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System glitches and false alarms can be frustrating, and even worse, may prevent your security system from working how it should. Fortunately, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to fix. Take a look at our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Tuscaloosa. We’ll help you keep your household safe and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Tuscaloosa

One of the most effective ways to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it yourself! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally initiate an emergency call. Once you’re in test mode, take these steps:

• Arm your system as you would when leaving.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or try to trip another sensor. Close the door or window so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you switch the system back on.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is sent to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test devices as you wish
• Inspect the alarm’s activity log to verify that everything’s working.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will know that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just be sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s smart to test monthly or whenever you make changes to your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Check The Positioning And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an integral element of your alarm system, motion detectors are well known for false alarms. Prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Do a physical check. Is there something that could move within the path of the sensor, like a curtain taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can result in malfunctions. Make sure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can turn on? Some models can be programmed to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A nearly depleted battery can affect performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a source of heat? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Signals

One of the great advantages of the latest home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are dying. If your system has a control panel or mobile app, you’ll typically find notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you might detect an occasional beep when batteries are getting low. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s wise to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also have a backup battery for the primary control panel. This battery helps keep your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Tuscaloosa 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that supply superior protection and functionality. Accessing test mode is simple through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get alerts when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfectly suited to your Tuscaloosa home and family. Call (205) 315-0267 or complete our form today!