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False alarms and system hiccups can be aggravating, and more importantly, might prevent your home security system from working how it should. Thankfully, most troubles, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to correct. Take a look at our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Stamford. We’ll help you keep your family safe and your system operating properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Stamford

One great way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Newer systems permit you to place them in test mode to prevent you from prompting an emergency response. After moving to test mode, do the following:

• Activate your system as you normally would when you exit your home.
• Open a window or door protected by a contact sensor, or try to trigger another device. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you get out of test mode.
• Permit the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is delivered to the security provider and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing equipment as you wish
• Review the system activity log to validate proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring professionals will be aware that your system is undergoing a test. Be sure to switch off test mode when you’re done. It’s smart to test once a month or anytime you change your home’s phone or internet provider.

Evaluate The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential aspect of your alarm system, motion detectors are well known for false alarms. You can help prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.

• Conduct a visual check. Are there things that could shift within the detection path of the sensor, like a window treatment caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can cause malfunctions. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can turn on? Some sensors can be set to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? Low batteries may impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source affecting the sensor? Too much heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Warnings

One helpful aspect of new home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a app or control panel, you’ll typically discover notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you could detect an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that should be replaced every year or two. It’s a good idea to keep batteries ready and create a replacement schedule. Some systems also include a backup battery for the central control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system running if you lose power and should charge back up once power is back online. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Stamford 

As the top name in home security, ADT designs systems that supply superior functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always be sent updates when a sensor battery is low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Stamford home. Call (203) 403-2796 or complete our form today!