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System hiccups and false alarms can be aggravating, and more importantly, could prevent your home security system from doing its job effectively. Fortunately, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to remedy. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Raleigh. We’ll help keep your household safe and your system operating properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Raleigh

One effective way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Newer systems permit you to put them in test mode to keep you from initiating an emergency call. Once you’re in test mode, take these steps:

• Arm your system as you typically would when you head out.
• Open a window or door protected by a contact sensor, or try to trip something else. Close the door or window so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Allow the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to make sure a message is delivered to the security company and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test devices as you wish
• Review the alarm’s activity log to verify functionality.

Rest assured, monitoring professionals can tell that your system is involved in a test. Be sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s wise to test monthly or whenever you make changes to your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Evaluate The Placement And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential element of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with a few straightforward troubleshooting steps.

• Conduct a physical check. Is there something that could move within the detection path of the sensor, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can result in issues. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can enable? Some can be configured to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A nearly depleted battery might impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Signals

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 is equipped with a control panel or mobile app, you’ll usually see notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you might hear an occasional beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries ready and establish a replacement schedule. Top systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup battery keeps your system operating if you lose power and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Raleigh 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that offer superior protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get updates when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfectly suited to your Raleigh home and family. Call (919) 756-7929 or submit our form today!