Robotics, and IoT.

However, despite the advancements, home security system issues are quite common. They range from poor installation to false alarms to compatibility issues, among other things.

Key Insights

• According to Alarms.org, homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be robbed.
• There is a wide range of the best home security systems, including video surveillance systems, alarm systems, door security cameras, and flood lights.
• However, for your home security system to effectively keep burglars away, it must be properly installed and operating optimally.

Common Security System Problems 

Below is a look at the 5 most common home security problems as evidenced by customer reviews on Pissedconsumer.com and common tips on securing your home

Poor Installation

Poor installation is the top cause of most home systems consumer issues. It compromises the system's effectiveness, resulting in unnecessary frustrations for the homeowner and leaving your home vulnerable to security breaches.

There are some obvious tell-tale signs of a poor security system installation. These include device malfunctions, loose or exposed wires, frequent false alarms, and inconsistent coverage.

If you suspect a home security system is being installed poorly, contact the installer immediately. Reputable sellers will be keen to address the problem. They will conduct a system audit to identify the issue and correct it. In some cases, the installer or system seller offers warranties to cover labor and re-installation costs. 

Unfortunately, security system reviews on PissedConsumer report that some home security companies are not responsive to customer complaints regarding installation issues. For instance, there are numerous Vinint customer service complaints indicating that customer representatives were unhelpful. Such was the case in this Vinint review.

If you installed the home security yourself, refer to the installation manual and cross-check if you installed everything correctly. If you still can't figure out the problem, contact your seller, brand manufacturer, or consult a home security system professional for assistance.

Broken product

Aside from poor installation, customers also complain about receiving faulty products that don't work from the start or poor-quality products that break down after a short use. For example, in the security systems review #6177505, the customer complained that they had installed a new Google Nest, but it did not work.

If your security system is broken, start by conducting basic troubleshooting. This involves:

• Checking the device manual for guidance on troubleshooting common problems and how to solve them.
• Confirming that the device is powered – check if the batteries are dead or if it might be plugged out or powered off.
• Restarting the device or resetting it to factory settings.
• Doing a general inspection of the home security system setup to ensure that the various components are in good working condition and properly installed.

If you are not able to sort out the issue by yourself, contact the product's manufacturer or seller for assistance. Confirm if the product is still under warranty for repair or replacement. If so, initiate a warranty claim.

Note that it is important to schedule regular cleaning and periodic maintenance of your home security issues to identify any potential problems early and prevent a total breakdown of the entire system.

Issues with subscriptions

Many modern home security systems companies offer subscription services for advanced security features, priority support, and cloud storage. While these subscriptions enhance the convenience and functionality of the home security system, they can become problematic if not well managed. 

One of the downsides of home security subscriptions is that they are typically quite expensive, and, in some cases, there are hidden fees. Yet, suppose you fail to pay a subscription in time. In that case, you may lose access to critical security features such as remote monitoring or video storage.

Some companies provide extremely limited features and hide the rest behind a paywall, making the home security system ineffective without a subscription. Even when existing customers opt for newer subscription-based services, they may encounter compatibility issues whereby the older hardware does not work well with the subscription-based software.There are several such complaints in Arlo reviews. 

For example, in review #5572776, the customer complained:

I have several cameras and lights and was happily using them for years, without subscription.once I purchased newer products to add to the system and updated my app AND started paying a monthly subscription when they made it almost impossible not to, the lights no longer worked.

Experiencing false alarms 

Several homeowners face the issue of ongoing false alarms. Common causes of false alarms include:

• Poor installation
• Faulty home security system
• Improper configuration of the home security system settings
• Improper sensor placement. For example, if the sensors are placed near windows, vents, or heat sources, environmental factors such as drafts and temperature changes can trigger a false alarm.
• Incompatibility of different parts of the home security system
• Insufficient power supply to the various parts of the security system
• Incompatible system software and hardware
• Outdated equipment
• Poor maintenance

In First Alert review #5196736, the customer shared that they bought a P1210 smoke detector from Costco. However, although the device has a 10-year battery, it started getting false alarms within the first two years. They contacted First Alert and got it replaced, but the second one lasted only six months before it started giving false alarms, too. 

Security products compatibility 

Sometimes, homeowners buy home security products from different companies without considering if they are compatible. This seemingly minute oversight can make your security system completely dysfunctional or limit its functionality. 

For example, one security camera brand may not integrate well with the monitor sensors and alarm systems of another brand. It is also common for some security devices to not connect with the Wi-Fi or remote monitoring apps, leaving gaps in your security coverage. 

There are several Google Nest compatibility complaints on PissedConsumer.com. For example, in review #5932057, the customer wrote:

Over a month ago, my Google Nest 3rd Generation thermostat, which I bought in September 2023, stopped detecting my Wi-Fi and no longer has a functioning motion sensor….

Other reviews indicate that Google Nest customer service is unhelpful.

As such, one of the best practices for home security is to prioritize product compatibility before buying them. Whenever possible, stick to products of the same brand for simplified integration and easier follow-up in case of issues. Also, ensure that your system software is up to date and maintain the hardware as the manufacturer recommends.

Tips for securing your home 

Although there is no perfect home security system, some are better than others. You want to do extensive research and do comparison shopping to identify the best home security systems.

As part of your due diligence, read each product's description to understand its features and functionalities. Also, read online reviews on multiple reputable platforms for consumer insights on product quality, compatibility, customer service, and whether the companies honor warranties and refund policies. 

Have you encountered any of these common home security problems? Write a review on Pissedconsumer.com to share your experience with other customers.