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False alarms and system malfunctions can be frustrating, and even worse, may prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Luckily, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to correct. Check out our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Charleston. We’ll help you keep your family members safe and your system running the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Charleston

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! The latest systems allow you to put them in test mode to prevent you from prompting an emergency response from monitoring agents. Once in test mode, follow these steps:

• Arm your system as you normally would when going out.
• Open a door or window protected by a contact sensor, or try to set off another sensor. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you get out of test mode.
• Permit the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to produce an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test devices as needed
• Check the alarm’s activity log to validate proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring specialists can tell that your system is undergoing a test. Just be sure to switch out of test mode when you’re done. It’s smart to test every other month or anytime you adjust your home’s phone or internet provider.

Check The Positioning And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.

• Perform a physical check. Is there something that could move within the sensor’s detection range, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can result in malfunctions. Make sure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some sensors can be programmed to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A nearly depleted battery can affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a source of heat? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Notifications

One helpful perk of new home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a control panel or mobile app, you’ll often find messages there. Depending on your alarm, you may detect an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless devices have batteries that should be replaced every so often. It’s a good idea to keep batteries ready and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup battery keeps your system functioning if you lose power and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Charleston 

As the top name in home security, ADT designs systems that supply superior functionality and protection. Accessing test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get alerts when a sensor battery is running low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Charleston home. Dial (304) 220-0469 or fill out our form today!