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System hiccups and false alarms can be frustrating, and even more concerning, might prevent your security system from working how it should. Thankfully, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to fix. Take a look at our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Utica. We’ll help keep your family protected and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Utica

One great way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! The latest 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 typically would when you head out.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or test other devices. Close the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Permit the alarm to resonate 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 devices as needed
• Check the alarm’s activity log to verify proper function.

No need to worry, monitoring professionals can tell that your alarm system is involved in a test. Be sure to switch out of test mode when complete. It’s smart to test every other month or anytime you make changes to your home’s phone or internet service.

Inspect The Positioning And Condition Of Motion Detectors

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

• Conduct a physical inspection. Is there anything that could move within range of the sensor, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause malfunctions. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can turn on? Some models can be configured to ignore pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A nearly depleted battery may affect performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One helpful aspect of new home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are running low. If your system uses a control panel or app, you’ll typically find alerts there. Depending on your system, you might hear an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, 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 on hand and set a replacement schedule. Some systems also have a backup battery for the central control panel. This battery helps keep your system running if your power goes out and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it doesn’t, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Utica 

As the leading name in home security, ADT designs systems that supply unsurpassed functionality and convenience. Switching to test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get alerts when a sensor battery is running low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Utica home. Call (315) 367-2727 or submit our form today!