Categories

False alarms and system malfunctions can be exasperating, and more importantly, could prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Thankfully, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to remedy. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Minneapolis. We’ll help keep your household safeguarded and your system running smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Minneapolis

One sensible way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it yourself! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally trigger an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, take these steps:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when leaving.
• Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or try to set off something else. Shut the door or window so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you reactivate the system.
• Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to make an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test devices as needed
• Inspect the system activity log to verify functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals can tell that your alarm system is being tested. Just be sure to switch off test mode when done. It’s wise to test every other month or whenever you make changes to your home’s internet or phone provider.

Evaluate The Positioning And State Of Motion Sensors

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

• Conduct a visual check. Is there anything that could move within range of the sensor, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can cause issues. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can turn on? Some sensors can be configured to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A nearly depleted battery might impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a source of heat? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Notifications

One of the great things about new home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are running low. If your system uses a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll often discover alerts there. Depending on your alarm, you could hear an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s a good idea to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system running if you lose power and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Minneapolis 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that offer superior protection and functionality. Getting into test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive notifications when a sensor battery is low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Minneapolis home. Dial (612) 314-0605 or complete our form today!