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System glitches and false alarms can be exasperating, and even worse, might prevent your security system from working how it should. Luckily, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to correct. Explore our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Waco. We’ll help you keep your household shielded and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Waco

One of the most effective ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident initiate an emergency call. After switching to test mode, take these steps:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when going out.
• Open a door or window that has a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Shut the door or window once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you leave test mode.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to make an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing devices as needed
• Check the alarm’s activity log to verify that everything’s working.

Rest assured, monitoring professionals will know that your system is involved in a test. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when complete. It’s smart to test once a month or whenever you change your home’s phone or internet service.

Evaluate The Position And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are well known for false alarms. You can help prevent them with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

• Conduct a visual check. Are there objects that could shift within the path of the sensor, like a window treatment caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can lead to issues. Make sure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can enable? Some can be programmed to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A nearly depleted battery might impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a heat source? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Warnings

One of the great aspects of new home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a mobile app or control panel, you’ll typically find 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 devices have batteries that will have to be replaced every so often. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and set a replacement schedule. Some systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This battery keeps your system functioning if you lose power and should recharge once power is restored. If it doesn’t, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Waco 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that offer unrivaled functionality and convenience. Switching to test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get 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 Waco home and family. Dial (254) 236-5604 or submit our form today!