Tips For Troubleshooting Your Home Alarm System In Springfield
System malfunctions and false alarms can be aggravating, and even worse, could prevent your home security system from doing its job effectively. Luckily, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to remedy. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Springfield. We’ll help you keep your family shielded and your system operating properly.
Test Your Home Security System In Springfield
One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! Modern systems permit you to place them in test mode to prevent you from prompting an emergency response from monitoring agents. After switching to test mode, follow these steps:
- Turn on your system as you normally would when going out.
- Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or test other devices. Shut the door or window once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you get out of test mode.
- Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
- Proceed to test devices as you wish
- Inspect the systems’s activity log to validate proper function.
No need to worry, monitoring specialists will be aware that your system is being tested. Just make sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s smart to test monthly or anytime you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.
Check The Positioning And Condition Of Motion Sensors
Although an crucial element of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.
- Perform a physical check. Are there things that could shift within the path of the sensor, like a curtain caught in a breeze?
- Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can lead to poor performance. Check to confirm the device is clean.
- Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can turn on? Some can be set to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
- When was the battery changed? A nearly depleted battery might affect performance or cause false alarms.
- Is the sensor pointing toward a heat source? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.
Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings
One of the great things about new home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are getting low. If your system has a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll often find alerts there. Depending on your alarm, you might hear an occasional beep when batteries are getting low.
Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless tools have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s wise to keep batteries on hand and set a replacement schedule. Top systems also include a backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t, you should replace it.
Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Springfield
As the top name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide unrivaled functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always be sent updates 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 Springfield home and family. Call (417) 233-4368 or fill out our form today!