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False alarms and system malfunctions can be exasperating, and more importantly, may prevent your home’s security from working how it should. Luckily, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to remedy. Explore our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Grand Rapids. We’ll help keep your family shielded and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Grand Rapids

One effective way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident initiate an emergency response from monitoring agents. Once you’re in test mode, do the following:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when going out.
• Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Close the door or window so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Permit the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to make an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test devices as you wish
• Inspect the alarm’s activity log to validate that everything’s working.

No need to worry, monitoring agents will be aware that your system is undergoing a test. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when you’re done. It’s wise to test monthly or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.

Evaluate The Position And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential aspect of your alarm system, motion detectors are well known for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.

• Conduct a visual check. Is there anything that could shift within the sensor’s detection area, like a curtain caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can lead to poor performance. Make sure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can turn on? Some models can be set to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A low battery may affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Too much heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One helpful aspect of new home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are dying. If your system has a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll often find messages there. Depending on your system, you may hear an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s wise to keep batteries on hand and set a replacement schedule. Top systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Grand Rapids 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that offer superior protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get updates when a battery is low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system ideal for your Grand Rapids home. Call (616) 207-3771 or complete our form today!