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False alarms and system glitches can be exasperating, and more importantly, may prevent your home’s security from working how it should. Thankfully, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to remedy. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in New Haven. We’ll help keep your family protected and your system running properly.

Test Your Home Security System In New Haven

One great way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident initiate an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, take these steps:

• Activate your system as you would when you exit your home.
• Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or try to trigger another sensor. Shut the door or window so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you turn the system back on.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to make sure a transmission is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing sensors as needed
• Inspect the systems’s activity log to verify functionality.

No need to worry, monitoring professionals will be aware that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just be sure to turn test mode off when done. It’s smart to test monthly or whenever you make changes to your home’s phone or internet service.

Inspect The Positioning And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with a few basic troubleshooting steps.

• Do a physical inspection. Are there items that could move within the path of the sensor, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to malfunctions. Make sure the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can enable? Some models can be configured to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A low battery might affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a source of heat? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One helpful benefit of the latest home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are dying. If your system has a mobile app or control panel, you’ll usually discover messages there. Depending on the alarm, you may detect an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every year or two. It’s a good idea to keep batteries ready and set a replacement schedule. Top systems also come with a backup battery for the central control panel. This backup helps keep your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In New Haven 

As the top name in home security, ADT builds systems that supply unsurpassed 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 find out more and design a system ideal for your New Haven home and family. Dial (203) 402-8863 or fill out our form today!