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False alarms and system hiccups can be aggravating, and even more concerning, could prevent your home’s security from working the way it should. Thankfully, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to fix. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Springfield. We’ll help you keep your family protected and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Springfield

One effective way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Modern systems let you put them in test mode to keep you from initiating an emergency response from monitoring agents. Once you’re in test mode, take these steps:

• Turn on your system as you would when you exit your home.
• Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or try to trigger another sensor. Close the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t trigger the alarm when you leave test mode.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a transmission is sent to the security company and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing devices as you wish
• Check the systems’s activity log to confirm proper function.

No need to worry, monitoring agents can tell that your system is undergoing a test. Just be sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s smart to test once a month or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.

Check The Position And Condition Of Motion Sensors

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

• Conduct a physical inspection. Is there something that could move within range of the sensor, like a curtain taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can result in malfunctions. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can turn on? Some can be set to disregard pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? Low batteries may impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One helpful aspect of the latest home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are dying. If your system is equipped with a mobile app or control panel, you’ll typically discover notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you may hear an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s wise to keep batteries around and create a replacement schedule. Many systems also have a backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup helps keep your system functioning if you lose power and should recharge once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Springfield 

As the top name in home security, ADT designs systems that supply unsurpassed protection and functionality. Getting into test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent updates when a battery is nearing depletion. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Springfield home and family. Place a call to (217) 765-0085 or submit our form today!