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System hiccups and false alarms can be frustrating, and even more concerning, may prevent your security system from working the way it should. Thankfully, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to correct. Explore our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Roanoke. We’ll help keep your family shielded and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Roanoke

One of the best ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly initiate an emergency call. Once in test mode, follow these steps:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when you leave.
• Open a door or window protected by a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Shut the door or window so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you leave test mode.
• Permit the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to create an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing devices as needed
• Check the system activity log to validate proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals will be able to see that your system is involved in a test. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s a good idea to test every other month or anytime you adjust your home’s internet or phone connectivity.

Inspect The Position And State Of Motion Detectors

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

• Do a visual check. Are there things that could move within the sensor’s detection area, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause malfunctions. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can enable? Some sensors can be set to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A nearly depleted battery can impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Too much heat from direct sun or a fireplace can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Warnings

One of the great aspects of modern home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are dying. If your system is equipped with a control panel or mobile app, you’ll often discover alerts there. Depending on the alarm, you might hear an occasional beep when batteries are getting low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that should be replaced every year or two. It’s a good idea to keep batteries ready and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also include a backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system running if your power goes out and should recharge once power is restored. If it doesn’t, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Roanoke 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide unsurpassed functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get alerts when a battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfectly suited to your Roanoke home. Dial (540) 212-9084 or submit our form today!