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System glitches and false alarms can be frustrating, and even more concerning, could prevent your home’s security from working the way it should. Fortunately, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to fix. Explore our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in West Lafayette. We’ll help you keep your family members protected and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In West Lafayette

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally prompt an emergency response. After switching to test mode, follow these steps:

• Activate your system as you would when you leave.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off another device. Close the window or door so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you switch out of test mode.
• Permit the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test devices as you wish
• Review the alarm’s activity log to verify functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals can tell that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just be sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s smart to test every other month or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet provider.

Evaluate The Position And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an crucial element of your alarm system, motion sensors are well known for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with a few basic troubleshooting steps.

• Perform a physical inspection. Are there objects that could move within the path of the sensor, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can lead to issues. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can enable? Some models can be configured to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A low battery might impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor facing 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 Signals

One helpful benefit of modern home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll usually discover notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you could notice an occasional beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that should be replaced every so often. It’s wise to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Top systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This battery keeps your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge once the electricity is working again. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In West Lafayette 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that offer superior functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get updates when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfectly suited to your West Lafayette home and family. Call (765) 221-3339 or fill out our form today!