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False alarms and system glitches can be exasperating, and even more concerning, could prevent your security system from doing its job effectively. Fortunately, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to correct. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Salem. We’ll help you keep your household shielded and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Salem

One sensible way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! Newer systems permit you to put them in test mode to prevent you from initiating an emergency response from monitoring agents. After moving to test mode, do the following:

• Activate your system as you typically would when you exit your home.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off another sensor. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you switch out of test mode.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is dispatched to the security company and an entry is created in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing equipment as you wish
• Inspect the alarm’s activity log to validate functionality.

No need to worry, monitoring agents can tell that your system is involved in a test. Be sure to switch out of test mode when complete. It’s a good idea to test once a month or whenever you adjust your home’s internet or phone service.

Check The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

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

• Conduct a physical check. Are there things that could move within the sensor’s detection area, like a curtain caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to poor performance. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can turn on? Some sensors can be configured to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A nearly depleted battery might impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excess heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Notifications

One helpful benefit of modern home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a mobile app or control panel, you’ll usually discover notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you could detect an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries around and set a replacement schedule. Top systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup helps keep your system functioning if your power goes out and should charge back up once the electricity is working again. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Salem 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT designs systems that provide superior protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a sensor battery is running low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system ideal for your Salem home and family. Call (503) 300-4371 or submit our form today!