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False alarms and system hiccups can be aggravating, and more importantly, could prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Luckily, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to fix. Check out our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Lynchburg. We’ll help keep your household safe and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Lynchburg

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

• Arm your system as you normally would when leaving.
• Open a window or door protected by a contact sensor, or try to trip something else. Shut the door or window so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you leave test mode.
• Permit the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a transmission is delivered to the security provider and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test devices as needed
• Check the systems’s activity log to confirm functionality.

Rest assured, monitoring agents will know that your system is being tested. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s wise to test once a month or whenever you make changes to your home’s internet or phone connectivity.

Check The Placement And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an crucial aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.

• Do a physical check. Is there anything that could shift within the detection path of the sensor, like drapery caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can result in poor performance. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can turn on? Some sensors can be programmed to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A nearly depleted battery might impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals

One of the great advantages of modern home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll often discover alerts there. Depending on your alarm, you could detect an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s a good idea to keep batteries ready and create a replacement schedule. Some systems also include a backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery keeps your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge once power is back online. If it doesn’t, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Lynchburg 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that supply unrivaled protection and functionality. Getting into test mode is simple through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get notifications when a battery is low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your Lynchburg home and family. Dial (434) 230-9263 or submit our form today!