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System malfunctions and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, might prevent your security system from working the way it should. Thankfully, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to correct. Explore our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Sandy Springs. We’ll help you keep your family members safe and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Sandy Springs

One effective way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly trigger an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, do the following:

• Arm your system as you typically would when going out.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or test other sensors. Shut the door or window once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you reactivate the system.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is dispatched to the security company and an entry is created in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing sensors as needed
• Inspect the alarm’s activity log to validate functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring specialists can see that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just make sure to switch off test mode when done. It’s smart to test monthly or anytime you make changes to your home’s phone or internet provider.

Evaluate The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential element of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. You can help prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Do a physical inspection. Is there anything that could move within range of the sensor, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause malfunctions. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can turn on? Some models can be set to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A nearly depleted battery can affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excess heat from direct sun or a fireplace can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One of the great advantages of modern home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are dying. If your system uses a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll usually see alerts there. Depending on your system, you could notice an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components 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. Many systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup helps keep your system operating if you lose power and should charge back up once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Sandy Springs 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that supply superior functionality and protection. Getting into test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, 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 Sandy Springs home. Dial (770) 628-5897 or complete our form today!