Categories

System malfunctions and false alarms can be aggravating, and even more concerning, may prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Luckily, most troubles, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to correct. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Amarillo. We’ll help keep your family members protected and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Amarillo

One of the best ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident prompt an emergency response. After moving to test mode, take these steps:

• Arm your system as you normally would when leaving.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Shut the door or window so it doesn’t trigger the alarm when you get out of test mode.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a message is sent to the security provider and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test sensors as needed
• Check the alarm’s activity log to verify proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring specialists will know that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just be sure to switch off test mode when done. It’s wise to test once a month or anytime you change your home’s internet or phone service.

Inspect The Position And State Of Motion Detectors

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

• Conduct a visual inspection. Are there items that could move within the detection path of the sensor, like a window treatment blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can lead to issues. Make sure the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can turn on? Some can be programmed to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A nearly depleted battery can impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is the sensor facing a source of heat? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Warnings

One of the great things about the latest home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are dying. If your system has a mobile app or control panel, you’ll usually discover alerts there. Depending on your system, you could notice an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s best to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also come with a backup battery for the main control panel. This battery keeps your system operating if you lose power and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Amarillo 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT designs systems that offer unrivaled functionality and protection. Accessing test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always be sent updates when a battery is running low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system ideal for your Amarillo home. Call (806) 302-1613 or fill out our form today!