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False alarms and system malfunctions can be frustrating, and more importantly, might prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Luckily, most troubles, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to remedy. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in South Bend. We’ll help keep your family protected and your system running properly.

Test Your Home Security System In South Bend

One effective way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! The latest systems permit you to place them in test mode to prevent you from prompting an emergency response from monitoring agents. After switching to test mode, do the following:

• Arm your system as you typically would when going out.
• Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Close the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t trigger the alarm when you get out of test mode.
• Allow the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to make an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing equipment as you wish
• Review the system activity log to validate functionality.

Rest assured, monitoring professionals will be able to see that your alarm system is being tested. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when you’re done. It’s wise to test monthly or anytime you make changes to your home’s internet or phone provider.

Inspect The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

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

• Do a physical inspection. Is there anything that could shift within range of the sensor, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can result in poor performance. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can turn on? Some sensors can be configured to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A low battery might affect performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Signals

One helpful benefit of modern home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are dying. If your system has a control panel or app, you’ll often find notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you may hear an occasional beep when batteries are getting low. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that should be replaced every so often. It’s a good idea to keep batteries ready and create a replacement schedule. Many systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This backup helps keep your system functioning if you lose power and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In South Bend 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that supply superior protection and functionality. Getting into test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get notifications when a battery is running low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your South Bend home and family. Call (574) 241-6763 or complete our form today!