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False alarms and system malfunctions can be exasperating, and even worse, might prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Fortunately, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to remedy. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Ann Arbor. We’ll help you keep your household protected and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Ann Arbor

One sensible way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident prompt an emergency response from monitoring agents. After moving to test mode, do the following:

• Turn on your system as you would when you exit your home.
• Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or test other devices. Shut the door or window once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you turn the system back on.
• Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Review the system activity log to validate functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals can see that your system is being tested. Be sure to switch out of test mode when you’re done. It’s smart to test once a month or whenever you make changes to your home’s internet or phone provider.

Check The Position And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. You can help prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Do a visual inspection. Are there things that could shift within range of the sensor, like drapery caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can lead to malfunctions. Make sure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can activate? Some can be programmed to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? Low batteries may impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source affecting the sensor? Excess heat from direct sun or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Notifications

One of the great things about new home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are getting low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll often find alerts there. Depending on your alarm, you might notice an occasional beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that need to be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and create a replacement schedule. Many systems also include a backup battery for the primary control panel. This battery helps keep your system running if your power goes out and should recharge once power is restored. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Ann Arbor 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT builds systems that offer unsurpassed functionality and protection. Accessing test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive notifications when a battery is low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfectly suited to your Ann Arbor home. Dial (734) 224-3173 or submit our form today!