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System hiccups and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, may prevent your security system from working how it should. Luckily, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to fix. Take a look at our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Scottsdale. We’ll help keep your family shielded and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Scottsdale

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

• Activate your system as you would when going out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other sensors. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing devices as needed
• Review the systems’s activity log to verify that everything’s working.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals can tell that your alarm system is involved in a test. Be sure to switch out of test mode when complete. It’s wise to test monthly or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.

Inspect The Position And State Of Motion Sensors

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

• Perform a visual check. Are there things that could move within the sensor’s detection area, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to malfunctions. Ensure the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can turn on? Some sensors can be programmed to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last 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 cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Notifications

One helpful aspect of modern home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are running low. If your system uses a control panel or mobile app, you’ll usually discover alerts there. Depending on your alarm, you may notice an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Top systems also include a backup battery for the central control panel. This backup helps keep your system functioning if you lose power and should charge back up once power is restored. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Scottsdale 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide unrivaled protection and functionality. Getting into test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive alerts when a battery is running low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Scottsdale home and family. Call (480) 608-0061 or submit our form today!