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System hiccups and false alarms can be frustrating, and even worse, could prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Luckily, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to correct. Take a look at our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Jamestown. We’ll help keep your family safe and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Jamestown

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

• Activate your system as you would when going out.
• Open a window or door protected by a contact sensor, or try to set off another sensor. Shut the door or window once you’re finished so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to make sure a message is sent to the security company and an entry is made in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test sensors as you wish
• Review the systems’s activity log to validate that everything’s working.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals can see that your system is undergoing a test. Just make sure to turn test mode off when done. It’s wise to test monthly or anytime you adjust your home’s internet or phone service.

Inspect The Placement And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential aspect of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. Prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Do a visual check. Is there something that could shift within range of the sensor, like drapery caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can cause malfunctions. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can turn on? Some models can be set to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries can affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Notifications

One helpful benefit of the latest home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are running low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or app, you’ll typically discover messages there. Depending on the alarm, you might detect an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every year or two. It’s a good idea to keep batteries ready and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup keeps your system operating if you lose power and should charge back up once power is back online. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Jamestown 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT builds systems that supply superior functionality and convenience. Accessing test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always be sent updates when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfectly suited to your Jamestown home and family. Call (601) 292-9548 or complete our form today!