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False alarms and system hiccups can be frustrating, and more importantly, may prevent your home’s security from working how it should. Fortunately, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to remedy. Explore our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Ithaca. We’ll help you keep your family members protected and your system operating properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Ithaca

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly initiate an emergency response from monitoring agents. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when heading out.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or try to trigger another device. Close the door or window so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you reactivate the system.
• Permit the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is delivered to the security company and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing devices as you wish
• Inspect the system activity log to validate proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring agents can tell that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when complete. It’s a good idea to test every other month or anytime you make changes to your home’s internet or phone connectivity.

Inspect The Positioning And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an integral aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. You can help prevent them with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

• Do a visual inspection. Is there anything that could shift within the sensor’s detection range, like a window treatment blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can result in malfunctions. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can activate? Some models can be set to disregard pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A nearly depleted battery might affect performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a heat source? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals

One helpful aspect of modern home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are getting low. If your system has a mobile app or control panel, you’ll typically discover messages there. Depending on the alarm, you may notice an intermittent beep when batteries are getting low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and create a replacement schedule. Some systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This battery helps keep your system functioning if your power goes out and should charge back up once power is restored. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Ithaca 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide unrivaled protection and functionality. Accessing test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get updates when a battery is running low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Ithaca home. Call (607) 204-9053 or fill out our form today!