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False alarms and system glitches can be aggravating, and even more concerning, could prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Fortunately, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are simple to fix. Check out our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Allentown. We’ll help you keep your family safe and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Allentown

One great way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Modern systems allow you to put them in test mode to avoid prompting an emergency call. Once in test mode, follow these steps:

• Arm your system as you typically would when leaving.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other devices. Shut the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you switch out of test mode.
• Permit the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing devices as you wish
• Inspect the system activity log to verify proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring specialists will be aware that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just make sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s smart to test every other month or whenever you adjust your home’s internet or phone service.

Evaluate The Placement And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an integral element of your alarm system, motion detectors are well known for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Conduct a visual inspection. Are there objects that could shift within the sensor’s detection range, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can lead to issues. Ensure the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some can be set to ignore pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? Low batteries might affect performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Too much heat from direct sun or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals

One of the great things about new home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are getting low. If your system has a control panel or app, you’ll often see alerts there. Depending on the alarm, you may hear an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless tools have batteries that should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries ready and set a replacement schedule. Some systems also come with a backup battery for the central control panel. This backup keeps your system functioning if your power goes out and should recharge once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Allentown 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide superior protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get alerts when a sensor battery is low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your Allentown home. Dial (601) 298-3167 or submit our form today!