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False alarms and system hiccups can be frustrating, and more importantly, could prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Thankfully, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to remedy. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Albany. We’ll help keep your household shielded and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Albany

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

• Activate your system as you typically would when you head out.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off something else. Shut the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you reactivate the system.
• Let the alarm resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a transmission is delivered to the security company and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing equipment as you wish
• Check the system activity log to confirm proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will be aware that your alarm system is being tested. Just make sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s wise to test every other month or whenever you change your home’s internet or phone service.

Check The Position And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. You can help prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Do a visual check. Is there anything that could move within the sensor’s detection area, like a window treatment caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can cause malfunctions. Make sure 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 replaced? Low batteries may affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a source of heat? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Notifications

One of the great aspects of the latest 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 typically find alerts there. Depending on the alarm, you could notice an occasional beep when batteries are getting low. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup keeps your system running if you have a power outage and should charge back up once the electricity is working again. If it fails to recharge, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Albany 

As the leading name in home security, ADT designs systems that offer unrivaled functionality and convenience. 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. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfect for your Albany home and family. Place a call to (518) 303-3311 or complete our form today!