Categories

False alarms and system malfunctions can be frustrating, and even worse, could prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Fortunately, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to remedy. Explore our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Hagerstown. We’ll help you keep your household protected and your system running properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Hagerstown

One effective way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally initiate an emergency call. Once in test mode, follow these steps:

• Arm your system as you normally would when you exit your home.
• Open a door or window protected by a contact sensor, or try to trigger another sensor. Close the door or window once you’re finished so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you switch out of test mode.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a transmission is dispatched to the security company and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing sensors as you wish
• Inspect the system activity log to validate that everything’s working.

No need to worry, monitoring specialists will be aware that your system is involved in a test. Just be sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s smart to test once a month or anytime you adjust your home’s internet or phone provider.

Evaluate The Placement And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an integral part of your alarm system, motion detectors are well known for false alarms. Prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Perform a visual check. Are there items that could move within the detection path of the sensor, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can lead to malfunctions. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can activate? Some can be programmed to disregard pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? Low batteries may impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Too much heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Warnings

One helpful perk of modern home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are running low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or mobile app, you’ll usually see messages there. Depending on the alarm, you might detect an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that will have to be replaced every so often. It’s a good idea to keep batteries on hand and set a replacement schedule. Some systems also come with a 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 restored. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Hagerstown 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide superior protection and functionality. Accessing test mode is simple through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always be sent updates when a battery is running low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system ideal for your Hagerstown home and family. Place a call to (301) 288-1501 or fill out our form today!