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

Test Your Home Security System In Prescott

One of the most effective ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! The latest systems let you place them in test mode to keep you from prompting an emergency call. Once in test mode, do the following:

• Activate your system as you normally would when leaving.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to trip another device. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t trigger the alarm when you turn the system back on.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to make an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Review the systems’s activity log to validate that everything’s working.

No need to worry, monitoring professionals can tell that your system is undergoing a test. Be sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s a good idea to test monthly or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Evaluate The Position And Condition Of Motion Sensors

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

• Perform a physical check. Are there items that could shift within the detection path of the sensor, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to malfunctions. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can enable? Some models can be programmed to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A low battery can impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a heat source? Too much heat from direct sun or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Notifications

One helpful aspect of new home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are dying. If your system uses a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll often discover notifications there. Depending on your system, you may detect an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s a good idea to keep batteries ready and create a replacement schedule. Many systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup helps keep your system operating if you have a power outage and should charge back up once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Prescott 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT builds systems that supply superior functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always be sent updates when a sensor battery is low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Prescott home and family. Call (928) 888-9024 or submit our form today!