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False alarms and system glitches can be frustrating, and even worse, may prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Fortunately, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to remedy. Take a look at our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Columbia. We’ll help you keep your family protected and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Columbia

One of the best ways to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! Modern systems let you place them in test mode to prevent you from triggering an emergency response from monitoring agents. Once in test mode, follow these steps:

• Activate your system as you typically would when you head out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off something else. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you switch the system back on.
• Permit the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a message is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test sensors as needed
• Review the systems’s activity log to verify that everything’s working.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents can tell that your system is involved in a test. Just be sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s wise to test once a month or whenever you change your home’s phone or internet service.

Check The Position And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion sensors are prone to false alarms. Prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Conduct a visual check. Is there anything that could move within range of the sensor, like drapery blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can result in poor performance. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some sensors can be configured to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? Low batteries can affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a heat source? Too much heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Notifications

One helpful aspect of modern home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are running low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or app, you’ll usually see notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you may hear an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Top systems also include a backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system operating if you lose power and should charge back up once power is restored. If it fails to recharge, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Columbia 

As the top name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide superior functionality and protection. Accessing test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive updates when a battery is nearing depletion. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Columbia home and family. Call (573) 203-3048 or complete our form today!