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False alarms and system malfunctions can be aggravating, and even worse, might prevent your home’s security from working the way it should. Fortunately, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to fix. Take a look at our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Lansing. We’ll help keep your household safeguarded and your system operating properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Lansing

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident initiate an emergency response. Once in test mode, take these steps:

• Arm your system as you would when you leave.
• Open a door or window that has a contact sensor, or try to trip something else. Close the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is delivered to the security company and an entry is created in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as you wish
• Inspect the systems’s activity log to validate functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will be aware that your system is being tested. Just make sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s a good idea to test monthly or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet provider.

Inspect The Placement And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an integral element of your alarm system, motion detectors are well known for false alarms. Prevent them with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

• Conduct a visual check. Are there things that could shift within the path of the sensor, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can result in issues. Make sure the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can turn on? Some sensors can be programmed to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A low battery can impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals

One of the great things about modern home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are running low. If your system has a control panel or app, you’ll usually see messages there. Depending on your system, you could notice an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system functioning if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Lansing 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT builds systems that offer unrivaled functionality and convenience. Switching to test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a sensor battery is running low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfectly suited to your Lansing home and family. Dial (517) 295-3112 or complete our form today!