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System hiccups and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, might prevent your home’s security from working the way it should. Thankfully, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to remedy. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Joplin. We’ll help keep your family members safe and your system running the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Joplin

One effective way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it yourself! Modern systems permit you to put them in test mode to keep you from initiating an emergency call. After switching to test mode, do the following:

• Arm your system as you normally would when going out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off another sensor. Shut the window or door so it doesn’t trigger the alarm as you get out of test mode.
• Let the alarm resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a message is delivered to the security company and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing equipment as needed
• Inspect the system activity log to confirm functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals can see that your system is being tested. Be sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s wise to test once a month or anytime you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.

Evaluate The Placement And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an crucial aspect of your alarm system, motion detectors are well known for false alarms. You can help prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Perform a visual check. Are there items that could shift within the path of the sensor, like drapery blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can cause poor performance. Ensure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can enable? Some sensors can be configured to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries may impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a heat source? Too much heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Signals

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

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless devices have batteries that should be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also come with a backup battery for the main control panel. This battery keeps your system running if you have a power outage and should recharge once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Joplin 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT designs systems that offer unrivaled protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent alerts when a sensor battery is running low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Joplin home and family. Call (417) 233-4713 or fill out our form today!