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False alarms and system glitches can be frustrating, and even worse, could prevent your security system from doing its job effectively. Fortunately, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to remedy. Explore our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in San Diego. We’ll help you keep your family members safeguarded and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In San Diego

One of the best ways to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Modern systems allow you to put them in test mode to prevent you from triggering an emergency response. After moving to test mode, take these steps:

• Arm your system as you normally would when leaving.
• Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or try to trigger another device. Close the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you turn the system back on.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to produce an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing devices as needed
• Inspect the systems’s activity log to confirm proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will be aware that your alarm system is being tested. Just be sure to switch out of test mode when complete. It’s smart to test every other month or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet provider.

Inspect The Position And Condition Of Motion Sensors

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

• Conduct a physical check. Are there objects that could move within the detection path of the sensor, like a curtain caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can result in malfunctions. Make sure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can turn on? Some can be programmed to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries might impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One of the great things about the latest home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are dying. If your system uses a control panel or mobile app, you’ll often find messages there. Depending on your alarm, you may hear an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s wise to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system running if you have a power outage and should charge back up once power is restored. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In San Diego 

As the top name in home security, ADT designs systems that offer unrivaled functionality and convenience. Switching to test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get updates when a battery is low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your San Diego home. Dial (619) 354-2314 or complete our form today!