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False alarms and system malfunctions can be aggravating, and more importantly, might prevent your security system from working the way it should. Fortunately, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are simple to remedy. Check out our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Blacksburg. We’ll help keep your household shielded and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Blacksburg

One great way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it! Modern systems allow you to put them in test mode to keep you from initiating an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when heading out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other sensors. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you reactivate the system.
• Permit the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to produce an entry in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing sensors as needed
• Review the systems’s activity log to verify that everything’s working.

Rest assured, monitoring specialists will be aware that your system is undergoing a test. Be sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s smart to test once a month or whenever you change your home’s phone or internet provider.

Inspect The Position And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an integral part of your alarm system, motion sensors are prone to false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.

• Conduct a physical inspection. Are there objects that could move within the sensor’s detection zone, like a curtain taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to issues. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can enable? Some sensors can be set to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A low battery may affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a heat source? Excessive heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals

One of the great things about the latest home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are getting low. If your system is equipped with a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll usually see messages there. Depending on the alarm, you might hear an occasional beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that should be replaced every so often. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup battery keeps your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it doesn’t, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Blacksburg 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT builds systems that offer superior functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get notifications when a battery is nearing depletion. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Blacksburg home. Call (540) 212-4532 or fill out our form today!