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System hiccups and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, could prevent your security system from working the way it should. Fortunately, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to correct. Explore our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Richmond. We’ll help you keep your household safeguarded and your system running as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Richmond

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Newer systems permit you to place them in test mode to prevent you from triggering an emergency response. After switching to test mode, do the following:

• Arm your system as you would when you exit your home.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Shut the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you turn the system back on.
• Permit the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to make sure a message is delivered to the security company and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing equipment as you wish
• Check the alarm’s activity log to verify that everything’s working.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals will be able to see that your alarm system is being tested. Be sure to switch off test mode when you’re done. It’s a good idea to test once a month or anytime you change your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Evaluate The Positioning And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an integral aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

• Do a physical check. Are there objects that could shift within the path of the sensor, like a window treatment blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause malfunctions. Make sure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some sensors can be programmed to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A low battery might affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Signals

One of the great aspects of the latest home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll usually discover notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you might detect an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that should be replaced every year or two. It’s a good idea to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This battery helps keep your system functioning if you have a power outage and should recharge once power is restored. If it fails to recharge, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Richmond 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT designs systems that offer unsurpassed functionality and convenience. Switching to test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent alerts when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system ideal for your Richmond home. Dial (804) 294-0619 or submit our form today!