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System glitches and false alarms can be aggravating, and more importantly, could prevent your security system from working how it should. Luckily, most troubles, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to fix. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Champaign. We’ll help you keep your family members safeguarded and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Champaign

One great way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident trigger an emergency call. Once you’re in test mode, do the following:

• Activate your system as you typically would when leaving.
• Open a door or window that has a contact sensor, or test other devices. Close the window or door so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you get out of test mode.
• Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to create an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test sensors as needed
• Review the system activity log to validate functionality.

No need to worry, monitoring professionals can see that your alarm system is undergoing a test. Be sure to turn test mode off when done. It’s smart to test monthly or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.

Inspect The Position And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an crucial aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are well known for false alarms. You can help prevent them with a few basic troubleshooting steps.

• Perform a visual check. Are there things that could move within range of the sensor, like a curtain caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can result in malfunctions. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can activate? Some can be configured to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries might impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a source of heat? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Signals

One helpful perk of modern home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are dying. If your system uses a app or control panel, you’ll often discover alerts there. Depending on your alarm, you could hear an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless devices have batteries that need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries ready and establish a replacement schedule. Top systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery keeps your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge once the electricity is working again. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Champaign 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide unsurpassed protection and functionality. Accessing test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive updates when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Champaign home. Place a call to (217) 765-0086 or submit our form today!