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False alarms and system malfunctions can be frustrating, and even more concerning, might prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Luckily, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to remedy. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Alpharetta. We’ll help you keep your family shielded and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Alpharetta

One of the best ways to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally prompt an emergency call. Once in test mode, follow these steps:

• Activate your system as you typically would when you head out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other devices. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you get out of test mode.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing equipment as needed
• Check the alarm’s activity log to verify that everything’s working.

No need to worry, monitoring agents will be aware that your system is undergoing a test. Be sure to switch out of test mode when you’re done. It’s wise to test every other month or anytime you adjust your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Evaluate The Positioning And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an integral aspect of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. You can help prevent them with a few straightforward troubleshooting steps.

• Do a visual check. Is there something that could shift within the sensor’s detection area, like a curtain taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to malfunctions. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can turn on? Some can be configured to ignore pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries may affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a source of heat? Too much heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Warnings

One of the great aspects of new home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a control panel or mobile app, you’ll typically see notifications there. Depending on your system, you could detect an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup keeps your system operating if your power goes out and should charge back up once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t recharge, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Alpharetta 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide unsurpassed functionality and convenience. Getting into test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive alerts when a battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system ideal for your Alpharetta home. Dial (678) 251-9195 or complete our form today!