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System malfunctions and false alarms can be exasperating, and more importantly, could prevent your security system from working how it should. Fortunately, most troubles, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to remedy. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Kalamazoo. We’ll help keep your household protected and your system running as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Kalamazoo

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly prompt an emergency call. Once you’re in test mode, do the following:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when you leave.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off another device. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you turn the system back on.
• Allow the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is delivered to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test equipment as you wish
• Inspect the systems’s activity log to verify that everything’s working.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals can tell that your system is involved in a test. Just be sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s wise to test once a month or anytime you change your home’s phone or internet provider.

Check The Placement And Condition Of Motion Sensors

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

• Conduct a physical check. Is there something that could shift within range of the sensor, like a curtain taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to issues. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some can be configured to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A low battery might affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is the sensor facing a heat source? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Warnings

One helpful aspect of modern home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are running low. If your system is equipped with a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll usually discover notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you could notice an intermittent beep when batteries are getting low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless tools have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s wise to keep batteries on hand and set a replacement schedule. Some systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup keeps your system operating 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 Kalamazoo 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that supply unrivaled functionality and convenience. Getting into test mode is simple through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a sensor battery is low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system ideal for your Kalamazoo home. Place a call to (269) 224-1045 or submit our form today!