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False alarms and system hiccups can be exasperating, and even more concerning, may prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Fortunately, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to fix. Explore our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in San Antonio. We’ll help keep your family members safe and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In San Antonio

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Newer systems permit you to place them in test mode to prevent you from triggering an emergency response from monitoring agents. After moving to test mode, take these steps:

• Arm your system as you typically would when heading out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off something else. Shut the door or window once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you leave test mode.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to make an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as you wish
• Check the system activity log to validate proper function.

No need to worry, monitoring specialists can tell that your alarm system is undergoing a test. Be sure to turn test mode off when done. It’s a good idea to test monthly or whenever you make changes to your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Inspect The Placement And State Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with a few straightforward troubleshooting steps.

• Conduct a visual inspection. Is there something that could shift within range of the sensor, like a curtain taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause issues. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can enable? Some can be programmed to disregard pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? Low batteries might impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a source of heat? Too much heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Notifications

One helpful benefit of modern home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are running low. If your system has a mobile app or control panel, you’ll usually discover messages there. Depending on your system, you may detect an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and set a replacement schedule. Some systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This battery keeps your system functioning if your power goes out and should recharge once power is back online. If it fails to recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In San Antonio 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT creates systems that supply unsurpassed protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive alerts when a sensor battery is running low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfectly suited to your San Antonio home and family. Dial (210) 794-6382 or complete our form today!