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False alarms and system malfunctions can be frustrating, and more importantly, could prevent your home security system from working how it should. Thankfully, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to remedy. Take a look at our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in College Station. We’ll help you keep your family members protected and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In College Station

One effective way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it yourself! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly trigger an emergency response from monitoring agents. Once you’re in test mode, take these steps:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when you exit your home.
• Open a window or door protected by a contact sensor, or try to trigger another sensor. Shut the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you reactivate the system.
• Allow the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to produce an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test devices as you wish
• Review the system activity log to confirm proper function.

No need to worry, monitoring agents can tell that your system is involved in a test. Just make sure to switch off test mode when complete. It’s smart to test every other month or anytime you adjust your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Inspect The Position And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an crucial aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are well known for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Conduct a physical inspection. Is there something that could move within the sensor’s detection area, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause malfunctions. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can enable? Some sensors can be set to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries may impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a source of heat? Excessive heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One helpful aspect of new home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are running low. If your system has a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll usually see messages there. Depending on the alarm, you might detect an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless devices have batteries that need to be replaced every year or two. It’s wise to keep batteries on hand and create a replacement schedule. Many systems also include a backup battery for the main control panel. This backup keeps your system operating if your power goes out and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it doesn’t recharge, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In College Station 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT creates systems that offer unrivaled functionality and protection. Getting into test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a battery is low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your College Station home and family. Call (979) 330-5973 or complete our form today!