Categories

False alarms and system malfunctions can be frustrating, and more importantly, could prevent your security system from working the way it should. Fortunately, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to correct. Take a look at our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Pensacola. We’ll help you keep your household safe and your system running properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Pensacola

One sensible way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! Modern systems permit you to put them in test mode to keep you from initiating an emergency call. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:

• Arm your system as you typically would when you exit your home.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off another sensor. Close the window or door so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you get out of test mode.
• Allow the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to create an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test devices as needed
• Check the alarm’s activity log to confirm functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will know that your system is undergoing a test. Just be sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s a good idea to test monthly or whenever you change your home’s internet or phone connectivity.

Evaluate The Placement And State Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential element of your alarm system, motion sensors are prone to false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Do a physical check. Are there things that could shift within the detection path of the sensor, like drapery caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can cause issues. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can turn on? Some can be configured to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A nearly depleted battery might impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a source of heat? Too much heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One of the great advantages of modern home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are getting low. If your system has a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll typically find messages there. Depending on the alarm, you might detect an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s wise to keep batteries ready and create a replacement schedule. Some systems also have a backup battery for the central control panel. This battery helps keep your system functioning if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Pensacola 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide superior functionality and convenience. Getting into test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive updates when a sensor battery is running low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Pensacola home. Place a call to (850) 347-8091 or fill out our form today!